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Cycle Croatia & the Balkans

Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Explore three fascinating countries by bike
- Cycle through whitewashed villages and marvel at the sublime sapphire waters of the Adriatic Sea
- Visit the largest island of Dalmatia, with its cypress forests, orange and olive trees, and glowing white pebble beaches
- Filled with fragrant lavender, pines, fruit orchards and a towering limestone ridge, Hvar is truly stunning
- Enjoy a gelato or take a refreshing dip in the sea in sunny Korcula
- Traverse to the top of Srd Hil and appreciate the view of Old Dubrovnik, its harbor and the Adriatic Sea
- Witness Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of a bridge that has spanned the river here for centuries
Short Description
Get your legs moving on a Balkan cycling adventure from Split to Sarajevo. Taking in stunning scenery of the Croatian islands, along the Dalmatian coast and inland, this trip will take you riding through three fascinating countries – Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Tackle challenging climbs, scenic flats and a new rail trail following the now defunct Austro-Hungarian railway line, soak up the sunset views of the Adriatic, unwind with a drink and a dip at one of Dubrovnik's hidden cliffside bars and finish in the intriguing, yet sobering, city of Sarajevo, with visits to Mostar and other picturesque towns on the way.
Itinerary
Day 1 Split
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Today is arrival day and there are no activities planned for today until a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After this meeting you have the option of heading out for a meal with your group. Perhaps grab a drink at a bar on the gorgeous Riva Promenade. As this tour will spend a limited time in Split, arriving early is recommended to fully enjoy all that this city has to offer. Explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace, see the original and fantastically preserved basements under the city, or simply unwind with a walk along the waterfront.
Day 2 Brac Island Cycling
It’s an early start today catching the ferry (approximately 1 hour) from Split to Supetar on the island of Brac. There is a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to ensure everything is working properly. From here, begin your first 'real' ride in Croatia, cycling from Supetar along the coastal road to the beautiful seaside village of Pucisca. Along the way, take a short detour to the tiny village of Dol, passing well-maintained vineyards, fig trees and olive groves. After a quick stop for refreshments in Pucisca, encounter your first real climb up to Praznica – it is a pretty steep climb (7kms at an average of 7.5%) but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Adriatic Sea. Have a rest at the top then cycle across the relatively flat centre to a descent down to the town of Bol. Bol is famous for the Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) – one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful beaches. Take a quick swim at this stunning beach and perhaps enjoy an optional visit to the famous Stina Winery for a tasting before perhaps trying some amazingly fresh seafood for dinner.
Day 3 Hvar Island Cycling
It's another early morning as you take a local boat between islands to the small port of Jelsa. From here start riding along a beautiful coastal cycling trail and across the the UNESCO heritage site Starigrad Plain to the historic coastal town of Stari Grad. Set in a beautiful protected bay, Stari Grad is one of Europe’s oldest towns, settled by Neolithic tribes as far back as 3500BC. Today the old stone houses, narrow streets and small squares still retain a deeply historic feel. There's plenty to see and do, including the Dominican Monastery and Tvrdalj Fortress. Leaving Stari Grad behind, ride up to the scenic heart of Hvar Island, via a less-trafficked old road, passing viewpoints and old taverns along the way before stopping for a break. Afterwards, descend through the old village of Brusje and down into the vibrant Hvar Town, with its historic charm and ancient city walls (approximately 21 kms). The streets of Hvar are a traffic-free zone, giving you freedom to stroll the pjaca (piazza) and soak in the views of St Stephen's Cathedral, the Arsenal, and the myriad palaces that flank the square.
Day 4 Korcula Island
Enjoy a free morning with a quiet sleep in, or spend some more time savouring the ambience of Hvar Town. For options for your free day, perhaps check out the Hvar Spanjola fortress for views, go on a boat tour, or ask your tour leader for suggestions for a hike to Velo Grablje village. This afternoon, catch a catamaran across to the island of Korcula, arriving late in the evening into Korcula Town – a Venetian Renaissance-inspired walled city full of narrow streets, medieval towers and the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. Perhaps head out for a late dinner and a bar with a view of the Adriatic.
Day 5 Korcula Island Cycling
Prepare for a big day on the road through the heart of Korcula, past vineyards, olive groves and forests – this is a long one but worth the effort! Starting early, drive up to the hamlet of Pupnat – avoiding a nasty 10km/6 mile climb on the bikes – for a homemade breakfast with local hosts. The position of Pupnat and steepness of the approach is no accident. It was designed to help keep Pupnat safe from pirates through the ages. Pupnat is Korcula ‘as it used to be’ – a picture perfect farming village with stone buildings and a laidback atmosphere. Enjoy a descent down to Pupnatska Luka – a beautiful bay with a pebble beach, following the coastline through Smokvica and its vineyards before tackling the final climb to Blato, and descending down to the port town of Vela Luka. You’ll have time to walk around, have a quick coffee then board your vehicle to drive back across the island towards Korcula Town, stopping enroute for an included dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to explore this fascinating coastal town.
