The central Dinaric Alps formed a natural border between the coastal towns on the Adriatic and the high-altitude trading towns and settlements along the Ottoman caravan routes to Istanbul. Few have visited this region and even fewer have explored the ancient Roman, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian routes connecting the Croatian coast with the Bosnian highlands.
This guided and fully supported bike tour on mostly paved and secondary roads is challenging, with only the last day riding on unpaved mountain roads that served as a lifeline for people trapped in Sarajevo during the last conflict. This trip is for anyone who wants to learn more about the diverse cultures in the Western Balkans and Bosnia and Herzegovina. You'll immerse yourself in the region's rich history on your bikes, while also getting a great workout and plenty of authentic food and drink.
Departure dates
June 2024
July 2024
September 2024
category
Ride a bike
Price
From EUR 1,360
Itinerary
Day 1: Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic
Individual arrival at Cilipi Airport in Dubrovnik, which is about 21 km from Dubrovnik's Old Town. After checking in at the hotel, we explore the Old Town and the ancient city walls, which are surrounded by a variety of cobbled streets, beautiful stone houses and the occasional church and museum.
Accommodation: Overnight in Dubrovnik
Meals: Welcome dinner in the old town
Day 2: The blue and green colours of the Konavle Valley
The first bike ride takes us to Konavle Valley, located about 20 minutes away in the southernmost region of Croatia. The valley borders Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east and Montenegro to the south and is known for its pine and cypress forests, vineyards, olive groves and old watermills. We cycle on small, quiet and narrow asphalt roads lined with many small villages. It's the perfect start to our trip, with great rides through the valley, delicious local food and the opportunity to swim in the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea in the late afternoon. Our adventure in the Dinaric Alps begins in style. We end the day in Cavtat, with a short transfer back to our hotel in Dubrovnik and dinner in the bustling Old Town of Dubrovnik.
Moderate ride / 4 hours cycling / 45 km / Ascent: 560 m / Descent: 700 m / 100 % asphalt
Accommodation: Overnight in Dubrovnik
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: The wine routes of Eastern Herzegovina
From the bustling region of southern Dalmatia we head into the tranquil foothills of the Dinaric Alps in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our transfer to the Bosnian border takes around 30 minutes, after which we begin our ride along the Popovo fields. This area used to be regularly flooded and as a result most of the old villages are perched high up on the sides of the dry limestone mountains and ridges. We cycle along old railway tracks that have been converted into village streets. The sun is high as we sit down at our lunch table at the entrance to Vjetrenica, one of Herzegovina's largest underground limestone cave systems. After our delicious picnic lunch we explore the first 500m of this stunning and cool cave system. Once cooled down we head off for a wine tasting at a family-run winery. After tasting the wine and mezze, traditional hearty finger food, we end the day in Trebinje, the unofficial capital of southern Herzegovina.
Moderate ride / 4 hours cycling / Ascent: 500 m / Descent: 515 m / 40 km / 100 % asphalt
Accommodation: Overnight in Trebinje
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: The conquest of Mostar and its sleeping giant Velez
This is our first day of cycling with a serious climb. From the ancient trading town of Nevesinje we climb steadily to the plateau of Podvelezje at the foot of Velez Mountain (1,969m). Named after the Slavic god of soil, waters, forests and the underworld, Velez overlooks Mostar like a sleeping giant. We are now in the Dinaric Alps, the starting point of many Roman roads leading deep into the dark interior of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We enjoy a light traditional lunch in one of the villages on the plateau before setting off on a thrilling descent to Mostar and the famous Old Bridge. The views of Mostar are breathtaking and with each hairpin bend completed the city offers a new perspective on its ancient secrets as one of the most important trading posts in the Mediterranean. As you cross the bridge on your bike at sunset and ride to the call to prayer from the many mosques in the city, you are gently reminded that this day, as fantastic and full of impressions as it was, must also come to an end.
Moderate ride / 4 hours cycling / Ascent: 655 m / Descent: 1,485 m / 50 km / 100 % asphalt
Accommodation: Overnight in Mostar
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: The caravan route
We conquer and explore the sights of Mostar in the early morning hours before heading to Lake Boračko, a glacial lake at the foot of the “Bosnian Himalayas”. Here we begin our journey along the old, now paved caravan route over the Prenj, Visočica and Bjelašnica mountain ranges. The day is long and hot, with a steady and strenuous climb to the pass above Visočica. We pass medieval tombstones, monuments to Bosnia's medieval history, and memories of a former kingdom that stretched to the Dalmatian coast. At the end of the day we have one last short climb before rolling into the village of Umoljani. A place full of history and legends, watermills and good, hearty highland cuisine. You have arrived in the heart of the Dinaric Alps.
Challenging ride / 5 hours cycling / Ascent: 1,870 m / Descent: 1,000 m / 52 km / 90 % asphalt / 10 % gravel
Accommodation: Overnight in Umoljani
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: The 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo: a journey through recent history
Today's ride is full of ups and downs. We cycle beneath the highest peak of Bjelašnica, which hosted the men's competitions of the 1984 Winter Olympics. The area is now a popular winter sports destination for locals, waiting to be discovered by the rest of the world. From the open, rocky plains and peaks of the Bjelašnica Mountains, we descend into the dense pine forests of Igman.
Igman also hosted several Winter Olympic events, including ski jumping and cross-country skiing. However, Igman was also the only lifeline to Sarajevo during its 1,000-day blockade in the conflict that ravaged Bosnia and Herzegovina in the early 1990s. We take the exact route to Sarajevo via Igman that many people took during those years in terrible conditions. It is a very emotional, albeit spectacular and exciting, way to reach Sarajevo.
One of the most ethnically diverse cities in Europe, Sarajevo is an astonishing melting pot where the legacy of Roman and Ottoman emperors meets the western influences of Austro-Hungarian rule.
A walk through the city takes you through more than 500 years of history, starting in Baščaršija, the old Ottoman quarter, passing by the Latin Bridge, where Gavrilo Princip's shots triggered World War I. The day ends at the cozy hotel on the outskirts of the city, which offers us a comfortable retreat after a long day on the bike.
Moderate ride / 5 hours cycling / Ascent: 1,080 m / Descent: 1,350 m / 55 km / 70 % asphalt / 30 % gravel
Accommodation: Overnight in Sarajevo
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Sarajevo
Free day. Today you will explore Sarajevo and learn about its fascinating history. You can start with a guided city tour or explore the city on your own. For the more adventurous, there is the option to take another cycling or walking tour in the area. Visit the Tunnel of Life, the streets of the bazaar, or try the local specialties like Ćevapi. A whole day to get lost in Sarajevo and discover all its treasures.
Accommodation: Overnight in Sarajevo
Meals: B, D
Day 8: departure
After a final breakfast in Sarajevo, our trip ends. Individual transfer to the airport or another night in Sarajevo can be arranged. Time to say goodbye and take home the memories of this unforgettable bike tour.
Meals: B
Included services
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
- 6 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels and one in a guesthouse
- Light welcome drink in Dubrovnik
- All transfers and activities as per itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking cycling tour guides
- Fully equipped support vehicle for the entire duration of the tour
- Entrance fees for national parks and attractions
- Bicycle rental (MTB or trekking bike)
- Wine tasting in Herzegovina
Not Included
- Flights to Dubrovnik and from Sarajevo
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Drinks outside the program
- Personal expenses
- Bicycle rental for the free day in Sarajevo
Requirements
This tour is suitable for experienced cyclists with good fitness.
It is recommended to cycle regularly before the tour to prepare for the long distances and sometimes challenging climbs.
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