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Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour

(21 Reviews)
  • Duration: 11 days
  • Max people: 6
  • Pickup: Dubrovnik, Croatia
  • Min age: 15
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Drop-off: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
What to expect from Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour

What to expect Biking lovers – don’t miss this chance! We invite you to join us on Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour mountain biking from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo. Our route is carefully chosen for all of you with an amazing spirit who want to experience biking that leads to astonishing views, learn more about history, tradition, and culture and overall enjoy time spent in nature.

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour Highlights

  • Breathtaking mountain landscapes
  • Adventurous biking experience
  • The Adriatic Sea and Dinaric Mountains
  • Discover Balkan cuisine
  • Beautiful monuments
  • Discover history and culture of Dubrovnik and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour Essential Information

Departure & Return Location

Departure location

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Return location

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Departure Time

On request

Included

  • Accommodation
  • Airport Transfers at Destination
  • 1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
  • Meals – Breakfast Only
  • Fully Guided

Excluded

  • Entrance Fees
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Any Private Expenses
  • Room Service Fees

Good to know

  • A private tour can be organized on request
  • Tour can be customized on request
  • Price depends on number of people, tour and accommodation type
  • Minimum required number of people for the tour is 2 - a private tour can be organized for 1 person

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour | day 1 -Dubrovnik

Warm-up in one of Europe’s most ancient and most popular walled cities with our Cycling Balkans Adventure!

Except for the significant meet up at 6:00 pm, you don’t have any scheduled activities for today.

This day is just a brief introductory meeting to give you the tour guidelines and we won’t keep you occupied for too long since the history, culture, cuisine, and sea waves of Dubrovnik are waiting to be discovered by You.

Dubrovnik will leave you breathless in every way possible.

Even the devastation of the town in the war period- the early 1990s, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the undoubted gem of the Dalmatian Coast. Its tiled roofs and white stone buildings will not only charm you, but your impressions will turn the city into your utopia.

Extensive restoration has taken place to return it to its original grandeur, and even today repairs are still being undertaken. With the sea waves and splashes of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is vivid, full of character and can easily be covered on foot.

There are plenty of spots that you can explore such as The Old City Walls, Walkthrough Stradun, Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, The City Gates etc. The popular cobblestone old town with its impressive stone houses, churches, museums, and hidden seaside bars tucked away on the cliffs just outside the wall.

Dubrovnik Walls
Dubrovnik Walls – Balkans Cycling Adventure

Its medieval old town, protected by a magnificent city wall, is the heart of Dubrovnik. The graceful protective walls should not be missed during your visit, as they offer a wonderful view of the city and the sea beyond.

Fun fact for the Game of Thrones lovers: it is the filming location.
There are plenty of spots that you can explore such as The Old City Walls, Walkthrough Stradun, Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, The City Gates etc.

You can also visit the Elafiti Islands. There’s Lopud, a quiet island with lovely hikes, clean beaches and a ruined castle. Kolocep is a sleepy enclave that boasts walks for every fitness level and Sipan, which is the most populated of the isles and reputedly has the most hospitable inhabitants.

Alternatively, you might choose to simply laze about on one of Dubrovnik’s beaches and people-watch for hours

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour | day 2 -Explore Dubrovnik

For the perfect relaxing start of the day, we will start exploring Dubrovnik on foot, by going for an early morning walk along Dubrovnik’s famous 2-kilometre-long city walls surrounding the old town.
The second day in Dubrovnik is reserved for you to catch all the pearls of Dubrovnik that we missed on the first day.

We start this day by experiencing picturesque views of the sea from the fully intact medieval structure, and every hidden gem that Dubrovnik has to offer. You will be accompanied by local guide and guided through most famous sites in Dubrovnik. Visit Big Onofrio’s Fountain, a masterpiece built by the famous European architect Onofrio Della Cava. 

This 15th-century landmark was built to supply water to the city, flowing from the spigots into the collection trough surrounding it. Be sure to check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world’s oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century.

