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Cycle the stunning Adriatic coastline on an immersive Balkan adventure that blends history, nature, and culture. Begin in the medieval heart of Dubrovnik, where ancient ramparts and cobblestone alleys set the scene. Pedal through the serene Konavle Valley before crossing into Montenegro, where dramatic peaks and tranquil beaches shape the landscape. Follow a scenic route along a former railway line to the iconic Bay of Kotor, pausing to explore timeless towns like Perast and Risan, steeped in legend and charm. Ride quiet backroads past centuries-old olive groves before reaching Albania, where warm hospitality, traditional cuisine and life beside the Drin River offer an authentic window into local life. Loop back into Montenegro for breathtaking views over Skadar Lake and the towering Accursed Mountains. Discover hidden monasteries and vineyards in Ostros' sleepy villages, and cap it all off with an unforgettable descent from Lovcen National Park to the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor, alive with Mediterranean vibrancy.
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26kg of CO2-e PP per day
(183kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
From Dubrovnik you will be transferred to Trebinje in Bosnia/Herzegovina
A transfer (approx 1-2hrs depending on border crossing waiting time) will bring you from Dubrovnik airport or Dubrovnik town to your hotel in Trebinje. At the hotel you will have a short briefing session about the programme and bike fitting. Optional private city tour in Trebinje to learn about the history of this place between Orient an Occident (additional cost applies). Overnight in Trebinje.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle from Bosnia along the coast to Montenegro (42km/26mi)
The cycle begins from your hotel, taking you on a route past small villages in the Konvale valley to the coast. After 35km you cross the border into Montenegro. The last stage follows an old railway track, once connecting Herceg Novi, the first town you reach in Montenegro, with Dubrovnik. It is located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and at the foot of Mount Orjen, and with its seaside promenade is a great place to swim at the beach and dine on excellent seafood. Distance 42km/26mi, +600m/1700ft, - 900m/3000ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Continue around the Bay of Kotor to Kotor, transfer to Stari Bar (42km/26mi)
Today is a real treat as you make your way around the magnificent Bay of Kotor, taking in its many highlights. Continue following the old railway line from the previous day until you reach Zelenika. Along the shoreline you reach Risan and Perast, the pearl of the bay. Take your time to explore the picturesque historical town and its beautiful church islands (reached by shuttle boat). Enjoy lunch at a mussel farm, later a transfer (1.5hrs) takes you from Kotor (you return here on day 7) along the beautiful Adriatic coastline via Budva and Sveti Stefan. Your overnight accommodation is near Stari Bar. Set precariously at the foot of Mt Rumija, this now abandoned town has impressive views and exploring the ruins covered in vines and letting your imagination run wild about the past inhabitants of this fortified town, is definitely part of the experience. Distance 42km/26mi +/-200m/660ft
Day 4
Cycle above the Adriatic through olive groves to Shkoder in Albania (46km/28.5mi)
The cycle this morning begins directly from your accommodation. Along the road you can visit an olive tree that is more than 2000 years old. On a secondary road above the Adriatic you ride through the olive groves around Bar, the "oil capital" of Montenegro. Enjoy beautiful views as you continue through a vast valley until you meet the Ulcinj – Shkodra road, which you follow to the Albanian border. Continuing into Albania you soon reach the city of Shkoder (Skadar), one of the oldest in Europe with its ancient Rozafa Fortress and pretty Old Town with pastel painted buildings. The city is set on Lake Shkodra, which is shared by Montenegro and Albania. Distance 46km/28.5mi, +248m/700ft, -343m/1000ft
Day 5
A choice of routes to explore the surrounds of Shkoder (23-64km/13.5-40mi)
Whichever option you choose today you will be rewarded with an insight into Albanian cuisine and countryside and there will also be time to explore the historical centre of Shkoder. a) Cycle to the Drin river and enjoy lunch at one of the best restaurant experiences Albania has to offer, the slow-food restaurant “Mrizi I Zanave” (“Garden of the Fairy”). Or travel a few kilometres further to visit a local winemaker to try the locally produced red wine called “Kallmet”. Enroute you'll pass the mighty dam of the river Drin and witness Albanian village life. You can either return the same way or we can organize a return transfer for you (supplement applies). (distance one way: 32km/20mi, +150m/492ft or return: 89km/55mi, +188m/580ft) b) Cycle the shores of Lake Shkodra. This is an easy cycle where you can have lunch at one of the many fish restaurants at the lake. Distance 23km/13.5mi, +50m/164ft
Day 6
Transfer to Montenegro, a challenging cycle to Virpazar, transfer to Cetinje to overnight (41km/26mi)
Today you will cycle in the hills, immersed in impressive views of coast and mountains. After breakfast, transfer (1hr) to Montenegro where your cycling begins with the first major ascent. Wonderful and panoramic but challenging, two further major ascents await you. You follow a narrow road above Lake Shkodra, passing vineyards, villages with wonderful views of the lake and the dramatic Albanian Alps in the background. Around the village of Ostros you ride through centuries-old majestic chestnut groves. Near the village of Murici you can see the small monastery islands and in front of the village of Godinje there is Montenegrin Alcatraz, a former prison from the time of King Nikola. In Godinje, a traditional wine region, you can regain your strength before the last ascent on your way to Virpazar. After a break by the lake, you will transfer to Cetinje, where you overnight. Distance 41km/26mi +600m/1968ft, -1100m/3608ft
Day 7
Follow the Serpentine road from the mountains to the sea and the town of Kotor (31km/19mi)
Today's cycle takes you directly from the mountains to the sea along the famous Austro-Hungarian serpentine road, with the most beautiful panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. After the initial ascent, you can visit the mausoleum of the most important historical Montenegrin, Petar Petrovic Njegoš, a Prince-Bishop, poet and philosopher. From the observation platform there is a breath taking 360 degree view of "almost" all of Montenegro. As soon as you have conquered the initial ascent, you roll downhill for more than 30km. Along the road there will be several great spots for photo stops. Finish your cycle in front of the Old Town of Kotor, where your hotel is located. Enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere in the Old Town, exploring its medieval centre, cathedral and maritime museum or simply relaxing by the port. Distance 31km/19mi, +170m/600ft, -1800m/6000ft
Day 8
Trip concludes, optional transfer back to Dubrovnik (2hrs)
Your trip concludes after breakfast. On request, we can arrange a transfer back to Dubrovnik, approx. 2 hrs travel time depending on traffic.
What's included
What's not included
27 speed touring bike with lightweight aluminium frame, carbon fork and performance drivetrain. Helmet, pannier, repair kit and pump is included. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. A puncture repair kit is included in the equipment provided so you can fix the issue.
An electric bike is available on request. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists.
Most of the cycling will be on quiet village roads. All roads are asphalt some with gravel sections.
GRADE 3 - Daily cycles are between 22 and 64km/13.5 and 40mi, but usually around 44km/27mi on average. on undulating to mountainous terrain. The cycling is on a combination of low traffic side roads with some crossings and short stints on higher traffic roads required. There are some days with some challenging ascents, always rewarded with impressive views. If you are concerned about your fitness, we recommend you book an e-bike. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop, have a swim and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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