Cycle Croatia & the Balkans
Experience Overview
Travel along the Dalmatian coast from Croatia to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina on this seven-day cycling adventure. Ride through islands of olive groves and cypress forests, explore Hvar and wander romantic cities full of history. Tackle climbs, cobbled stones and scenic flats as you ride along the Ciro Trail – a new rail trail that follows the now defunct Austro-Hungarian railway line. Visit the Ostrog Monastery, take in the coastal views as you follow the Bay of Kotor’s shoreline and unwind with a drink and a dip at one of Dubrovnik's hidden cliffside bars.
Highlights
- Cycle across the largest island of the Dalmatia region – Brac. With its cypress forests, orange and olive trees and glowing white-pebble beaches, this area couldn’t be a more beautiful place to go riding.
- Watch Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of Stari Most (Old Bridge), which has spanned the Neretva River for centuries.
- Ride the shoreline of the stunning Bay of Kotor – the winding bay of the Adriatic Sea.
- Explore small villages, historical cities, abandoned hamlets, shorelines and rolling country hills on two wheels.
- Enjoy a group picnic and an optional wine tasting experience after your scenic ride through the verdant Peljesac isthmus – a hilly Croatian peninsula jutting into the Adriatic.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3266
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bicycle,Support vehicle,Ferry,(e-bike option available,subject to availability)
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Cycling
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMXBC
Starts: Split, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Finishes: Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (11), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights),apartment (3 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6485 ($463 /day)
Itinerary
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in the coastal city of Split, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the ruins of Diocletian's Palace, explore the original basements under the city or simply unwind with a walk along the waterfront. After your meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your group or grab a drink at a bar on the Riva Promenade.
Optional Activities:
- Split - City Museum (4 EUR)
- Split - Ethnographic Museum (3 EUR)
- Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower (10 EUR)
- Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure (64 EUR)
- Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery (12 EUR)
- Split - Cellars of the Diocletian's Palace (8 EUR)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
It’s an early start today as you catch the ferry from Split to Supetar on the island of Brac. There will be a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to ensure everything is working properly. From here, begin your first - and possibly the hardest - ride in Croatia, cycling from Supetar along the coastal road to the seaside village of Pucisca. Along the way, take a short detour to the tiny village of Dol, passing vineyards, fig trees and olive groves. After a quick stop for refreshments in Pucisca, make your first real climb up to Praznica – it’s a pretty steep climb, but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Adriatic Sea. Have a rest at the top then cycle across the centre to the descent into the town of Bol. Bol is famous for the Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) – one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful beaches. Take a quick swim at the beach and maybe visit the famous Stina Winery for a tasting before seeking out some fresh seafood for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Brac Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities:
- Stina Winery Tasting (20 EUR)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a boat between islands to the small port of Jelsa. From here, start riding to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stari Grad Plain. Set in a protected bay, Stari Grad is one of Europe’s oldest towns, settled by Neolithic tribes as far back as 3500 BC. Today, the old stone houses, narrow streets and small squares still retain a deeply historic feel. Spend some time exploring Stari Grad at your own pace – maybe visit the Dominican Monastery or Tvrdalj Fortress. Then, continue along a less-trafficked old road to Hvar Island before descending through the old village of Brusje and down into Hvar Town. When you arrive, maybe stroll the pjaca (piazza), visit St Stephen’s Cathedral or take in the views of the palaces which surround the town.
Included Activities:
- Hvar Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities:
- Hvar Island - St Stephen’s Cathedral (2 EUR)
- Hvar Island - Spanjola Fortress (7 EUR)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is free for you to explore Hvar at your own pace – maybe visit the Hvar Spanjola Fortress, go on a boat tour or hike to Velo Grablje village. This afternoon, catch a boat to Korcula – a Venetian Renaissance-inspired walled city of narrow streets, medieval towers and the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers or find a bar with a view of the Adriatic.
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend the morning on the road, as you drive through Korcula, past vineyards, olive groves and forests up to the hamlet of Pupnat. The position of Pupnat and steepness of the approach is no accident – it was designed to help keep the town safe from pirates through the ages. When you arrive, hop on your bike for the descent to Pupnatska Luka – a beautiful bay with a pebble beach. Follow the coastline through Smokvica and its vineyards before tackling the final climb to Blato and descending to the port town of Vela Luka. Here, you’ll have time to walk around and have a quick coffee before boarding a local bus for the journey back to Korcula Town. On the way, stop for dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to rest or explore.
