“What an amazing experience. ” —E.M.

Balkan Treasures

★★★★★★4.5/5 (8)

7 nights

29 miles/day

Self guided from EUR € 1188
Bike tour in Croatia, Albania and Montenegro

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Bike the Eurovelo 8 from Dubrovnik to hidden gems in Montenegro and Albania

This cycling tour takes you from the star of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik , to hidden gems in Montenegro and Albania.

On small side roads, you'll experience the diverse nature, culture, and food of these three countries.

A vehicle supports you to climb some of the steepest ascents and will bridge sections of main roads so you don't face significant traffic. In the evenings, enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle in cozy seaside towns. Overnights are spent in small hotels and private accommodation.
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Highlights
- Ancient Dubrovnik
- Trebinje, southernmost town of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Herceg Novi
- Lake Skadar - the Balkan's largest lake
- EuroVelo cycling
- Ladder of Kotor, famous Austro-Hungarian serpentine road
- Local cuisine
- The UNESCO site of Kotor Bay
- Konavle Valley in Croatia
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Learn more about self-guided tours.
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Balkan Treasures

Tour Description Daily Program
Daily program

Please note distances and elevations are approximate and may vary slightly based on hotel or itinerary changes necessary due to changes in route conditions.

Day 1: Arrival
An optional transfer brings you either from Dubrovnik town or Dubrovnik airport to Trebinje in Bosnia & Hercegovina. This transfer takes approx. 45min. In in your centrally located hotel in Trebinje you will have short briefing session about the programme and the bike fitting will take place
Overnight in Trebinje.

Day 2: Trebinje – Herceg Novi, Montenegro (27 miles/42km; total elevation gain 1969 ft/600m; total descent 2953 ft/ 900 m)
You start your cycling tour right from the doorstep of your hotel. You cycle first across the villages in the Trebinje Valley, and then later you start a slow descent towards Herceg Novi.

After 35 km you reach the border of Croatia/Montenegro. After passing into Montenegro, you roll into Herceg Novi. The last few kilometers you'll follow an old railway track, which once connected Herceg Novi with Dubrovnik and is now the town's seaside promenade.
Overnight in Herceg Novi.

Day 3: Highlights of the Bay of Kotor (27 miles/ 44km; total elevation gain/loss 722ft / 220m)
Cycle to the highlights of the Bay of Kotor. Continue to follow the old railway line until Zelenika. Along the very shoreline, you cycle to Risan and then Perast, the pearl of the bay. Take your time to explore the picturesque historical town and its beautiful church islands (by shuttle boat).

You'll have a transfer (1.5 hours, included in tour cost) along the beautiful coastline via Budva and Sv. Stefan in front of the old town of Kotor (you will return there on Day 7!). You'll arrive in Stari Bar for your evening.
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)
You start directly from your accommodation. Along the road you can visit more than 2,000-year-old olive tree. On a secondary road above the Adriatic, you'll ride through the olive groves around Bar, the "oil capital" of Montenegro. You enjoy beautiful views riding through a vast valley until you meet the road between Ulcinj – Skadar, which you will follow until Skadar.
Overnight in Skadar.

Day 5: Albanian cycling experience (distance varies depending on which option you choose; see below)
Both options give you time to explore the historical center of Skadar.
Option A) Cycle to Drin river and reward yourself with a lunch at one of the best restaurant experiences Albania has to offer, the Slow-food restaurant “Mrizi I Zanave” (“Garden of the Fairy”). En route, you pass the mighty dam of River Drin and experience Albanian village life. Either choose to return the same way, or we can organize a return transfer for you (upon request, fee may apply). (20 miles/32km/ +492 feet/150m or, if you cycle back, 40miles/64km/ + 984 ft / 300m)

Option B) Cycle the shores of Lake Skadar. Nice easy tour to fish restaurants at the shore of Lake Skadar. (14 miles/22km; total elevation gain 164 feet/50m)
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)
Meet your transfer in front of your accommodation. We shuttle you 1 hour across the border into Montenegro and cover the first major ascent (transferincluded in tour cost). A wonderful, but challenging panoramic tour awaits you today--you'll face three major ascents.

