Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES: Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don’t provide kettles or fridges. Hotel (10 nights), apartment (3 nights)

Transport

While there are occasions we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. These vehicles range from a minivan in most regions up to a full sized coach or overland vehicle in others. Your main luggage is transported in the support vehicle INCLUDED BICYCLE TYPE: On this trip we use 2017 Felt 7 Fifty mountain bikes. Please note that due to legal restrictions our support vehicles in Europe seat a maximum of 8 people (excluding the driver) so with a larger group there may be times when the vehicle has to make two journeys. If this occurs the tour leader will find a suitable place for the remainder of the group to wait until the vehicle returns. We endeavour to make this wait as short as possible and appreciate your patience. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an ’on request’ basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking. RENTAL E-BIKES: Our Europe rental e-bikes are the 2018 Felt NINE E-: 20, which you may request in the following sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium & Large. Please provide your height at time of booking so the correct size can be arranged. Sizes are limited, so confirmation is subject to availability. For further details on sizing please see https://www.feltbicycles.com/International/Catalog/Bikes/electric/mountain/ninee-20.aspx INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE: You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE: While we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you. SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKE: Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a ’mountain’ or ’hybrid’ style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads we’ll be riding on see the ‘Physical Rating’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike. We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike. BEFORE THE TRIP: We recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy. DURING THE TRIP: Your bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together). In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees. While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts). TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATION: Your preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes. A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities. Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle. INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE: You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF THE SUPPORT VEHICLE: Due to European driving regulations, the support vehicle can only be used clients when directly supporting the ride itself, or as transport between cycling legs. Clients are unable to travel full-time in the support vehicle. Bicycle , Support vehicle , Ferry , (e-bike option available , subject to availability)

Meals

12 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Guide

All Intrepid cycling group trips are accompanied by one of our cycling leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Our cycling leaders are all passionate cyclists, as you’d expect, but they also go through some pretty rigorous cycle-trip specific training. Each one has undergone on-road training and supervision and knows how to do safety checks, basic repairs and emergency first-aid. And at the end of the day they’re still regular Intrepid leaders, which means they will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Others

Brac Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Hvar Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Korcula Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Dubrovnik - City Walls Pelješac Peninsula Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Bay of Kotor Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Niksic region Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Ramparts of Onogost Fortress Pluzine region Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Mostar region/Ciro Trail Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Ciro Trail Guided Cycling Sarajevo Region Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Split
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Split

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in the coastal city of Split, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. As this trip spends little time in Split, it’s recommended that you arrive a couple of days early is to experience all that this beautiful city has to offer. If you do arrive with time to spare, maybe explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, see the original and fantastically preserved basements under the city or simply unwind with a walk along the waterfront. After your meeting, you might want to head out for a welcome dinner with your group. After, perhaps grab a drink at a bar on the Riva Promenade.
Day 2 Day 2: Brac Island Cycling
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Brac Island Cycling

It’s an early start today as you catch the ferry from Split to Supetar on the island of Brac. There will be a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to ensure everything is working properly. From here, begin your first - and possibly the hardest - ride in Croatia, cycling from Supetar along the coastal road to the seaside village of Pucisca. Along the way, take a short detour to the tiny village of Dol, passing vineyards, fig trees and olive groves. After a quick stop for refreshments in Pucisca, make your first real climb up to Praznica – it’s a pretty steep climb, but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Adriatic Sea. Have a rest at the top then cycle across the centre to the descent into the town of Bol. Bol is famous for the Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) – one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful beaches. Take a quick swim at the beach and maybe visit the famous Stina Winery for a tasting before seeking out some fresh seafood for dinner.
Day 3 Day 3: Hvar Island Cycling
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Hvar Island Cycling

It’s another early morning today as you take a local boat between islands to the small port of Jelsa. From here, start riding along a beautiful and flat cycling trail across to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stari Grad Plain to the coastal town of Stari Grad. Set in a protected bay, Stari Grad is one of Europe’s oldest towns, settled by Neolithic tribes as far back as 3500BC. Today, the old stone houses, narrow streets and small squares still retain a deeply historic feel. There’s plenty to see here, including the Dominican Monastery and Tvrdalj Fortress. Leaving Stari Grad behind, ride up to the scenic heart of Hvar Island, via a less-trafficked old road, passing viewpoints and old taverns along the way before stopping for a break. After, descend through the old village of Brusje and down into the vibrant Hvar Town. The streets of Hvar are a traffic-free zone, giving you the freedom to stroll the pjaca (piazza) and soak in the views of St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Arsenal and all the palaces that flank the square.
Day 4 Day 4: Korcula Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Korcula Island

