Balkan Cycling Tour
Start the adventure in the UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik
Cycle through 3 different Balkan countries
Follow the coastal area of Boka Bay to the medieval town of Kotor
Traverse the Konavle countryside, a scenic area between towering mountains and the Adriatic Sea
Ride from Cavtat into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hilly region
Explore the Popovo Polje Valley and its historical landmarks
Cycle through Herzegovina’s verdant valleys towards the Croatian border and Ston
Explore the heart of the Balkans by bike
Discover the diverse beauty of the Balkan region
Journey through historic lands on two wheels
Experience the rich cultures of the Balkans
Navigate the scenic routes of the Balkan tour
Uncover hidden gems across the Balkans
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with your arrival at Dubrovnik Airport, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The iconic city of Dubrovnik, with its stunning coastline and historic Old Town, awaits your exploration.
Hotel in Dubrovnik
Embark on a captivating ride from Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi, traversing through the heart of the Bosnia-Montenegro-Croatia Triangle. Your journey leads you towards the serene border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, guiding you to the charming city of Trebinje. The route, adorned with hilly terrains, unfolds into a spectacularly scenic adventure, culminating on the enchanting Montenegrin coast in Herceg Novi. This day promises not only a breathtaking cycling experience but also an intimate glimpse into the diverse cultures and landscapes that define this region.
65 km and 960m of elevation gain
Hotel in/near Herceg Novi
Set off along the Montenegrin coast from Herceg Novi to Kotor, tracing the edges of the mesmerising Boka Bay, often likened to a fjord for its dramatic beauty. Today’s journey promises a relatively flat route, allowing for an unhurried exploration of the Bay of Kotor’s shoreline, dotted with enchanting medieval towns. A stop in the storied town of Kotor offers a glimpse into its rich history, before proceeding to your accommodation in the town. This stretch of the tour is not just a ride; it’s a journey through time, where each pedal brings you closer to the soul of Montenegro’s coastal heritage.
42 km and 200m of elevation gain
Hotel in Kotor
Embark on a picturesque journey from Montenegro to back to Croatia, biking along the serene bay before crossing into the captivating Konavle countryside. Nestled between majestic mountains and the shimmering Adriatic Sea, this route offers natural beauty and tranquil landscapes. Arrive in the medieval town of Cavtat/Konavle, where the afternoon is yours to explore its historic charm and scenic vistas.
55 km and 550m of elevation gain
Hotel in Cavtat/Konavle
Kick off your day with a delightful breakfast in Cavtat, then saddle up for a scenic journey into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Your path leads from the splendid coastal vistas of Cavtat, climbing into the verdant hills of Ivanica. Crossing the border, you’ll find yourself on a historical rail trail winding into the enchanting Popovo Polje Valley, where the River Trebisnjica meanders through. This area, once scarred by conflict in the 1990s, now presents a landscape reborn with beauty and tranquillity, offering a stark contrast to the coastal scenes of previous days. The day’s ride concludes with some leisure time in the quaint village of Zavala/Ravno, allowing for personal exploration and reflection on the day’s journey.
40 km and 650m of elevation gain
Hotel in Zavala/Ravno
Embark on a captivating ride from Zavala, traversing Herzegovina’s lush landscapes to reach the Croatian frontier and the Peljesac peninsula, culminating in the storied town of Ston. Known for its significant historical heritage, Ston is encircled by Europe’s longest medieval walls. The region prides itself on pioneering exquisite red wine production on the peninsula. Moreover, Ston is encircled by rich oyster beds and mussel farms, adding to its allure. Today’s journey, though the briefest, promises exhilarating climbs and descents, offering a blend of athletic challenge and scenic beauty. Upon your arrival in Ston, indulge in the local delicacy with an oyster tasting or set sail to explore an oyster farm up close.
40 km and 350m of elevation gain
Hotel in Ston
Today’s journey unfurls along the Peljesac peninsula, offering one of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque cycling experiences. Pedal on serene roads that grant expansive views of the azure sea and its sprinkling of idyllic islands. Your path weaves through lush vineyards and quaint villages nestled in secluded bays, encapsulating the essence of Mediterranean serenity.
50 km and 550m of elevation gain
Hotel in Dubrovnik
As the sun rises on your final day, the memories of Dubrovnik’s cobblestone streets, the lush landscapes of the Peljesac peninsula, and the tranquil shores of the Adriatic Sea linger in your heart. Departure may mark the end of this journey, but the experiences shared, the vistas embraced, and the camaraderie forged along the way etch a timeless narrative within your soul. Until we meet again, let the spirit of adventure guide you to new horizons.