You will follow a narrow road above Skadar Lake. While cycling across vineyards and through villages, you'll be struck again and again wonderful views of the lake and the dramatic Albanian Alps in the background. Ride through centuries-old majestic chestnut groves around the village of Ostros. Near the village of Murići you can see the small monastery islands, and in front of the village of Godinje there is Montenegrin "Alcatraz," a former prison dating back in 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.

You will be picked up in Virpazar and transferred to Cetinje (approximately 1 hour, included in tour cost). Explore the historical center of Cetinje before you are transferred to your hotel in National Park Lovćen.
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 tour takes you directly from the mountains to the sea along the famous Austro-Hungarian serpentine road, with the most beautiful panoramic views in the Bay of Kotor. You start from your hotel in the National Park.

If you like, and for those who are really fit, you can also climb the last 200 altitude meters to the mausoleum of the most important historical personality of Montenegro, Petar Petrović Njegoš, before the descent. From the observation platform, you enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of almost the entire country of Montenegro.

As soon as you have conquered the initial ascent, you roll downhill for more than 30 km. Along the road there will be several great spots for photo stops. You finish your tour directly in front of the Old Town of Kotor in front of your accommodation. Enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere in the Old Town of Kotor.
Overnight in Kotor.

Day 8: Departure
Following breakfast, your cycling trip concludes.
Surface and terrain

This tour takes place on old railway track paths and side roads with low traffic. The terrain is rolling hills and includes regular climbs each day. Day 6 includes 3 significant and challenging climbs. Each day you will also enjoy thrilling downhills!

While there is not a regular support vehicle for you on this self-guided tour, you will have a few scheduled transfers throughout the program to bridge the most difficult sections or to avoid heavily-trafficked roads.

Hotels

The following hotels are provided only as samples and may vary based on availability.
- Standard Hotels
- Upgraded Hotels
- You will have 3- and 4-star accommodations on this tour. Overnights are in small hotels and private accommodation.
  
  Trebinje: Hotel Platani
  
  Herceg Novi: Palmon Bay
  
  Stari Bar: KULA Boutique Hotel
  
  Shkoder: Hotel Tradita
  
  Lovćen: Hotel Monte Rosa
  
  Kotor: Hotel Monte Cristo or Hotel Marija 2
- You will have a mix of 4- and 5-star accommodations.
  
  Trebinje: Hotel Platani
  
  Herceg Novi: Lazure Marina & Hotel
  
  Stari Bar: Stara Carsija
  
  Shkoder: Hotel Colloseo
  
  Lovćen: Hotel Monte Rosa
  
  Kotor: Hotel Monte Cristo
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

How to get there

Tour start
Nearest airport: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Tour end
Nearest airport: Kotor, Montenegro

Transfer from the airport in Dubrovnik to your first hotel and transfer from final hotel to the airport are available through the tour operator for an additional fee. Or you may arrange private transfers on your own.

Tips on getting to and from your tour
Balkan Treasures

Tour Photos Dates & Prices

Dates

Daily, upon request: Apr 1-Oct 31, 2024.