Enjoy a free morning and maybe spend some time savouring the ambience of Hvar Town. You have a free day today, so maybe check out the Hvar Spanjola fortress for some great views, go on a boat tour or ask your tour leader for suggestions for a hike to Velo Grablje village. This afternoon, catch a catamaran across to the island of Korcula into Korcula Town – a Venetian Renaissance-inspired walled city full of narrow streets, medieval towers and the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. Tonight, maybe head out for a late dinner and find a bar with a view of the Adriatic with a few of your fellow travellers.
Day 5 Day 5: Korcula Island Cycling
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Korcula Island Cycling

After breakfast prepare for a big day on the road today as you drive through the heart of Korcula, past vineyards, olive groves and forests up to the hamlet of Pupnat. The position of Pupnat and steepness of the approach is no accident – it was designed to help keep the town safe from pirates through the ages. Pupnat is Korcula ‘as it used to be’ – a picture perfect farming village with stone buildings and a laidback atmosphere. Hop back on your bikes for a descent down to Pupnatska Luka – a beautiful bay with a pebble beach. Follow the coastline through Smokvica and its vineyards before tackling the final climb to Blato and descending to the port town of Vela Luka. You’ll have time to walk around and have a quick coffee before boarding a local bus for the journey back to Korcula Town. On the way, stop for dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to explore at your own pace.
Day 6 Day 6: Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Dubrovnik

Transfer by boat to Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula. To avoid some serious uphill riding, you’ll drive high above the tiny village of Postup to its panorama viewpoint. Take to the coastal backroads and cycle through the hills of the Dingac before continuing to the bay of Zuljana. Enjoy a rewarding climb up to the village of Putnikovic, then enjoy an impromptu picnic and optional wine tasting in the natural surroundings before cycling across the undulating centre of the island then down to Ston. Perhaps take in a refreshing gelati before continuing by vehicle all the way down to Dubrovnik. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is a picturesque medieval city full of character. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led orientation walk and then carry on exploring at your own pace.
Day 7 Day 7: Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Dubrovnik

Enjoy a free day to experience this incredibly beautiful city (or take a well earned sleep in - the choice is yours) before meeting your new group members at 6 pm for a group meeting. Afterwards perhaps go out for an optional dinner together (hot tip: Old Town’s gelato is phenomenal).
Day 8 Day 8: Kotor
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Kotor

This morning you’ll transport by vehicle from Dubrovnik into Montenegro to avoid the hectic traffic outside the city. Continue over the border to Herceg Novi where you’ll have your bike fitted before you’ll start cycling. Follow the Bay of Kotor, cycling alongside rolling hills for approx. 16 kilometres to the small whitewashed port town of Kamenari. Take a short ferry ride across the azure waters between the headlands to Lepetane, then continue riding along the shaded quiet road all the way town of Kotor itself. Located on the shore of the Adriatic, Kotor is a 5th-century World Heritage-listed city boasting a spectacular location between the beautiful bay and the imposing mountains. Its medieval Old Town features winding cobblestone lanes, historic buildings and buzzing nightlife.
Day 9 Day 9: Niksic
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Niksic

Depart Kotor this morning by vehicle, heading north to scenic Slano Lake . Start riding near the dam wall of the lake along the old road (mixed asphalt and gravel surface) via the tiny hamlet of Kunak. Montenegro is naturally hilly and this section of road is no exception, with a steep climb in store. However the steep and windy descent, with spectacular views along the way definitely make the climb worthwhile. After rejoining the main road we park the bikes and jump into local taxis to ascend to the incredible Ostrog Monastery, a white-washed building built into a cliff that’s the most important site in Montenegro for Orthodox Christians. As tempting as the ride would be you’ll thank us for avoiding the sweat and effort (and crazy traffic) required to reach this gravity-defying icon, resting some 900 metres above the Zeta Valley. After the monastery visit jump back on the bikes and continue a gradual climb along the quiet old road to the tiny village of Stubica before dropping back down to the Zeta River then riding the long, straight boulevard all the way to Niksic. As you get closer you’ll pay a quick visit to the Ramparts of Onogost for a good view of the town. Founded in the 4th century, Niksic is the country’s second-largest city and has plenty of options when it comes to an evening meal and entertainment.
Day 10 Day 10: Lake Piva & Niksic
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Lake Piva & Niksic