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Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
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Description
Set off on an unforgettable cycling tour that captures the essence of the Balkans’ diverse landscapes and rich history. Begin your journey in the enchanting city of Dubrovnik, where ancient architecture meets the azure Adriatic.
As you leave the city behind, the route takes you through Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hilly terrain, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Each pedal stroke brings you closer to Montenegro’s stunning coastal towns and their Venetian influences, before looping back into Croatia’s lush countryside.
Experience the thrill of cycling through Bosnia and Herzegovina’s recovering landscapes, once marked by conflict but now teeming with peace and beauty. In Montenegro, the serene bays and dramatic mountainsides provide a backdrop like no other, while Croatia’s Konavle region offers a glimpse into the rural heartland, with its vineyards and historical sites.
The journey from Dubrovnik to Ston and back, through rolling hills and along sparkling coastlines, is not just a physical challenge but a voyage through time. From medieval walls to ancient salt pans and the tranquil beauty of the Peljesac peninsula, this tour is a testament to the enduring spirit and natural splendour of the Balkans.
As you wind your way back to Dubrovnik, the memories of this journey—of landscapes traversed, cultures encountered, and friendships forged—will inspire tales of adventure long after the wheels stop turning. This cycling tour is more than a journey; it’s an exploration of the soul of the Balkans, leaving an indelible mark on your heart and a yearning to return to its captivating shores.
Set off on a bespoke adventure designed around your own speed, allowing you the freedom to discover unexpected gems and immerse fully in your journey. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with our constant support that is available 24/7 to aid you during your travels.
Location
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Things to know
Self-guided cycling tours offer a customizable and adaptable way to enjoy a cycling vacation, giving you the freedom to explore at your own speed and adjust your path or timetable as desired.
Our dedicated team handles all the logistical arrangements, such as lodging, detailed schedules, GPS directions, and round-the-clock assistance, ensuring a hassle-free, engaging adventure that emphasizes autonomy, personalization, and genuine interactions with the local community.
Our tours are categorized into three difficulty levels: leisurely, moderate, and challenging. Although each may include both easier and more demanding days, our rating system reflects the average difficulty level for a typical day.
Leisurely tours take place primarily on flat, paved cycling paths, asphalt roads, or easy gravel tracks, and they are suitable for all fitness levels.
Moderate tours may include some uphill climbs or technically more demanding terrain, but they are manageable for individuals of average fitness.
Challenging tours entail either long distances and numerous climbs or technical terrain, possibly featuring downhill sections requiring proficiency with a mountain bike.
We are dedicated to finding the ideal lodging for you. We collaborate with various lodging establishments that meet our criteria, but their availability can fluctuate, particularly during peak seasons. We can also personalize your vacation based on your preferences and financial constraints, ensuring we locate the best possible option that suits your taste.
We advise that you make your reservation as soon as possible. Numerous routes pass through well-known tourist areas where lodging choices may be restricted. Often, the most desirable accommodations get reserved for the summer season before spring even arrives.
Especially our bike and boat tours get sold out really quickly, as the boats can only accommodate a certain amount of people.
The ability to accommodate dietary restrictions varies depending on their severity. In Croatia, vegetarian meals are generally available, but finding vegan options in rural areas or smaller towns may be difficult.
Additionally, please be aware that lunch breaks frequently take place at conventional establishments that may have difficulty accommodating special requests outside their standard menu. We recommend that you take this into account during your journey. The boats usually offer vegan and vegetarian options.
The best season for cycling in Croatia is generally from April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the crowds are smaller than during the peak summer season. July and August can be hot and crowded, making cycling more challenging.
However, if you are comfortable with higher temperatures and busy areas, you may still enjoy cycling during this time. Winter months can be quite cold and wet, making cycling less desirable. Therefore, the best time for cycling in Croatia is during the spring and fall seasons.
Most of our tours can take place even in light rain, as long as you dress suitably. During the summer months in Croatia, it’s typically hot and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. However, it’s not uncommon to experience occasional thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons.
Therefore, we recommend starting your day early to avoid the midday heat and potential storms. In the event of particularly severe or unfavorable weather conditions, we will do our best to adjust the tour beforehand to make it safe and enjoyable for you.
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