Included Activities:
- Korcula Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities:
- Korcula – City Museum (6 EUR)
- Korcula - Wine tasting at local winery (20 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Private apartment (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, take a boat to Orebic. Then, drive high above the small village of Postup to its panoramic viewpoint. Here, you’ll take to the coastal backroads and cycle through the hills of the Dingac before continuing to Zuljana and up to Putnikovic. When you arrive, stop for a group picnic and optional wine tasting before cycling across the island to Ston. After, drive to Dubrovnik where you'll join your leader for an orientation walk. Walk through the medieval city then carry on exploring at your own pace. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner to celebrate the last night of your cycling adventure.
Included Activities:
- Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk
- Pelješac Peninsula Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day for you to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. Maybe visit the Church of St Blaise, take a cable car to Mount Srd or discover Game of Thrones filming locations. There will be another welcome meeting at your hotel at 6 pm this evening to meet your new leader and any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure. After, maybe head out for dinner with the group at a local restaurant and try some Dubrovnik cuisine like octopus salad or pasticada (slow-cooked beef stew).
Optional Activities:
- Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car (27 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure (69 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a private vehicle over the border to Herceg Novi. When you arrive, set off on your first ride of the trip. Cycle along the Bay of Kotor, passing rolling hills to the whitewashed port town of Kamenari. Then, take a short ferry ride across the azure waters between the headlands to Lepetane. Take in the coastal views before jumping back on your bike and continuing onto Kotor – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city on the shores of the Adriatic. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Kotor at your own pace. Maybe walk through the medieval Old Town and discover the historic buildings and buzzing nightlife.
Included Activities:
- Bay of Kotor Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities:
- Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral (4 EUR)
- Kotor - Maritime Museum (5 EUR)
- Kotor - Fortress (3 EUR)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Kotor this morning as you drive north to Slano Lake. Today’s ride will start near the dam wall and take you along the old road (mixed asphalt and gravel surface) via the tiny hamlet of Kunak. Park the bikes on the main road and take a short taxi ride to Ostrog Monastery – a white-washed building built into a cliff. Then, jump back on the bikes and continue along the quiet roads to the tiny village of Stubica, before dropping back down to the Zeta River all the way to Niksic. Along the way, visit the Ramparts of Onogost – founded in the 4th century, Niksic is the country's second-largest city. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Niksic region Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
- Ramparts of Onogost Fortress
Optional Activities:
- Ostrog Monastery - Free
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you'll cycle from Niksic to Pluzine – a small town on the shore of Lake Piva. Along the way, visit the 16th-century Piva Monastery and its museum that contains a psalm from the Crnojevici printing press – the first printing press in the Balkans. Then, stop for a picnic lunch at Lake Piva, before driving back to Niksic for a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Pluzine region Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, travel to Zavala, where you’ll start your ride on an old, country road through half-abandoned hamlets. Join the Ciro Trail – a new traffic-free trail that follows an old Austro-Hungarian railway track running from Dubrovnik to Mostar. You’ll ride on the trail to the city of Capljina, passing old train stations that have been refurbished into guesthouses and the picturesque lake of Nature Park Hutovo Blato. There will be plenty of stops at viewpoints along the way like at the famous Vjetrenica Cave. Then, drive to Mostar – known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), where locals dive into the River Neretva. This is a tradition for local boys, who are said to have a lifetime of bad luck if they don’t complete the jump to become a man. It's a beautiful spot to kick back by the river, have a Bosnian coffee and watch the divers.
Included Activities:
- Mostar region/Ciro Trail Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll ride along another section of the Ciro Trail. The trail follows the valley of the Neretva River downstream, surrounded on both sides by towering hills. You'll pass through farmland, small villages and ancient remains like Mogorjelo. After a quick coffee while the bikes are loaded onto the trailer, drive back to Mostar for the night, where you have free time to maybe explore the alleys, bars and restaurants.
Included Activities:
- Ciro Trail Guided Cycling
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, drive north towards Sarajevo – the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. You'll begin cycling from Jahorina – the site for several Olympic events including the female slalom. If the weather is clear, you’ll be treated to amazing views along your ride. After, load the bikes and drive into Sarajevo’s centre. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a city that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. When you arrive, take a guided tour for an insight into the history and culture of the city. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that features an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque all within proximity. Tonight, maybe head out for an optional farewell dinner with your group and cheers to a trip well-travelled.