Today you’ll cycle approximately 40 kilometres from Niksic to Pluzine, a small town on the shore of the man-made Lake Piva. It’s a hilly ride today, starting with a long but gradual climb then hitting undulating terrain. Ride through rolling, tree-lined hills with the support vehicle nearby in case you’d prefer to avoid the long climb. Visit the 16th-century Piva Monastery and its museum that contains, among other things, a psalm from the Crnojevici printing press, the first printing press in the Balkans (circa 15th century). Enjoy a picnic by Lake Piva then take the short drive (approx. 1 hour) back to Niksic and enjoy a second evening in this cosmopolitan city.
Day 11 Day 11: Mostar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Mostar

Today is a longer ride than yesterday and you’ll be cycling through Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time. Depart Niksic and drive approximately 2 hours to small Bosnian village of Zavala and then start riding along an old, long forgotten country road through half-abandoned hamlets past shepherds tending herds of sheep, this is the Europe beyond tourism, where everything done the old traditional way. From here join the Ciro Trail, a new ‘traffic-free’ rail trail that follows an old Austro-Hungarian railway track running from Dubrovnik to Mostar. Stretching more than 140 kilometres, this well-maintained track traverses some truly wild, spectacular landscapes while winding through long-abandoned villages. It’s touted as an ’open-air museum’, and was partly funded by the EU in the hope of injecting some tourist dollars into the local economy. You’ll ride approx. 55 kilometres of the trail to the cosmopolitan city of Čapljina, passing old train stations refurbished into guesthouses, the picturesque lake of Nature Park Hutovo Blato and across the old railways bridges and tunnels that dot the trail today, including a bridge designed by the famous Gustave Eiffel himself. There are plenty of stops at viewpoints and ample places recharge your batteries along the way, including a stop at the famous Vjetrenica cave (entry optional). From here take the vehicle north to the utterly charming town of Mostar. Mostar is best known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), from which locals dive into the River Neretva. This is a tradition for local boys, who are said to have a lifetime of bad luck if they do not complete the jump in order to become a man. It’s a beautiful spot to kick back by the river, enjoy a Bosnian coffee and watch the divers and the world go by.
Day 12 Day 12: Mostar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Mostar

Prepare for a real treat riding another spectacular section of the Ciro Trail, a as you depart Mostar and ride south along the restored rail trail. After a quick coffee while the bikes are loaded onto the trailer drive back to Mostar, where you can continue exploring the alleys, bars and restaurants in search of a hidden gem.
Day 13 Day 13: Sarajevo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Sarajevo

Start the day with an approximately 120 kilometre drive north towards Sarajevo, the intriguing capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics and you’ll begin cycling from Jahorina, the site for several events including the female slalom. More importantly, Jahorina and Trebević were the only lifelines into Sarajevo during its thousand-day blockade during the Bosnian War in the early 1990s. The views are phenomenal on a clear day. From here load the bikes up and drive into Sarajevo proper, arriving with enough time for your leader will take you on an orientation walk of this fascinating city before an optional farewell dinner with your group.
Day 14 Day 14: Sarajevo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Sarajevo

Your Balkan cycling adventure comes to an end today. There are no planned activities or rides, so you’re free to depart anytime before noon.

+11

14 days tour

Cycle Croatia & The Balkans

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycle Croatia & The Balkans

Day 1: Split

Day 2: Brac Island Cycling

Day 3: Hvar Island Cycling

Day 4: Korcula Island

Day 5: Korcula Island Cycling

Day 6: Dubrovnik

Day 7: Dubrovnik

Day 8: Kotor

Day 9: Niksic

Day 10: Lake Piva & Niksic

Day 11: Mostar

Day 12: Mostar

Day 13: Sarajevo

Day 14: Sarajevo

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania