Balkan Treasures

Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik - transfer to Trebinje

An arrival transfer from Dubrovnik Airport or your accommodation in Dubrovnik brings you to Trebinje in Bosnia & Herzegovina (approx. 45 minutes). After checking into your centrally located hotel, you'll meet your local representative for a tour briefing and bike fitting.

Overnight in Trebinje.

Day 2: Trebinje – Herceg Novi, Montenegro
27 miles/42km; total elevation gain 1969 ft/600m; total descent 2953 ft/ 900 m

Leave Trebinje on quiet roads through the villages of the Trebinje Valley before beginning a gradual descent towards the Adriatic coast. After approximately 35 km, you cross the Croatia–Montenegro border and continue to Herceg Novi. The final few kilometres follow a former railway line that once linked Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi, now transformed into the town's scenic seaside promenade.

Overnight in Herceg Novi.

Day 3: Highlights of the Bay of Kotor
27 miles/ 44km; total elevation gain 722ft / 220m

Follow the former railway line to Zelenika before cycling along the shores of the Bay of Kotor to Risan and the elegant town of Perast. Take time to explore this picturesque waterfront town or visit its famous church islands by shuttle boat. An included 1.5-hour transfer follows the coast via Budva and Sveti Stefan, ending in the historic town of Stari Bar.

Overnight in Stari Bar.

Day 4: Above the Adriatic – Skadar
29 miles/46 km; total elevation gain 984 feet/300 m; total descent 1,345 feet/410 m

Today's ride begins directly from your accommodation. Along the way, you can visit one of the world's oldest olive trees, believed to be more than 2,000 years old. Continue along quiet roads above the Adriatic through the olive groves surrounding Bar, Montenegro's olive-growing region, before riding across a broad valley towards Skadar.

Overnight in Skadar.

Day 5: Albanian cycling experience
distance varies depending on which option you choose; see below

Today offers two cycling options, both allowing time to explore the historic centre of Skadar.

• Option A: Ride to the Drin River and enjoy lunch at the renowned slow food restaurant Mrizi i Zanave ("Garden of the Fairy"). Along the way, you'll pass the impressive Drin Dam and experience everyday life in rural Albania. Return by bike or arrange an optional transfer (additional fee may apply). (20 miles/32 km; elevation gain 492 ft – 40 miles/64 km; elevation gain 984 ft)
• Option B: Enjoy an easy ride along the shores of Lake Skadar to waterside fish restaurants. (14 miles/22 km; elevation gain 164 ft)

Overnight in Skadar.

Day 6: Albania to Montenegro – Monastery route in Skadar Lake National Park
25 miles/40 km; total elevation gain 1,969 feet/600m; total descent 3,609 feet/1,100m

An included one-hour transfer returns you to Montenegro, covering the day's first major climb before today's ride begins. A challenging but rewarding route follows quiet roads high above Lake Skadar, with sweeping views across the lake towards the Albanian Alps. Cycle through vineyards, traditional villages and centuries-old chestnut groves around Ostros. Near Murići, look out across the monastery islands scattered across the lake, then continue through the wine-growing village of Godinje, passing the former island prison dating from the reign of King Nikola. From Virpazar, an included one-hour transfer takes you to the historic royal capital of Cetinje. After time to explore the town, continue to your accommodation in Lovćen National Park.

Overnight in Lovćen National Park.

Day 7: Lovćen National Park – Serpentine road to Kotor
19 miles/30km; total elevation gain 118 feet/190m; total descent 870 feet/1400m

Today's ride begins in Lovćen National Park. Those looking for an extra challenge can climb the final 200 metres to the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, where panoramic views stretch across much of Montenegro. From here, descend more than 30 km along the famous Austro-Hungarian serpentine road, with spectacular views over the Bay of Kotor. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos before finishing your ride beside the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor, where you can spend the evening exploring its narrow streets and lively squares

Overnight in Kotor.

Day 8: Departure from Kotor

Following breakfast, your cycling tour comes to an end.