If you still feel energetic after a day exploring the city you can take the switchbacks leading up Srd Hill behind Dubrovnik for spectacular views of the city and the Dalmatian coastline. Otherwise, the newly restored cable car can whisk you to the top in no time. We prefer to start cycling on this day and to Visit Srđ hill with bikes.

The hill is topped by a castle of Napoleonic times, which now houses the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence.

Included Activities:
-Dubrovnik walking tour of the old town with local guide
-Dubrovnik – City Walls Walk

Additional/ Optional Activities:
-Dubrovnik – Lokrum Island Boat Trip
-Dubrovnik – War Photography Museum
-Dubrovnik – Franciscan Monastery
-Dubrovnik – Game of Thrones Tour
-Dubrovnik – Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence
-Dubrovnik – Hike up Mt Srd – Free
-Dubrovnik – Church of St. Blaise – Free

One of the Dubrovnik highlights is definitely the Culinary Delights. We all know the great Croatian cuisine with its fish and fresh seafood. Also, we could rave about it for hours.

Of course, there are many opportunities to enjoy the cuisine right in the middle of the port city of Dubrovnik. It will be a perfect casual introduction to our Cycling Balkans Adventure Tour the following day.

 

Walking tour of Dubrovnik - Balkans Cycling Tour
Walking tour of Dubrovnik – Balkans Cycling Tour

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour | day 3 -Bike tour to Popovo Polje- Trebinje; Vjetrenica Cave, Tvrdos Monastery; Wine Tasting,

Now Cycling Balkans Adventure Tour can start! We are heading from Dubrovnik to Popovo Polje- Trebinje. You will be able to experience biking on the Ćiro railway. The historic narrow-gauge railway with a steam locomotive used to run from Dubrovnik, crossing the border with Bosnia along Popovo Polje, through Čapljina and Neretva River.

Ćiro connected places in Herzegovina and brought them to life, and today the railway has been reconstructed into a cycling path.

The tour continues by bike through the breathtaking landscapes and it offers insight into several Ćiro stations, namely: Ćiro station in Zavala, Ćiro station Grmljani, Ćiro station Poljice, Ćiro station Jasenica Lug, Ćiro station Hum, čiro station Uskopje, and finally Ćiro station in Trebinje where we also have a live copy of Ćiro train.

Ćiro station hum is a great spot for a picnic and enjoying nature.
We are going to bike to Vjetrenica Cave, the indispensable spot to visit in Trebinje as it is the home of endemic Proteus anguinus-or Čovječija ribica (in Bosnian).

The lunch will be waiting for us in a local restaurant after visiting the cave.
The following spot will be one of the oldest monasteries in Herzegovina – Tvrdos Monastery. To warm you up, you will be able to enjoy Wine Tasting.

You will spend the night in Trebinje.

Distance: 33.5 km

Vjetrenica Cave - Cycling Balkans Tours - Ciro Trail Herzegovina
Vjetrenica Cave – Cycling Balkans Tours – Ciro Trail Herzegovina

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour | day 4 -Trebinje To Mostar Via Velež mountain and Nevesinje

The following day we continue our trip to Nevesinje. To be sure that you are not biking for too long, we will drive you to a certain point.

The cycling Balkans adventure tour starts from the old trading town Nevesinje to the Plateau of Podveležje – straight to Mount Velež – the origin of the name has a reference to the Slavic god of earth, waters, forests, and the underworld – and overlooks Mostar like a sleeping giant. This is the gateway to the Dinaric Alps and the starting point of many old Roman routes deep into the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Herzegovina Bike - Balkans Cycling Tour
Herzegovina Bike – Balkans Cycling Tour

Reach the upland by lunchtime and enjoy a traditional meal in a local village before going out on an entertaining descent and experiencing the well-known restored Old Bridge of Mostar. This is UNESCO site.

You will be impressed by astonishing views from the bridge and the stone old town will feel like you are turning back time. And for the happy hour before the dusk – relax by witnessing the sunset while listening to the Muslim call to prayer-a beautiful melody from many mosques in Mostar.

