Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
19.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Complimentary
e-bikes
Experience an extraordinary journey through the Balkans as you cycle from the vibrant city of Sarajevo to the shimmering Adriatic and the UNESCO-listed treasure of Dubrovnik.
Begin in Sarajevo, where East meets West in a fascinating blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage, then ride along the historic Ciro Trail, a restored cycling route built on the old narrow-gauge railway that once connected Sarajevo with the Dalmatian Coast. This iconic trail leads you through the rolling landscapes of Herzegovina and the dramatic Dinaric Alps. Follow peaceful backroads and trails to Mostar, pausing to admire its graceful Stari Most bridge. From Mostar continue through the lush Neretva Valley, an area popular for winegrowing. The converted railway trails go alongside the tranquil wetlands of Hutovo Blato Nature Park, a haven for many species of migratory birds before taking you close to the border with Croatia. Your ride concludes in Trebinje, on the Trebišnjica River, where you can visit the compact walled old town. End in Dubrovnik, where sunlit stone walls and sparkling sea vistas crown this captivating journey through culture, nature and timeless beauty. Your journey will take you through centuries of history, from medieval tombstones scattered alongside the road, to the formation of the cities of Sarajevo and Mostar during the Ottoman Empire to the more recent history of the 1990's and the break up of the Balkans. The people you will meet along the way will also give you a great insight into this fascinating region.
Extra nights in Sarajevo and Dubrovnik are highly recommended.
TERRAIN
This route follows a combination of quiet country roads, gravel tracks and busier roads as you enter and depart each overnight stop. The routes are quite challenging in terms of terrain, elevation and distance. Parts of the routes on the Ciro Trail take you through tunnels, some of which are inhabited by bats. E-bikes are included as standard.
Arrive in Sarajevo and head out to explore the Latin bridge, site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's triggering World War I.
You stay at Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel.
Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel, Sarajevo
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Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe
Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel, located in the heart of Sarajevo's Old Town near Baščaršija and the cable car, features an indoor pool, sauna, 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
Spend the morning exploring Baščaršija, the old bazaar and historical centre of Sarajevo. For history enthusiasts there are a multitude of museums giving an insight into the 1990's war. In the afternoon collect your e-bike and transfer to the mountain ski resort of Bjelašnica where the alpine events of the 1984 Olympics were held.
You stay at Hotel Han.
Hotel Han, Bjelašnica
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Hotel Han, a 4-star establishment, is conveniently located next to the Bjelašnica ski area. The elegant rooms are equipped with LCD satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotel restaurant offers traditional regional cuisine, do note however that no alcohol is served at this hotel.
Your first day on the bike takes you over the Bjelašnica and Visočica mountain ranges to Boračko lake. This route follows the 'Caravan' trading route once used during the Ottoman era. You'll pass medieval tombstones, by the side of the road, monuments of Bosnia's medieval history. The final stretch of the day takes you alongside the River Neretva towards the lake.
You stay at Apartments Boracko Lake.
Apartments Boracko Lake, Boracko Jezero
TV
Set near to the lake the Boracko Jezero Apartments offer en-suite rooms with LCD TV. Your evening meal is included here.
Start the day with a climb out of Boračko Lake with switchbacks to a view back down to the lake. A spectacular ride across the Prenj mountain range, the side of the Bosnian Himalayas follows. Continue through small villages to Mostar, best known for its iconic Stari Most bridge. Explore the narrow streets of the Old City, lined with historic Ottoman-era buildings.
You stay at Hotel Almira.
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Located within the UNESCO-protected zone of Mostar, the Hotel Almira is just 30m from the Old Bridge and has two beautiful terraces to enjoy views of the Old bridge, Orthodox church, second oldest Mosque in the city and a Franciscan church from the eighteenth Century. Rooms are elegantly decorated and have air-conditioning.
Today you will follow the Ciro Trail, a route that follows the path of an old, abandoned narrow-gauge railway line. Cycle through the vineyards of Herzegovina and visit Blagaj Tekija, a 16th-century Sufi Dervish monastery built into a cliff face at the source of the Buna River. Continue along the beautiful valley of the Neretva river to Capljina.
You stay at Hotel Storia.
Hotel Storia, Capljina
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Situated next to the River Neretva there is a sun terrace and garden to relax in. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning. There is a bar and restaurant and the swimming pool is usually open from mid-June to mid-September.
Continue to follow the Ciro Trail along the edge of Hutovo Blato, a magnificent nature reserve where more than 250 different kinds of migratory birds can be found during the year. There are many observation points along the way, passing through the old railway stations of Roman Villa Rustica, Brstanica and Ravno.
You stay at Hotel Stanica Ravno.
Hotel Stanica Ravno, Ravno
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Hotel Stanica Ravno, once a railway station building on the Vienna to Dubrovnik line has since been transformed into a boutique hotel with comfortable rooms, pool and restaurant. In the basement (and former prison) you will now find a wine bar.
Your first stop today is Zavala, where you can visit one of the biggest speleological sights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Vjetrenica Cave. Your ride takes you along the Popovo fields an area that flooded regularly in the past, leaidng to most of the old villages being located on the sides of the dry limestone mountains and ridges. Continue to cycle along old train tracks repurposed as village roads to the charming little town of Trebinje. Explore the old town before a transfer takes you to the Adriatic coast and an overnight stay in Dubrovnik.
You stay at Hotel Adria.
Hotel Adria, Dubrovnik
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Hotel Adria is located in Gruz, 2.5km from Dubrovnik Old Town. Rooms are comfortable and spacious with all modern conveniences. There are indoor and outdoor pools along with spa facilities and a bar and restaurant.
Depart from Dubrovnik.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Adria, Dubrovnik; Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel, Sarajevo.
Hotel Adria, Dubrovnik
MastercardVisaPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
Hotel Adria is located in Gruz, 2.5km from Dubrovnik Old Town. Rooms are comfortable and spacious with all modern conveniences. There are indoor and outdoor pools along with spa facilities and a bar and restaurant.
Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel, Sarajevo
PoolHairdryerWiFiTVSafe
Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel, located in the heart of Sarajevo's Old Town near Baščaršija and the cable car, features an indoor pool, sauna, 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
These tour prices are per person, based on two people sharing.
Single supplement from £219.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices fluctuate significantly and can change rapidly. At Headwater, we offer competitively priced flights with built-in flight protection for your peace of mind. For more details, please click here.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
19.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Complimentary
e-bikes
