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Mountain Biking the Balkans
Duration
10 days
Site savings
$78
From
$2,522 USD
Delve into a trio of Europe's finest unsung gems by journeying deep into the Balkans with a route starting in Bosnia & Herzegovina, traveling through Croatia and ending in the heart of Montenegro. Spend 10 adventurous days discovering the breathtaking scenery, magnificent mountains, charming villages and ancient towns and cities of these eastern European countries that are still relatively unexplored by many tourists.
- CategoryMountain Biking
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration10 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainMountainous
- Distance228 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance28.6 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration10 days
- Main DestinationBosnia-Herzegovina
- Distance228 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance28.6 miles
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainMountainous
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Arrive in Trebinje
After arriving in Trebinje and checking in, you will gather for a trip briefing, and then you are free to relax or explore this historic town. Dating back to the 10th century, it abounds with history and architectural splendors. Highlights include the Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, an early 20th-century church famous for its spectacular interior artwork. Another must-see is the Saborna Crkva. Built between 1888 and 1908, this religious sanctuary stands elegantly on the historic Crkvina Hill and offers captivating panoramic views of ancient Trebinje. Later in the evening, you will meet up with the rest of the group for a welcome dinner.
- Hotel Leotar
- Dinner
- Day 2Trebinje to Ljubinje to Trebinje
You will embark on a cultural ride to explore the villages of Herzegovina. On serene back roads, you'll pedal on undulating village paths to the historic town of Ljubinje, with traces of settlements dating back to Roman times. You'll visit the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. Built in 1867, the building contains a copy of the Gospels dating from 1793, donated by Russia. Breathing in the mountain breezes, you'll hop on your bike and roll gently to Plana Dola, nestled on the rugged hills dotted with Mediterranean vegetation. Your last stop is Tvrdos Monastery. This Orthodox 15th-century monastery is surrounded by vineyards cultivated by the monks and features stunning painted murals. Visit the cathedral built in 1508, learn about wine production in the region, and sample red and white wines in the cellars of the monastery. Then it's back to Trebinje, where you can call it a day and rest your muscles for the next adventure.
- 40.4 miles
- 492.1 ft
984.3 ft
492.1 ft - Hotel Leotar
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 3Trebinje to Dubrovnik
Today you'll transfer to the top of Croatia's Srdj Mountain, overlooking Dubrovnik's old town with striking views of its city walls and Riviera. You will then cycle on village paths and paved roads to the historic Mlini Kupari settlement. Established in the 12th century, the village was a major roof tile producer and is now famous for its picturesque countryside, turquoise waters, and seaside promenade. Then you will get more local by having lunch with villagers and listening to curious stories and legends of the area that have been passed down for generations. After the delightful encounter, you will transfer to Dubrovnik for the night.
- 12.4 miles
- -1,010.5 ft
1,122 ft
2,132.5 ft - Hotel Lapad Dubrovnik
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 4Dubrovnik to Cavtat
Enjoy breakfast then transfer to Cavtat on the Adriatic coast. Formerly named Epidarius, the town, founded in the 6th century BC, abounds with breath-taking natural and architectural treasures. Up and down, you will mountain bike and wind your way on single track and back roads through orchards and vineyards of the Konavle Valley with rugged cliffs that form a stunning contrast with the glassy water of the Adriatic Sea. Along the way, you will also come across charming villages where you can greet friendly locals. Then you will stop to snack and refresh yourself while gazing at views of the lush greenery and deep blue seas in the background before checking into your beachfront hotel to take a dip and enjoy the sunset.
- 31.1 miles
2,834.6 ft
2,834.6 ft- Hotel Epidaurus
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 5Cavtat to Herceg Novi
After breakfast, get in the saddle and start riding straight from the hotel over the rugged hills and verdant vegetation of the Konavle Valley. As the ride heads south to enter Montenegro, you will enjoy the serene and charming villages of Zvekovica and Ljuta before taking a break by the glassy, 35-km (22-mi) Ljuta River. After refueling, you will pedal on to Herceg Novi. Nestled at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and at the foot of Mount Orjen, Herceg Novi is not only historically picturesque but also a popular modern spa destination.
- 23.6 miles
- 295.3 ft
1,312.3 ft
1,017.1 ft - Villa Margot
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 6Orjen to Tivat
A short morning transfer takes you to the start point of the tour on Mount Orjen. You will cycle along an old military trail and make a brisk climb over the Orjen Saddle, towards Crkvice, and then your route heads south, traversing the mountain. The route is a casual downhill as you will follow a wagon trail through some beautiful scenes towards the town of Bunovici. You will drop in around beautiful Risan Bay and visit the beautifully preserved baroque town of Perast. With its nine defensive towers, this once busy port now has a tiny population of just 350 people. You will then take a boat to visit the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island created by sinking seized ships loaded with rocks. Travel by boat continues across the enchanting Bay of Kotor to Tivat, for your overnight accommodation.
- 27.3 miles
- -3,569.6 ft
2,496.7 ft
6,066.3 ft - Hotel Palma
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 7Tivat to Budva
From Tivat, the morning climb heads through the pretty village of Gornja Lastva rising above Tivat Bay. You will take a military road to the summit of Sveti Ilija, where you will get more spectacular panoramic views. The route runs along the beautiful southeast side of the Lovcen Mountain as you pass Vrmac Fortress, an old Austro-Hungarian bastion. Descending through the Trojica Pass, the ride passes many small villages before a last climb and descent of the day into Budva, an incredibly picturesque and vibrant coastal town where you will find your accommodation and get a well-earned rest – or you may choose to party all night in this Montenegrin Miami!
- 23 miles
- 19.7 ft
3,412.1 ft
3,392.4 ft - Hotel Mogren
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 8Budva to Centinje
On this adventurous ride, you will roll on the tracks of a disused railway line and use a 600-m (2000-ft) long tunnel along the way. Today's first climb rises gradually for 25 km (15.5 mi) before you get the thrill of a beautiful descent into the fishing village of Virpazar, another stunning Montenegrin jewel with a population under 400. From here, you will take to the waters of the sublime Lake Skardar National Park, designated as one of Europe's best bird watching sites, and you take a cruise for 2 hours north to the charming lakeside town of Rijeka Crnojevića. The steep climbing then continues along a narrow road to Cetinje, the former royal capital of Montenegro. You will overnight in this historical and spiritual city located in a small valley below Lovćen Mountain.
- 35.4 miles
- 2,126 ft
5,597.1 ft
3,471.1 ft - Pansion 22
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 9Centinje to Kotor
Today you will venture into Lovćen National Park and tackle an old military road up to the steep summit of Babina Glava. The reward for your efforts is a fantastic panorama of the countryside below and views across to the coast. The route then flattens out and you will ride past the mountain village of Dolovi before your final ascent to the mountain peak of Jezerski Vrh. The mausoleum of the poet-philosopher Petar Petrovic Njegos sits atop the zenith of the mountain, and the amazing Montenegro landscape spreads out below your feet. A rapid descent brings you back to the heart of the national park and to the tiny village of Njegusi, famed for its cheese and prosciutto. Continue cycling on an old Austrian road to Kotor. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor is well-known for its stunning architecture and its beautiful setting in a secluded part of the Boka Kotorska Bay. Stari Grad (Old Town) is a labyrinth of cobbled laneways linking small squares containing ancient churches and former aristocratic mansions. You will have enough time for sightseeing in the old town before a farewell dinner packed with seafood specialties.
- 34.8 miles
- -2,119.4 ft
3,458 ft
5,577.4 ft - Hotel Marija
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 10Departure