Overnight in Mostar

Cycle time: 4 hours
Cycle distance: 31 miles (50 km)

Old Bridge of Mostar - Balkans Cycling Ciro Trail Herzegovina
Old Bridge of Mostar – Balkans Cycling Ciro Trail Herzegovina

 

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour | day 5 -Pearls of Herzegovina: Blagaj - Počitelj - Buna Canals - Mostar

On this day, you will be able to explore lovely spots of Herzegovina by bike. This is a Day Tour from Mostar to the rest of Herzegovina.

This Day our cycling itinerary leads Herzegovina Ciro Trail. We will:
• Explore Ottoman Počitelj Village (Fortress, Hajji Alija’s mosque, Hamam)
• Visit Blagaj Tekke (Dervish Monastery) and Buna River Source
• Have a Mostar tour (Old Bridge – Arch Bridge – Hamam – Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque – Old Bazaar)

Blagaj

Blagaj - Cycling Balkans Tour
Blagaj – Cycling Balkans Tour

The next destination we are going to reach by mountain bikes is Blagaj.

Blagaj is a remarkable place, especially for curious people. You can feel the perfect combination of silent monuments with the natural sounds revealing the myths and stories from centuries ago. We will also reveal to you a secret- it is a place known for healing. People can feel at peace and harmony spending time there.

The dervishes have been using the monastery in order to perform their special rituals – Dhikr (praise to God). Blagaj Tekke is situated by the Spring of the river Buna, Buna Canals, surrounded by beautiful mountains. In the silence of the Dervish house’s garden, cooled by the freshness of the wonderful river with the most spectacular view. Surrounded by this wonderful atmosphere, you will enjoy lunch there.

Buna Canals - Cycling Balkans Tour
Buna Canals – Cycling Balkans Tour

Počitelj

It takes 28,8 km to our next destination by bike – Počitelj.
Počitelj is a small but specific spot, dating from the Ottoman period. It is a witness of the Ottoman architecture surrounded by green areas.

We are going to enjoy lunchtime in Počitelj.

Towering over this dreamlike scene is the Kula (Fort of Počitelj), at 45m above sea level, it offers breathtaking views. In only one photo you will have the Neretva River, the impressive Hajji Alija’s mosque, the mekteb (Muslim primary school), the imaret (charitable kitchen), the medresa (Muslim high school), the Hamam (public baths), the han (public inn) and sahat-kula (clock-tower).

We are heading back to Mostar via the Ćiro trail.

Mostar

Mostar is one of the most beautiful towns in Herzegovina. This tour will provide sightseeing, wine tasting, an adventure park, astonishing views and landscapes. Herzegovina is a pearl of the Balkans and you will definitely feel the richness of culture and history- with a dose of mysticism.

Overnight in Mostar.

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour | day 6 -Take a break from biking by exploring Konjic - Tito's Bunker and rafting

This day we are heading to Konjic and this will have the atypical day on our cycling Balkans adventure tour.

Even when you think that small towns can’t offer a lot of fun activities – you can be totally wrong! In Konjic you can visit very unusual spots such as Tito’s Bunker and experience rafting. Tito’s Bunker will take you going back to the old times and rafting will help you to have a lot of fun. And for the night, you can enjoy a walking tour in Konjic.

Rafting is a unique activity and one of the most popular forms of outdoors activities in Konjic that challenges both beginners and experienced rafters. Neretva river is located in one of the most vivid regions in the country.

Titos Secred Bunker in Konjic - Cycling Balkans Tour
Titos Secred Bunker in Konjic – Cycling Balkans Tour

Rafting on wild waters is a challenging job for skippers and organizers, but for the ones who choose it, it is the main entertainment. Even though this fun might sound like too much adrenaline, your safety and security are ensured at the highest level.

During the rafting tour, you will enjoy beautiful Big and Small canyons, untouched nature and lovely sceneries that are not visible from the road, as well as four adrenaline rapids which are arranged so that each one is more adventurous than the previous one.

Overnight in Konjic.

Rafting on Neretva River
Rafting on Neretva River

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour | day 7 -Warming up after break: The Caravan Route

Today we will depart from Konjic towards Visočica. Our minivans will take us to Boračko lake. Boračko lake is one of most beaufitul lakes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located between mountains Bjelašnica, Prenj and Visočica. Visočica mountain, a natural border along Bosnia and Herzegovina, got its name from the numerous peaks, including Džamija, Veliki Ljeljen and Vito, as the highest ones.

Today we cycle from Boračko lake towards tombstone necropolis to mountain hut in Sinanovići. We will have lovely views of River Neretva and its canyon. Lunch will be organized after reaching the peak, while enjoying the views of Bjelašnica, Prenj, Lukomir, and Rakitnica canyon.

The biking tour is medium intensity. The tour lasts for 5 hours, depending on the tempo.

The climb is a steady and strenuous one, so be prepared for a tough but satisfying ride. Pause to take in Medieval tombstones and monuments along the way. Finally, roll into the village Sinanovići – a place teeming with history and legends, watermills, and hearty highland fare. You have arrived in the heart of the Dinaric Alps!

Biking Visocica Mountain - Balkans Cycling Trail
Biking Visocica Mountain – Balkans Cycling Trail

Have lunch in the private house, and overnight in Mountain Hut.

Cycle time: 5 – 6 hours
Cycle distance: 31 miles (52 km)

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour | day 8 -The highest village in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Lukomir

This day is one of higlights our Cycling Balkans Adventure Tour.

On this day we are Cycling to the Highest altitude village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lukomir village. Cycling Tour starts from medieval village Umoljani. Mountain biking will take you to Lukomir – the highest and most isolated village in Bosnia. It will be an exploration of the unique Bosnian tradition, history, and cuisine which will feel like a breath of fresh air -literally. 

We will visit The ancient necropolis at Dolovi, Studeni stream, Peruće Waterfall, a stunning view of Rakitnica Canyon, and The Old Mosque.

Through Crveni Kanal (Red Canal) we are heading to Lukomir.

You will have a chance to try traditional lunch to buy local handicrafts as souvenirs.

Lukomir is the last of the semi-nomadic mountain villages left in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Virtually inaccessible by car from the early winter to spring, Lukomir’s isolation has also protected it from the trying winds of change and modernity. In Lukomir, life goes on as it always has.

Lukomir Village - Balkans Cycling Adventure
Lukomir Village – Balkans Cycling Adventure

There is a continuity between the past and the present, between the natural surroundings and the inner sanctums of its safe-keepers. The tombstones of past residents are intermingled with ancient STEĆCIi – 14th-century monuments with unique carvings depicting various aspects of life in Medieval Bosnia.

We are returning back to Sinanovići where we spend another night in mountain hut.

Distance (biking): 2,1 km

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour | day 9 -The Olympic Mountain Trebević; Tunnel of Hope; Nature gem: Spring of River Bosna

We will drive you from Bjelašnica to Sarajevo early in the morning.
You will have a chance to relax and have breakfast enjoying the fresh morning breeze in Sarajevo.

Trebević mountain is waiting for us on our Day  Tour from Sarajevo.

We are escaping the streets crowd by heading to Trebević mountain via a cable car that leads to the charming Panorama of Sarajevo. The sounds of nature combined with morning fresh air will give you an enormous amount of energy.

 

We challenge you to experience, exactly 1261 meters long Bobsled Track by bike which will boost your adrenaline.

Despite being abandoned and a bit destroyed (you can see bullet holes in some parts) you can easily and safely walk all the way down, it is a solid concrete structure after all and I haven’t seen any rubbish or smashed glass around.

The place is pretty well maintained, probably because it is used for summer training and downhill bike rides.

The rumour says there are restorations works going on but I haven’t seen a single piece of evidence it is really happening.

A big part of the bobsled track is covered in graffiti and street art but to be honest it’s not the best one, although you can find some gems among the scrawling, like the painting of Vucko – the famous mascot from the 1984 Winter Olympic Games (but Sarajevo street art isn’t the best in general…)

Trebević is famous as a frontline during Siege of Sarajevo, as a place from where city was constantly shelled. We will make introduction to war tour of Sarajevo here.

