Montenegro: Balkan Bike Tour
Seven nights; eight days. Cycling on paved roads through isolated countryside in the heart of the Balkan wilderness.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Fresh cuisine inspired by the diverse culture of the Balkan Peninsula in villages like Rijeka Crnojevica
- Cycle through the spectacular Tara River Canyon.
- UNESCO World Heritage site of Kotor.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
This Montenegro: Balkan Bike Tour is a moderately challenging ride with many climbs and descents, and day-filling distances. Abundant vehicle support is provided for more relaxed cyclists. The alpine scenery is fantastic, and the roads are very quiet. Lodging can be less luxurious than in other parts of Europe, but is clean and friendly.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions, ~42 km
- DAY 2: ~56 km
- DAY 3: ~60 km
- DAY 4: ~68 km + ~17 km option
- DAY 5: ~49 km
- DAY 6: ~45 km + ~28 km option
- DAY 7: ~47 km
- DAY 8: Farewells
Montenegro: Balkan Bike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Elevation Profile
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Dubrovnik, Hotel Kompas, 09:00, day one.
Finish: Dubrovnik Airport, 18:00, day eight.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions
Meet in Dubrovnik, Croatia at 09:00 and transfer 1 ¾ hours to Kotor. Spend some time wandering this small town’s medieval alleys, hidden squares, and its ancient city walls 600 feet above the sea. You’ll be fitted to your rental bikes, and will spend the afternoon cycling an easy 15km route to the Bay of Verige. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Hotel Vadar, Kotor
Njegusi to Lovcen 42km
From Kotor Bay you will climb a beautiful mountain road to the village of Njegusi, located at the base of Mt. Lovcen. Njegusi is the birthplace of Petar II Petrovic-Njegoš, the 19th century Prince-Bishop who was responsible for transforming Montenegro from a theocracy into a secular state, he is also considered to be one of the greatest Serbian poets ever. Situated so close to the Adriatic, the craggy slopes of Lovcen have been shaped by the warm climate of the sea and the harsh conditions of the interior, and are home to more than 1100 species of plants. This afternoon you’ll have the chance to hike to one of Lovcen’s summits from where you will admire unparalleled views over the Bay of Kotor. You’ll also enjoy a special meal prepared by our friend Milo, who is always eager to share his best pear brandy. BLD
Hotel Ivanov Konak, or Hotel Monte Rosa, Lovcen
Lovcen to Virpazar 56km
Make your way from the National Park toward the Old Royal Capital of Cetinje, the former home of kings. A slow-moving river will lead you to the majestic Skadar Lake, a nature reserve and bird lovers’ paradise connecting Montenegro and Albania. If you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of one of Europe’s last remaining pelicans. After a short stroll through this unique historical pearl, cycle the beautiful and isolated countryside roads that lead to Rijeka Crnojevica. Stop for lunch before continuing on to the small village of Virpazar. BL
Hotel Vir, Virpazar
Bioce to Kolasin 60km
Start your day with a 30km transfer north through the capital of Podgorica. You will ride uphill toward Bioce and into the most amazing and beautiful mountain scenery of Montenegro and perhaps all of Europe. You will spend the day riding along remote country roads basking in the beautiful views over Montenegro’s wild mountain scenery, stopping to enjoy cool drinks in the shade of ancient walnut trees. Then it is onto Kolasin, an air spa town located at the base of Mounts Bjelasica and Sinjajevina. BLD
Hotel Bianca, Kolasin
Kolasin to Zabljak 68km Optional extra 17km available.
The scenery only becomes more spectacular as you ride further into the Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Europe. A breathtaking road takes you through the canyon to Durdevic Tara from where the optional riding up to the Durmitor Plateau begins. The grandness of this place is often compared to scenes from both Tibet and Patagonia. You will rest for two nights in Zabljak, near the shores of the beautiful Black Lake which surrounds the slopes of Durmitor Mountain. BLD
Hotel Polar Solar, Zabljak
Durmitor National Park loop 49km
Durmitor, which translates as “sleeping” in one of Montenegro’s ancient dialects, rises to 2522 meters/8,200 feet, and will be your playground for the day. For those who want a break from cycling, a hike through pine forests and along the glacial Black Lake is a delight. Bike riders will enjoy the quiet roads throughout the national park and atop the plateau, including the ride to the village of Mala Crna Gora. Return to Zabljak this afternoon with time to explore some of the small shops. BL
Same lodging
Zabljak to Rudnice 45km Optional extra 28km available.
You will traverse the Durmitor Mountains today, riding on another scenic road that brings you to the Piva River Canyon. The day begins with 700 meters of climbing, but you will be rewarded with a great descent into the canyon. You’ll then ride toward the village of Rudnice and your cozy eco-huts situated in lush meadow just above a cliff overlooking Durmitor. BLD
Etno Village Izlazak, Rudnice Village
Rudnice to Ostrog 67km. Afternoon transfer to Dubrovnik.
Your final day takes you to the Ostrog Monastery, a Serb Orthodox church that was carved into the limestone here in the 17th century. The monastery is Montenegro’s most popular pilgrimage site and is a great spot to enjoy vast views over the Bjelopavlici plain. From here it is an approximate 3 hour transfer back to Dubrovnik; you can expect to arrive by 18:00, pleasantly exhausted from a week of spectacular mountain travel. BL
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- May 28-Jun 4
- Jun 25-Jul 2
- Aug 27-Sep 3
- Sep 24-Oct 1
2024 Guided:
- Apr 27-May 4
- Aug 31-Sep 7
- Oct 5-12
New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 4575 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners, ferries, van support, full-time guide, luggage handling, maps and route notes, taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 955
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: 275
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
In May 2005, emerging from a tumultuous history, Montenegro became Europe’s youngest independent state. Since then, tourism has begun to develop quickly, yet most of the country remains well off the beaten path of even the most well traveled explorer. Less affluent then its Adriatic neighbour Croatia, Montenegro has a rich history of culture and heritage heavily influenced by Christian, Muslim, Illyrian, Byzantine, Turkish, and Slav civilizations. This hilly cycling adventure provides a thorough experience of this humble but proud nation.
Starting in Dubrovnik, you will transfer a short distance to UNESCO protected Kotor, with its picturesque bay, considered one of the ten most beautiful in the world. You will experience stunning mountain massifs that resemble those of Tibet and Patagonia, Europe’s deepest canyons and gorges, pristine rivers, refreshing lakes, unspoilt forests, and quiet remote villages that seem stuck in time. You will enjoy deliciously fresh cuisine inspired by the diverse culture of the Balkan Peninsula in villages like Rijeka Crnojevica, before continuing deeper into the raw and exotic beauty of the wilderness. You will cycle through the spectacular Tara River Canyon on a breathtaking road to the Durmitor plateau. Here you will discover fantastic waterfalls and cascades, and learn about where some of Tito’s 800,000 Yugoslav Partisans took shelter during WWII.
There are climbs and descents throughout this adventure, the most thrilling of which include the deserted roads surrounding Durmitor National Park and the Piva River Canyon. If you wish, a day of hiking can be arranged among the pine forests surrounding the famous glacial Black Lake at the foot of Mt. Meded. On your final day, you will visit the monastery at Ostrog, perched upon a mountain, providing an unforgettable view of the Bjelopavlici Plain. Your adventure concludes with a transfer back to Dubrovnik from where you can ponder the past eight days of cycling bliss and travel joy through a country that few others have experienced.
