Compare Cycle the Balkans by Intrepid Travel vs Montenegro Highlights by Carpe Mundo

Day 1 Dubrovnik

Welcome to Croatia and Dubrovnik, a traveller's favourite that has exploded in popularity since Game of Thrones took over the world. The group doesn't spend a lot of time here, so we recommend arriving early to experience this incredibly beautiful city. Meet your group at 6 pm then perhaps go out for an optional dinner together (hot tip: Old Town's gelato is phenomenal).

Day 2 Kotor

This morning you'll transport by vehicle from Dubrovnik into Montenegro to avoid the hectic traffic outside the city. Continue over the border to Herceg Novi where you’ll have your bike fitted before you'll start cycling. Follow the Bay of Kotor, cycling alongside rolling hills for approx. 16 kilometres to the small whitewashed port town of Kamenari. Take a short ferry ride across the azure waters between the headlands to Lepetane, then continue riding along the shaded quiet road all the way town of Kotor itself. Located on the shore of the Adriatic, Kotor is a 5th-century World Heritage-listed city boasting a spectacular location between the beautiful bay and the imposing mountains. Its medieval Old Town features winding cobblestone lanes, historic buildings and buzzing nightlife.

Day 3 Niksic

Depart Kotor this morning by vehicle, heading north to scenic Slano Lake . Start riding near the dam wall of the lake along the old road (mixed asphalt and gravel surface) via the tiny hamlet of Kunak. Montenegro is naturally hilly and this section of road is no exception, with a steep climb in store. However the steep and windy descent, with spectacular views along the way definitely make the climb worthwhile. After rejoining the main road we park the bikes and jump into local taxis to ascend to the incredible Ostrog Monastery, a white-washed building built into a cliff that's the most important site in Montenegro for Orthodox Christians. As tempting as the ride would be you'll thank us for avoiding the sweat and effort (and crazy traffic) required to reach this gravity-defying icon, resting some 900 metres above the Zeta Valley. After the monastery visit jump back on the bikes and continue a gradual climb along the quiet old road to the tiny village of Stubica before dropping back down to the Zeta River then riding the long, straight boulevard all the way to Niksic. As you get closer you’ll pay a quick visit to the Ramparts of Onogost for a good view of the town. Founded in the 4th century, Niksic is the country's second-largest city and has plenty of options when it comes to an evening meal and entertainment.

Day 4 Lake Piva & Niksic

Today you'll cycle approximately 40 kilometres from Niksic to Pluzine, a small town on the shore of the man-made Lake Piva. It's a hilly ride today, starting with a long but gradual climb then hitting undulating terrain. Ride through rolling, tree-lined hills with the support vehicle nearby in case you'd prefer to avoid the long climb. Visit the 16th-century Piva Monastery and its museum that contains, among other things, a psalm from the Crnojevici printing press, the first printing press in the Balkans (circa 15th century). Enjoy a picnic by Lake Piva then take the short drive (approx. 1 hour) back to Niksic and enjoy a second evening in this cosmopolitan city.

Day 5 Mostar

Today is a longer ride than yesterday and you'll be cycling through Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time. Depart Niksic and drive approximately 2 hours to small Bosnian village of Zavala and then start riding along an old, long forgotten country road through half-abandoned hamlets past shepherds tending herds of sheep, this is the Europe beyond tourism, where everything done the old traditional way. From here join the Ciro Trail, a new ‘traffic-free’ rail trail that follows an old Austro-Hungarian railway track running from Dubrovnik to Mostar. Stretching more than 140 kilometres, this well-maintained track traverses some truly wild, spectacular landscapes while winding through long-abandoned villages. It's touted as an 'open-air museum', and was partly funded by the EU in the hope of injecting some tourist dollars into the local economy. You'll ride approx. 55 kilometres of the trail to the cosmopolitan city of Čapljina, passing old train stations refurbished into guesthouses, the picturesque lake of Nature Park Hutovo Blato and across the old railways bridges and tunnels that dot the trail today, including a bridge designed by the famous Gustave Eiffel himself. There are plenty of stops at viewpoints and ample places recharge your batteries along the way, including a stop at the famous Vjetrenica cave (entry optional). From here take the vehicle north to the utterly charming town of Mostar. Mostar is best known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), from which 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 do not complete the jump in order to become a man. It's a beautiful spot to kick back by the river, enjoy a Bosnian coffee and watch the divers and the world go by.

Day 6 Mostar

Prepare for a real treat riding another spectacular section of the Ciro Trail, a as you depart Mostar and ride south along the restored rail trail. After a quick coffee while the bikes are loaded onto the trailer drive back to Mostar, where you can continue exploring the alleys, bars and restaurants in search of a hidden gem.

Day 7 Sarajevo

Start the day with an approximately 120 kilometre drive north towards Sarajevo, the intriguing capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics and you'll begin cycling from Jahorina, the site for several events including the female slalom. More importantly, Jahorina and Trebević were the only lifelines into Sarajevo during its thousand-day blockade during the Bosnian War in the early 1990s. The views are phenomenal on a clear day. From here load the bikes up and drive into Sarajevo proper, arriving with enough time for your leader will take you on an orientation walk of this fascinating city before an optional farewell dinner with your group.

Day 8 Sarajevo

Your Balkan cycling adventure comes to an end today. There are no planned activities or rides, so you're free to depart anytime before noon.

Day 1: Bay of Kotor
Leave Dubrovnik and head a short distance south into Montenegro. Drive through the countryside to the beautiful Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and selected by Lonely Planet as the #1 place to visit in 2016! You will be amazed by the beauty here with small villages hugging the coast, the sea on one side and towering mountains on the other. In the afternoon, you can explore some of the charming seaside towns such as Perast, Dobrota, or Kotor. You will spend the next two nights in one of these towns as you explore more of Montenegro.
Day 2: Montenegro Your Way
Make today your own adventure by choosing from a variety of exciting and relaxing activities, combining as many as you want or can! Visit the town of Kotor, a great spot for shopping, or for those wanting a workout you can climb up the fortress that rises above the town, affording a panoramic view of the bay. Visit the local market, wander the pedestrian only cobblestone streets, or take a cooking class. If you want a bit of luxury, visit nearby Porto Montenegro with luxury boutiques and restaurants overlooking the marina’s super yachts. Mt. Durmitor is another option for those who like to hike- a drive up here takes you from a coastal setting to a a cool mountain escape. If you are a water lover, rent a kayak and paddle around the Bay of Kotor, visiting the enchanting Our Lady of the Rock church (also accessible by small shuttle boats)- learn the legend of how this church was built on an island in the 15th century. Nearby Ploce beach has waterfront restaurants, unbelievably clear water, and an incredible view. Venture a little further to Budva, one of Montenegro’s most famous towns with a beautiful old town and happening night life. Another option is to visit Skadar Lake National Park- take a boat tour to discover the lake’s wildlife andn to visit a 14th century monastery- still with the original frescoes! On your way back to the Bay of Kotor, stop at a local winery to sample not only some of Montenegro’s best wines but also homemade rakija, cheese, and prosciutto.
Day 3: Return to Dubrovnik
In the morning, partake in any activities or visit any sights that you may have missed during the past couple of days. Then, head back to Croatia making a few optional stops along the way. You can visit the ancient Roman mosaics in Risan which are beautifully restored, stop for some wine tasting in the Konavle Valley, and/or visit the charming small town of Cavtat, just a short distance from Dubrovnik. Return to Dubrovnik where accommodation is on your own.