Included Activities:
- Sarajevo Region Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
With no further activities planned, your cycling adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to extend your stay in Sarajevo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Geoffrey - Traveled, October 2023
Enjoyable, informative and well balanced itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Lachlan - Traveled, September 2023
The trip was so excellent!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Lana - Traveled, September 2023
I cannot recommend the Premium Greece package highly enough! We were able to see incredible historical sites such as the Acropolis, Olympia and Delphi - all without the hassle of organising transfers between places. Our guides (both our group leader and local guides) were excellent, warm, and very knowledgeable. Some of the smaller locations (such as Dimitsana) were unexpected delights too. Will definitely book with Intrepid again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2023
Kate and Lewis - Traveled, June 2023
Well organised, interesting itinerary with a great tour guide Ross and wonderful driver Dafy. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Maria - Traveled, February 2023
Ross demonstrated excellent knowledge, organisational skills, enthusiasm, physicality and was an absolute joy to travel with. I have done six Intrepid trips and if I could be assured of Ross as a leader I would book more
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Melissa - Traveled, June 2023
I can't recommend this trip enough. Intrepid has included so many wonderful things in this trip to see and do. There is no way I would have had the organization and knowledge to pull this trip off on my own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2023
Brendan - Traveled, May 2023
An amazing experience seeing a lot more of the 'real' Greece, along with the main tourist sites. So much history, culture and delicious food to take in. Dimitsana is simply stunning!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2023
Carmel - Traveled, May 2023
Wonderful trip which explored parts of Greece that were extraordinarily scenic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2023
Matthew - Traveled, May 2023
I had a fantastic time on this trip, our guide Maria was amazing and really brought it to life. I learned a lot about history and mythology which was fantastic. I would really recommend!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2023
Manfred - Traveled, May 2023
This tour covered the important historical sites of Ancient Greece as well as some monasteries in stunning landscapes. The small group format allows for a more personal approach from the leader, driver and within the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2023
Thomas - Traveled, October 2023
This tour was jam packed with awesomeness. We loved every minute.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Andy - Traveled, September 2023
This tour was fantastic and anyone who gets Maria as a guide will have the best time! Amazing sights, culture and food!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
Ian - Traveled, September 2023
Great trip organisation the tour guide was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Rosemary - Traveled, August 2023
Have spent 8 days with a terrific bunch of people including our tour leader. The local guides imparted us with much knowledge and enthusiasm. The restaurants recommended by our tour leader provided us with amazing food. The accommodation and van we travelled in was very comfortable. I will miss Greece for this and the memorable experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2023
Carmen - Traveled, June 2023
Excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Elizabeth - Traveled, June 2023
The driver is such an important part of a successful tour. Our driver was outstanding, he skillfully navigated narrow, mountain roads, crowded streets and busy freeways with calm assurance The vehicle was kept cool and meticulously clean every day This dedication and care is something to celebrate. Thank you Triandifilos and well done Our guide Rossito was exceptional, he was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and well prepared. He added interest to each day sharing his passion for Greece, the landscape, history, people and culture. He followed up on any questions with care . He noticed and wholeheartedly accomodated the needs of each person Most importantly he was fully engaged, gave clear instructions and made everyone welcome. The tour was a wonderful experience and one I thoroughly recomend One hundred stars from me Libby Kotschet
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Peter - Traveled, June 2023
Wonderful trip. Great leader guide and driver. A fantastic team who make the trip. Suggest strongl seat rotation for a better experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2023
Margaret - Traveled, June 2023
I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting a tour packed full of exciting places and wonderful food every day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2023
Bob - Traveled, May 2023
I can't speak about Intrepid overall but their Greece division (NOT the tour guide or driver) is awful. They lack any customer focus and are not customer friendly to the point of being rude - and this was a "Premium" trip. The tour guide/host and driver were lovely however.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2021
Lea - Traveled, May 2023
Our Premium Greece Intrepid tour was amazing! It was a small group of 10, plus our driver and guide. Our guide, Maria was fantastic in every way and we loved our group more than we had imagined! I would choose Intrepid again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2023
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