Montenegro to Albania Coastal Cycle

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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