Cycle the Balkans

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).

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.

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, the country's second-largest city. Here you have a couple of free hours to explore before continuing the drive to the small town of Zabljak, gateway to the stunning Durmitor National Park.

Sitting at 1,456 meters above sea level, Žabljak is the highest town in the Balkans and surrounded by 23 glacial lakes and over 50 mountain peaks above 2,000 meters, it’s a true haven for nature lovers. Set within the UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park and overlooking Europe’s deepest canyon carved by the Tara River, Žabljak blends wild beauty with mountain-town charm. It's also a great place to ride a bike! Starting from Žabljak, the route climbs steadily to the Sedlo Pass, surrounded by stunning limestone peaks and vast alpine meadows. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful beech and fir forests, with countless wildflowers and mountain plants adding color and life. At the Sedlo Pass the view opens to crystal-clear alpine lakes nestled in the valley, framed by towering rocky cliffs. Continuing deeper into Durmitor the road leads through diverse mountain terrain with flowing streams, rugged cliffs, and expansive landscapes. Finish your ride in Milogora village and perhaps grab some lunch before driving back to Žabljak. You'll have free time to explore the area — perhaps a walk around Black Lake or a relaxed evening in one of the cozy mountain cafés.

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), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where locals dive into the River Neretva. This long-standing tradition, dating back to the 17th century, serves as a rite of passage for the young men of Mostar — a symbolic act of courage and skill. For some, it’s also a romantic gesture, a way to impress loved ones and prove their bravery. It’s a beautiful spot to relax by the river, sip a Bosnian coffee, and watch the divers gracefully leap from the bridge.

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.

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 and ride to Trebevic– 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. The afternoon is free for you to explore. 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.

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.