Season 1: Apr 01, 2024 - Apr 30, 2024

Season 2: May 01, 2024 - May 31, 2024, Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024

Season 3: Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024, Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024

Season 4: Jul 01, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024

Prices

Tour package

	Season 1	Season 2	Season 3	Season 4
Per person, double occupancy	€1188	€1313	€1363	€1438
Single use room (1 person/1 room)	€1413	€1538	€1588	€1663
Solo traveler (1 person in party with single use room)	€1626	€1751	€1801	€1876

Tour package

	Season 1	Season 2	Season 3	Season 4
Per person, double occupancy	€1488	€1713	€1763	€1738
Single use room (1 person/1 room)	€1713	€1838	€1888	€1963
Solo traveler (1 person in party with single use room)	€1926	€2051	€2101	€2176

Bike Rentals

Touring bike, 27 speed	€120
Road bike	€160
Electrically assisted bike	€180
1 Pannier (e-bike or touring bike)	€15

Transfers

Per vehicle/per way(up to 3 people), Dubrovnik Airport to Trebinje	€80
Per vehicle/per way(up to 3 people), Kotor to Podgorica airport	€100
Per vehicle/per way(up to 3 people), Kotor to Tivat airport	€40
Per vehicle(up to 3 people), Kotor to Dubrovnik airport	€160

Included services

7 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels
Breakfast each morning
Luggage transfers
Roadbook and maps
Local emergency support by phone
First aid kit
Local cell phone
Transfers as listed in the Daily Program*

*While there is not a regular support vehicle for you on this self-guided tour, you will have a few scheduled transfers throughout the program to bridge the most difficult sections or to avoid heavily-trafficked roads.

Bike rentals

Bikes available to rent on this tour include (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):

TREK FX3 touring bike, 27-speeds
Road bike, Specialized Allez Elite
Electric bike, Verve+ Lowstep

All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:

Pump
Repair kit
Helmet
Lock

Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmets:
Helmets are available on this tour; however, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.

Tour Company

Balkan Treasures

Daily program Tour Reviews

Reviews

Write a review
- ★★★★★ Bridgit Evans 6 months ago
  
  Well organised experience with amazing scenery
  
  This was my first biking tour and I hope I am not spoilt now because this one was so fantastic. The hotels were quaint, the scenery breathtaking, and everything ran without a hitch. I loved the variety of mountains, ocean, lakes , forests and farms. My only comment is that it would be better to only spend one night in Skodar because of all the places we went, this was my least favorite. While the city is on a lake, there is a lot of litter which is not great. Two days in the national park would have been better. Other than that, I highly recommend this tour!
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  9 September 2023
  How many tours have you completed?
  My first bike tour
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  Somewhat easier
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 4/5 Included meals
  - 4/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 4/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 4/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Mark Mering 6 months ago
  
  Nice trip through the Balkans
  
  Very beautiful country. Nice people in all of the countries we visited. Hotels were nice. Too many transfers . Some of the roads had no shoulders and a lot of traffic and were not fun to ride on .
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  September 2023
  How many tours have you completed?
  2
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Do you recommend this tour?
  No
  - 4/5 Value
  - 4/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 4/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 4/5 Tour documents
  - 4/5 Local tour company services
  - 4/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Kenneth (Doug) Mering 7 months ago
  
  Good trip but issues
  
  Trouble with maps provided. Map did always start and stop at lodging location. Not always clear on th route on the map. Did not always feel safe on the road. Scenery was great. Enjoyed it but may not do another biketours trip without a lot more research on the routes safety.
  - BikeTours.com staff reply from jan October 18, 2023
    
    Thanks for your honest feedback!
    Sorry to hear about the map troubles and any unease on the road. We're diving into this to make things clearer and safer. Thrilled you loved the scenery though! It's feedback like yours that helps us grow and offer better experiences. We're committed to ensuring every cyclist feels confident and safe on their journey with us.
    We truly value your insights and will use them to improve. If you consider another trip with us, reach out! We'd love to guide you through the safest and best routes.
    Cheers,
    Jan
- ★★★★★ Paul Lant 8 months ago
  