Cycling Bob Sled Track in Sarajevo - Balkan Cycling Tour
Cycling Bob Sled Track in Sarajevo – Balkan Cycling Tour

The following spot is Tunnel of Hope.

From July 1993 until the end of the Siege in late February 1996, the Sarajevo War Tunnel was the only connection besieged Sarajevo had with the outside world.

It took more than six months to dig the tunnel and was done using pickaxes and shovels. The only source of light the workers had was provided by “war candles”, containers filled with cooking oil and fitted with a wick made from string.

On the night of July 30, 1993, the tunnel was finally completed, giving Sarajevo an outlet to the world. The 800-meter-long corridor is a little over a meter wide and has an average height of 1.5 meters.

Thanks to the tunnel, the beleaguered city regained access to telephone lines, oil supplies, food and electric energy.

After the war, about 20 meters of the tunnel became part of a museum that contains many items from the time of the Siege of Sarajevo – the longest-running siege of any city in modern history.

The history class is over and we are heading to the spot surrounded by an abundance of nature- Spring of River Bosna.

Vrelo Bosne, the name translates literally as the Springs of Bosna, is located in the central part of our heart-shaped country, just a half-hour drive from Sarajevo. The springs flow along in the park and are among the greatest in the country.

Your guide will take you through the park with its natural springs, waterfalls, and trees, combined with Igman mountain. Vrelo Bosne presents a beautiful peaceful setting ideal for family relaxation. It offers fresh chilled air, even on hot summer days.

Overnight in Sarajevo.

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour | day 10 -Closing the biking tour: Crepoljsko – Skakavac biking

On your last biking day, enjoy the splashes of Skakavac Waterfall.

Skakavac waterfall is a wonderful spot for being entertained by the sounds of nature, located only 12 km away from Sarajevo. The cycling Balkans adventure tour starts from Čavljak, then Crepoljsko and Bukovik follow. The Skakavac waterfall originates from the brook of the same name, which springs below the Bukovik peak (1532 m), and flows into the Perački stream.

It is a geomorphological monument of nature, located on Ozren mountain.

Skakavac is the fifth highest waterfall in the Balkans and the highest waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina at a height of 98m. The impressive natural phenomenon is different in every season and provides an insight into vivid landscapes, mist, water and even gravestones dating from the medieval period.

The vegetation around the waterfall itself is rich in various endemic and relict plants.

Overnight in Sarajevo

Cycle distance: 32 km

 

Cycling Valter Trail in Sarajevo - Balkans Cycling Tour
Cycling Valter Trail in Sarajevo – Balkans Cycling Tour

Balkans Cycling Adventure Tour | day 11 -Goodbye Sarajevo

The last day of the trip and the hardest part- to say goodbye. We will drive you to the airport and be sure to leave you safe and sound, but also to mind you not to forget the amazing Cycling Balkans Adventure moments. See you again!

 

Sarajevo Panorama from Yellow fortress
Sarajevo Panorama from Yellow fortress

Balkans Cycling Adventure Touron map

Cycling Balkans Adventure photos
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21 Reviews
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Omar

Couple Traveller

Excellent way to get to know the balkans. Ahmed is a first-class guide who gave us a clear account of the history of the places. His English is perfect and his sense of humour much appreciated, making the tour both highly informative and entertaining.

September 16, 2023

Tatya

Group Traveller

It was a great adventure. Thanks our excellent guide Senad for this unforgettable journey.

July 1, 2023

Wera

Family Traveller

The scenery was picturesque not only at every stop but along the journey too, but the real stars of the trip are the guides. We had guide who was incredibly knowledgeable which made the trip come to life that much more, she went the extra mile in every way to help us immerse ourselves in the culture and enjoy every moment of the trip, you really couldn’t ask for more.

June 12, 2023

Dana Z

Group Traveller

Inforgettable memory for me. We did Many great stops.Fantastic and so beautiful tour.

May 31, 2023

scarlett

Couple Traveller

A wonderful way to see many of the highlights of Balkan. We were able to see many great spots and also the beautiful countrysides. It was well worth the price and I completely recommend it to anyone

May 1, 2023
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