Cycle the Balkans
Experience Overview
Get your legs moving on a Balkan cycling adventure from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo. Ride along the Ciro Trail – a new rail trail that follows the now defunct Austro-Hungarian railway line, visit the Ostrog Monastery and take in the coastal views as you follow the shoreline of the Bay of Kotor. Explore Kostar – the 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage-listed city – and Mostar to see the bridge divers hurl themselves off the Old Bridge into the Neretva River. As you ride, pass abandoned hamlets, local shepherds, scenic flats and rolling country and spend free evenings soaking up the local culture.
Highlights
- See Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of Stari Most (Old Bridge), which has spanned the Neretva River for centuries.
- Cycle along two sections of the Ciro Trail – this new rail trail follows the now defunct Austro-Hungarian railway line.
- Ride the shoreline of the stunning Bay of Kotor – the winding bay of the Adriatic Sea.
- Visit the incredible Ostrog Monastery –the Serbian Orthodox Church carved directly into the cliffs, high up in the large rock of Ostroska Greda.
- Explore small villages, historical cities, abandoned hamlets, shorelines and rolling country hills on two wheels.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3281
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bicycle,Support vehicle (e-bike option available,subject to availability)
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMXY
Starts: Dubrovnik, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Finishes: Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6),Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Guesthouse (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3060 ($382 /day)
Itinerary
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Dubrovnik with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe take a walking tour of the Game of Thrones filming locations or find a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and tuck into some fresh seafood. After, why not head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and try some local dishes like pasticada (braised beef in red wine) and peka (meat and vegetables).
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
Des - Traveled, September 2023
The Balkans Cycle trip was sensational, it very interesting cycling in Montenegro and Bosnia, although the distances were not long there was a lot of physical climbing! but the reward of seeing all those beautiful alps regions was worth it. Kotor, Mostar and Sarajevo are fantastic to visit. Would recommend an extra day in Sarajevo after trip to learn the history of the 90's. We had a great group of travelers, tour leader and driver/mechanic in Tony and Sasha who made the trip special.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Zoe - Traveled, September 2023
Tony and Sasa were fantastic. The trip itself involved far too much sitting on a bus travelling and not enough time cycling
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Stephanie - Traveled, August 2023
This was my first Intrepid tour and I couldn't have asked for a more memorable experience. Our guides (Tony & Davor!) were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and supportive, and created such a positive group dynamic. Cycling is such a fun and unique way to explore the diversity of landscapes the Balkans offer. I would highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/28/2023
Ronn - Traveled, August 2023
I had a slight hesitancy because who knows about these countries. But they were wonderful. Montenegro is an undiscovered gem - Kotor and Durmitor National Park have incredible cycling. Mostar is beautiful. It's a great value trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Lei - Traveled, July 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Amar - Traveled, July 2023
Amazing trip and my first bicycle tour. Excellent way to see the country but this is at least a 4 on the physical rating. At least a month training on a bike before hand as some of the climbs proved difficult. Correct supplements and clothing are a must. Highly positive experience and the tours brings the group together!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Jaspreet - Traveled, June 2023
Excellent trip. Did it with an e-bike and had absolutely no issues on the hills. E bike gave you the option to have assistance or for you to work without it so I used it sparingly but it was perfect to have the option in case you feel your fitness may not be up to par. 4 of 6 days had hills. The views and scenes were incredible! Highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Rachel - Traveled, May 2023
Excellent trip, amazing scenery from the coast & beaches to mountain passes. Bicycles were great quality, guides were exceptional (Tony!), food and drink stops were fabulous. All in, a great active holiday! Definitely recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2023
James - Traveled, October 2023
A superb week, well-organised with a good amount of cycling each day and plenty of great history, culture and food as well. I’m fit but not a very experienced cyclist and the level was perfect for me. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Silvia - Traveled, August 2022
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2022
Kathryn - Traveled, August 2022
Fabulous trip if you love both diversity of landscape and cycling style. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2022
Phillip - Traveled, August 2022
Great experience with a very nice group of people and really good tour guides. Some of the landscapes are the most beautiful I've ever seen and experience this by bike is the best way to travel. Organization of the trip was excellent, some the rides were quite challenging but very rewarding. I highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2022
Gregory - Traveled, July 2022
The Balkans are wonderful and woefully underrated. This was an amazing trip: beautiful countries and friendly people, interesting history that feels palpable even today, wonderful guides (Andro and Saša were great!), and tasty food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2022
Deborah - Traveled, May 2023
The Balkans Cycling tour is amazing. Perfect combination of great cycling plus amazing scenery and beautiful and historic cities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2023
Hugh - Traveled, October 2022
Great trip very informative stunning scenery in the ride and well organised
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2022
Dean - Traveled, October 2022
Great trip to very interesting locations. The trip leaders were very good. We got off away from the popular tourist spots taking advantage of the bikes. Lots of great food. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2022
Daniel Rennie - Traveled, September 2022
I really enjoyed the tour. A good mix of cycling and sight seeing. The Guide and driver were very knowledgeable and friendly. I learned a lot about a fascinating beautiful part of the world on our doorstep - but not yet often visited. Got fit and had a great time. Good Value. Rennie
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/12/2022
Taj - Traveled, September 2022
Really enjoyed this trip, great mix of cycling and countryscape, as well as other activities to do and things to explore, with good time to spend to see the places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/12/2022
Lisa - Traveled, August 2022
Loved this trip after cycle Croatia, the countries were so different, beautiful and interesting in different ways. Davor was an excellent leader, so knowledgeable, but great fun too! Andro the driver was great too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2022
George - Traveled, August 2022
This was a superb and exciting adventure into the Balkans by bike. The cycling and scenery was spectacular, and to experience this with a local guide with as much enthusiasm as Davor made it unforgettable! We had cyclists of all levels in our group and all enjoyed it a lot and got on really well. It was also great to learn about the countries and different cultures, especially Sarajevo at the end which has so much character and history, unfortunately a very sad history, but important to learn about.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2022
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