  Excellent Balkan cycling experience
  
  We did a self-guided tour using e-bikes. The rides were quite different each day. The destinations are varied and interesting, and the hotels were all good (3*). The local operator managed the logistics very well. Note there are three car transfers during this trip. Each of them is about 1.5 hrs. Whilst this extends the days, it does mean you get to experience some very different parts of the region. You do genuinely experience many Balkan treasures. Our highlights included cycling around the Bay of Kotor, cycling down the amazing switchbacks into Kotor on the last day, cycling through the hills alongside Lake Skadar, staying in Stari Bar and the food at Hotel Tradita in Albania.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  August 2023
  How many tours have you completed?
  5
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 4/5 Included meals
  - 4/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 5/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Steven Fern 9 months ago
  
  Wonderful and adventurous trip
  
  This was such an adventurous trip. Wonderful scenery and places. Great people in all the countries we visited.
  Only criticism was that one of booked hotels was way below standard and appeared out of business. The tour company quickly remedied the problem with a change to another hotel that was excellent
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  July 2023
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  Somewhat harder
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  First-time bike tourists
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 3/5 Hotels or boat
  - 4/5 Scenery
  - 4/5 Ease of navigation
  - 3/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
- ★★★★★ Andres Volosin 9 months ago
  
  Is all about Montenegro!
  
  Overall was a good trip.
  Organizer lack on some details and punctuality.
  Hotels are OK. Request upgrades for locations and quality since is a small $ difference but big jump y confort. Albania part should be removed. Not the best routes.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  July 2023
  How many tours have you completed?
  5
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  Somewhat harder
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 4/5 Value
  - 1/5 Included meals
  - 4/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 3/5 Hotels or boat
  - 4/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 3/5 Tour documents
  - 4/5 Local tour company services
  - 3/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ susan25 October 28, 2019
  
  Way better than we even anticipated!!!!!
  
  This tour is truly a collection of "gems"! Here's why we rated the tour a 5 star.
  1. the level of support from the tour guide was amazing! The tour includes being transported to several different locations so that all of your time is spent on truly beautiful rides. Our guide was very patient, informative and friendly!!
  2. We were on the extended version so we got to be in four countries in 8 days! we learned so much about the politics and history of the region.
  3. All of the accommodations were great but a couple were outstanding! Again we learned so much about the culture and cuisine of the different countries through these experiences.
  4. The routes deserve special mention. We were amazed to discover beautiful scenic rides day after day.
  5. The rides were quite easy, especially for seasoned riders. This did not bother us because the overall experience was so rich.
  6. We relied primarily on an app for directions. this was supported by written materials. we thought this was a great way to tour.
  7. Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia Herzegovina have yet to be discovered by most tourist. They are gorgeous, safe (for the most part) and inexpensive by the standards most Westerners are used to. This is a great time to see those incredible countries!
  We absolutely loved this trip. If you are considering, my advise is sign up! You will thank yourself!
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  October 6-14.
  How many tours have you completed?
  6
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  Somewhat easier
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Solo travelers, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe October 30, 2019
    
    Susan- thanks kindly for the review. We are so, so glad that you enjoyed the tour - we too think that these countries are undiscovered gems!
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 3/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
  - 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
- ★★★★★ Soloist October 7, 2019
  
  The most amazing cycle route
  
  What an amazing experience. This was my first self guided solo tour on a bicycle and I admit I was very nervous before the trip that I would get lost! The guides Drazen and Zoran ensures that did not happen talking me through each day and providing maps and detailed instructions. The scenery is phenomenal and I was blessed with perfect weather
  Prior to the trip the office team were quick to respond to any questions I had , in particular Brittany was a real gem.
  The only thing I would say if I had to list a negative would be the hotels. When I reviewed them online they seemed great but the room I actually got was often the worst one in the building. The first night in Cavtat I do believe the bathroom had been a former closet judging by the door and size. Not that i spent much time in a hotel room so it wasn’t a major concern.
  I wiould definitely recommend this company and now I’ve gained confidence in touring solo I’ll most likely use them again.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  Sept
  How many tours have you completed?
  3
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  Much easier
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 3/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 2/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 3/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
  - 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
Balkan Treasures

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