Friday 09
May 2025
160 km
Altitude Gain 1800 m
Starting in
A mixed stage with a challenging finale that will reveal the team leaders’ condition right from the start. The approach heads inland from the coast, tackling the area around the capital via the Gracen pass, followed by a final circuit featuring a double ascent of Surrel with gradients in the double digits in the first part.
Host city:
The gateway to Albania, Durrës blends history and modernity. Ancient Roman ruins, such as the Amphitheater, overlook the Adriatic Sea, creating a fascinating contrast with the lively and modern seafront. The Durrës Castle, with its imposing walls, offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea. The historic center, with its narrow alleys and stone houses, retains an authentic atmosphere. Durrës is also a renowned seaside destination, with sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxation and water sports.
The cuisine of Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest and most vibrant cities, reflects a fusion of Balkan tradition, Mediterranean influences, and the richness of the Adriatic Sea. Thanks to its coastal location, fresh fish is a key element of the local gastronomy, alongside meat dishes, vegetables, and spices typical of Albanian cuisine. One of the most representative dishes is Tave Kosi, a delicious casserole made with slow-cooked lamb covered in a creamy mixture of yogurt, eggs, and flour, giving it a soft and slightly tangy flavor. Equally iconic is Fërgesë me piperka, a thick cream made with peppers, tomatoes, and ricotta, often served with homemade bread. As a coastal city, Durrës offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, including Peshk në Zgarë, grilled fish seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and lemon, and Frutti di mare alla buzara, a mix of mussels and clams cooked with white wine and parsley. Popular side dishes include byrek, pastry filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, and Speca të mbushura, peppers stuffed with rice and minced meat. To finish, the typical dessert is Trilece, a soft sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, offering a creamy texture and delicate flavor
The wines produced in the hills surrounding the city benefit from a climate ideal for viticulture. Shesh i Bardhë, a dry and fresh white wine, pairs perfectly with grilled fish and seafood, while Shesh i Zi, a full-bodied red wine with hints of berries and spices, complements meat dishes and aged cheeses. Another traditional alcoholic beverage is Raki, Albania’s signature distillate, mainly produced from grapes or plums. Served as an aperitif or after meals, Raki is a staple on Durrës tables and is often offered as a gesture of hospitality. For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, Dhallë, a refreshing beverage made from diluted yogurt with a slight saltiness, is widely consumed and pairs well with rich and flavorful dishes such as Tave Kosi. Finally, Turkish coffee is a daily ritual in Albanian culture, prepared with finely ground coffee powder and served in small cups, often accompanied by traditional sweets like Bakllava.
Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC and later developed by the Romans and Ottomans, Durrës still preserves a rich archaeological and architectural heritage. One of the city’s landmarks is the Roman Amphitheater, built in the 2nd century AD, one of the largest in the Balkans, once hosting up to 20,000 spectators. Nearby, the Archaeological Museum houses artifacts from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine times, offering insight into the region’s millennia-old history. Another must-see attraction is Durrës Castle, featuring the Venetian Tower, dating back to the Middle Ages, which offers a panoramic view of the city. Walking through the historic center, visitors can admire the ancient Byzantine Walls, a testament to the city’s long history. For those who love nature and relaxation, Plazhi i Durrësit, the long city beach, is perfect for enjoying the sea, while the Divjaka-Karavasta National Park, located nearby, offers pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity.
The beating heart of Albania, Tirana is a city in constant evolution. A mix of Ottoman, communist, and contemporary architecture defines its historic centre. Skanderbeg Square, with its statue of the legendary national hero, is the focal point of city life. The Et’hem Bey Mosque, with its blue dome and minarets, is one of the most important monuments. The Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit, the city’s main boulevard, is an ideal place for shopping and people-watching. Tirana is a young and dynamic city, boasting a lively nightlife and numerous trendy venues.
One of Tirana’s signature dishes is Tavë Kosi, a flavourful lamb casserole slow-cooked and covered in a creamy blend of yogurt, eggs, and flour, giving it a soft and slightly tangy taste. Equally famous is Fërgesë, a rich spread made of peppers, tomatoes, and ricotta, often served with crispy bread. Among the meat specialities, standout dishes include Qofte, grilled meatballs seasoned with spices, and Mish në Hell, marinated meat skewers slow-cooked to enhance their tenderness. For fish lovers, Peshk në Zgarë, grilled fish with olive oil and lemon, is a classic choice. Popular side dishes include Byrek, pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach, and Speca të mbushura, peppers stuffed with rice and meat. Among desserts, Trileçe, a soft cake soaked in three types of milk, is loved for its delicate flavour, while Bakllava celebrates the Ottoman influence with its rich mix of honey and nuts.
The most representative wine is Shesh i Bardhë, a dry and fresh white wine, perfect with appetisers and seafood dishes, while Shesh i Zi, an intense red with fruity notes, pairs well with grilled meats and aged cheeses. Kallmet, produced from a native grape variety, is a full-bodied and structured red wine, often compared to some of the finest Balkan wines. Among spirits, Raki is Albania’s national drink par excellence. Distilled from grapes, plums, or mulberries, it is served as an aperitif or digestif and is often enjoyed during long conversations among friends. Another beloved drink is Boza, a sweet and slightly tangy fermented corn-based beverage, commonly consumed during Tirana’s hot summers. Dhallë, a refreshing yogurt-based drink diluted with water and salt, is ideal for pairing with hearty dishes such as Tavë Kosi. Finally, Turkish coffee is a daily ritual in the capital, prepared with finely ground coffee powder and served in small cups, often accompanied by a traditional sweet like Bakllava.
With its Ottoman past, communist era, and rapid transformation into a cosmopolitan hub, Tirana offers a wide range of attractions for those eager to explore its authentic soul. The heart of the city is Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero. Dominated by the Skanderbeg Statue, the square is surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of the few religious structures spared during the communist regime, famous for its detailed frescoes, and the National Historical Museum, which tells Albania’s story through artefacts and exhibits. A short walk away is the Pyramid of Tirana, once a mausoleum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, now transformed into an alternative cultural space. A symbol of the communist era, today it is a controversial yet fascinating structure, popular among young people who climb it to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
For a natural escape, the Grand Park of Tirana is the city’s green lung, featuring the picturesque Artificial Lake, ideal for walks and relaxation. Inside the park, visitors can also find the UN Memorial and the Church of Saint Procopius, one of the oldest in the capital. One of the most intriguing locations is Bunk’Art, a former underground bunker turned into a museum dedicated to the history of the communist dictatorship. The exhibition offers a powerful and realistic insight into life in Albania under Hoxha’s regime. A similar experience is available at Bunk’Art 2, located in the city centre, which focuses on the themes of secret surveillance and political repression.
For those interested in shopping and nightlife, Blokku is Tirana’s trendiest district. Once reserved for the communist elite, today it is a lively hotspot filled with bars, restaurants, and stylish clubs, frequented by both young locals and tourists looking for entertainment. Finally, for a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding mountains, visitors can take the Dajti Express cable car, which in just a few minutes reaches Mount Dajti, offering breathtaking panoramas and opportunities for nature excursions.
Durazzo (Durrës) - Tirana (Tiranë)
Tirana (Tiranë) - Tirana (Tiranë) TUDOR ITT
Valona (Vlorë) - Valona (Vlorë)
Alberobello (Pietramadre) - Lecce
Ceglie Messapica - Matera
Potenza - Napoli
Castel di Sangro - Tagliacozzo
Giulianova - Castelraimondo
Gubbio - Siena
Lucca - Pisa TUDOR ITT
Viareggio - Castelnovo ne' Monti
Modena - Viadana (Oglio-Po)
Rovigo - Vicenza
Treviso - Nova Gorica/Gorizia
Fiume Veneto - Asiago
Piazzola sul Brenta - San Valentino (Brentonico)
San Michele all'Adige (Fondazione Edmund Mach) - Bormio
Morbegno - Cesano Maderno
Biella - Champoluc
Verrès - Sestrière (Vialattea)
Roma - Roma