Day 6 Dubrovnik
Transfer by boat to Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula. To avoid some serious uphill riding, you’ll drive high above the tiny village of Postup to its 'panorama viewpoint', taking in the views, before beginning the ride towards Potomje village for optional wine tasting experience. Take to the backroads and cycle through the hills of the Dingac before continuing to the bay of Zuljana. Finish the day with a rewarding climb up to the village of Putnikovic, then enjoy an impromptu picnic and optional wine tasting in the natural surroundings before continuing by vehicle and following the winding coast all the way down to Dubrovnik (approximately 1.5 hours). With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot. Take part in an orientation walk, including entry to the ancient city wall itself.
Day 7 Dubrovnik
Enjoy a free day to experience this incredibly beautiful city (or take a well earned sleep in - the choice is yours) before meeting your new group members at 6 pm for a group meeting. Afterwards perhaps go out for an optional dinner together (hot tip: Old Town's gelato is phenomenal).
Day 8 Kotor
This morning you'll transport by vehicle from Dubrovnik into Montenegro to avoid the hectic traffic outside the city. Continue over the border to Herceg Novi where you’ll have your bike fitted before you'll start cycling. Follow the Bay of Kotor, cycling alongside rolling hills for approx. 16 kilometres to the small whitewashed port town of Kamenari. Take a short ferry ride across the azure waters between the headlands to Lepetane, then continue riding along the shaded quiet road all the way town of Kotor itself. Located on the shore of the Adriatic, Kotor is a 5th-century World Heritage-listed city boasting a spectacular location between the beautiful bay and the imposing mountains. Its medieval Old Town features winding cobblestone lanes, historic buildings and buzzing nightlife.
Day 9 Niksic
Depart Kotor this morning by vehicle, heading north to scenic Slano Lake . Start riding near the dam wall of the lake along the old road (mixed asphalt and gravel surface) via the tiny hamlet of Kunak. Montenegro is naturally hilly and this section of road is no exception, with a steep climb in store. However the steep and windy descent, with spectacular views along the way definitely make the climb worthwhile. After rejoining the main road we park the bikes and jump into local taxis to ascend to the incredible Ostrog Monastery, a white-washed building built into a cliff that's the most important site in Montenegro for Orthodox Christians. As tempting as the ride would be you'll thank us for avoiding the sweat and effort (and crazy traffic) required to reach this gravity-defying icon, resting some 900 metres above the Zeta Valley. After the monastery visit jump back on the bikes and continue a gradual climb along the quiet old road to the tiny village of Stubica before dropping back down to the Zeta River then riding the long, straight boulevard all the way to Niksic. As you get closer you’ll pay a quick visit to the Ramparts of Onogost for a good view of the town. Founded in the 4th century, Niksic is the country's second-largest city and has plenty of options when it comes to an evening meal and entertainment.
Day 10 Lake Piva & Niksic
Today you'll cycle approximately 40 kilometres from Niksic to Pluzine, a small town on the shore of the man-made Lake Piva. It's a hilly ride today, starting with a long but gradual climb then hitting undulating terrain. Ride through rolling, tree-lined hills with the support vehicle nearby in case you'd prefer to avoid the long climb. Visit the 16th-century Piva Monastery and its museum that contains, among other things, a psalm from the Crnojevici printing press, the first printing press in the Balkans (circa 15th century). Enjoy a picnic by Lake Piva then take the short drive (approx. 1 hour) back to Niksic and enjoy a second evening in this cosmopolitan city.
Day 11 Mostar
Today is a longer ride than yesterday and you'll be cycling through Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time. Depart Niksic and drive approximately 2 hours to small Bosnian village of Zavala and then start riding along an old, long forgotten country road through half-abandoned hamlets past shepherds tending herds of sheep, this is the Europe beyond tourism, where everything done the old traditional way. From here join the Ciro Trail, a new ‘traffic-free’ rail trail that follows an old Austro-Hungarian railway track running from Dubrovnik to Mostar. Stretching more than 140 kilometres, this well-maintained track traverses some truly wild, spectacular landscapes while winding through long-abandoned villages. It's touted as an 'open-air museum', and was partly funded by the EU in the hope of injecting some tourist dollars into the local economy. You'll ride approx. 55 kilometres of the trail to the cosmopolitan city of Čapljina, passing old train stations refurbished into guesthouses, the picturesque lake of Nature Park Hutovo Blato and across the old railways bridges and tunnels that dot the trail today, including a bridge designed by the famous Gustave Eiffel himself. There are plenty of stops at viewpoints and ample places recharge your batteries along the way, including a stop at the famous Vjetrenica cave (entry optional). From here take the vehicle north to the utterly charming town of Mostar. Mostar is best known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), from which locals dive into the River Neretva. This is a tradition for local boys, who are said to have a lifetime of bad luck if they do not complete the jump in order to become a man. It's a beautiful spot to kick back by the river, enjoy a Bosnian coffee and watch the divers and the world go by.
Day 12 Mostar
Prepare for a real treat riding another spectacular section of the Ciro Trail, a as you depart Mostar and ride south along the restored rail trail. After a quick coffee while the bikes are loaded onto the trailer drive back to Mostar, where you can continue exploring the alleys, bars and restaurants in search of a hidden gem.
Day 13 Sarajevo
Start the day with an approximately 120 kilometre drive north towards Sarajevo, the intriguing capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics and you'll begin cycling from Jahorina, the site for several events including the female slalom. More importantly, Jahorina and Trebević were the only lifelines into Sarajevo during its thousand-day blockade during the Bosnian War in the early 1990s. The views are phenomenal on a clear day. From here load the bikes up and drive into Sarajevo proper, arriving with enough time for your leader will take you on an orientation walk of this fascinating city before an optional farewell dinner with your group.
Day 14 Sarajevo
Your Balkan cycling adventure comes to an end today. There are no planned activities or rides, so you're free to depart anytime before noon.
Availability
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4,331 Intrepid Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings
Cycle Croatia & the Balkans
Company Reviews
Sardines in a can
If any of us had been physically inflexible or overweight we could not have coped with the sleeping arrangements . It is impossible to sit on the top bunk and even turning over in bed requires considerable planning .
An adventure does not mean cutting back on basic essentials …
In our view there were too many people in too small a space .
Two complete strangers were also asked to sleep together in an extremely small double bed , which meant that one of them decided to sleep on deck or in the living space .
The only redeeming factor was our Skipper who is professional, friendly , informative and skilled .
I would recommend this trip if the numbers were reduced .
I feel totally cheated
Have not even started and not impressed
No help when things go wrong (seriously ill on trip)
Trip 1- I was taken very ill while in Vietnam and had to drop out of the tour. I had no help from the guide- no help with getting to a doctor (I don't speak Vietnamese and was too ill to get out of bed anyway), he didn't even assist with arranging a hotel room.
Trip 2- I've had to cancel an upcoming (2024) trip, but haven't received the refund despite phoning the customer service line several times. The people I talk to are nice, but don't seem to be able to actually get anything done. They just suggest waiting a bit longer- not sure how long they think is acceptable to hang on to someone's money really.
Check for other companies offtering the same trip
Once I had paid for my trips, it was very difficult to get in touch with Intrepid to ask a question.
During the trips, several times I was told something one day only to have the info change without any good reason. The guides need proper training about dealing with the heat. Some of use suffered from dehydration and heat stroke and the guides were quite flippant about it. I was told that the guides would not leave anyone behind, but it happened several times.
There was one guide (a trainee) who really took some of the pleasure out of my cycle tour. She spoke to me with a tone used for a child. This tone and her attitude to me almost bordered on harassment.
I went on a third cycling tour with a different company after my 2 with Intrepid and it was much better than my experience with Intrepid.
As the demand for ebikes rises, tour companies such as Intrepid need to increase their fleet of ebikes. They also don’t need to charge the huge amount to rent these ebikes. We only want to rent them, not buy them. As the cost of ebikes comes down, if should reflect in the rental price.
Ecuador guide Eitel made the tour…
Details
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport Bicycle,Support vehicle,Ferry,(e-bike option available,subject to availability)
Group Size
Small Group - 24 max
Maximum Number of People in Group: 15
Accommodations
Hotel (10 nights),apartment (3 nights)
Guides
All Intrepid cycling group trips are accompanied by one of our cycling leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Our cycling leaders are all passionate cyclists, as you’d expect, but they also go through some pretty rigorous cycle-trip specific training. Each one has undergone on-road training and supervision and knows how to do safety checks, basic repairs and emergency first-aid. And at the end of the day they’re still regular Intrepid leaders, which means they will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Age Notes :
Min. Age: 14
Max Age: 99
Additional Information
Finish point
- Vamos Hotel
- Mustaj-pašin mejdan 11
- Sarajevo
- 71000
- BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
- Phone: +387 62 181 498
Alternate Finish point
- For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
- 19 May 2024 (ZMXBC240519), 09 Jun 2024 (ZMXBC240609), 14 Jul 2024 (ZMXBC240714), 28 Jul 2024 (ZMXBC240728), 11 Aug 2024 (ZMXBC240811), 22 Sep 2024 (ZMXBC240922)
- Hotel Libris
- Bentbasa 7
- Sarajevo
- BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
- Phone: 00387 33863076
Trip ID#:
intrepid-ZMXBC
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