From CAD 6,175
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Get your legs moving on a Balkan cycling adventure from Split to Sarajevo. Taking in stunning scenery of the Croatian islands, along the Dalmatian coast and inland, this trip will take you riding through three fascinating countries – Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Tackle challenging climbs, scenic flats and a new rail trail following the now defunct Austro-Hungarian railway line, soak up the sunset views of the Adriatic, unwind with a drink and a dip at one of Dubrovnik's hidden cliffside bars and finish in the intriguing, yet sobering, city of Sarajevo, with visits to Mostar and other picturesque towns on the way.
Highlights
- Explore three fascinating countries by bike
- Cycle through whitewashed villages and marvel at the sublime sapphire waters of the Adriatic Sea
- Visit the largest island of Dalmatia, with its cypress forests, orange and olive trees, and glowing white pebble beaches
- Filled with fragrant lavender, pines, fruit orchards and a towering limestone ridge, Hvar is truly stunning
- Enjoy a gelato or take a refreshing dip in the sea in sunny Korcula
- Traverse to the top of Srd Hil and appreciate the view of Old Dubrovnik, its harbor and the Adriatic Sea
- Witness Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of a bridge that has spanned the river here for centuries
Trip Details
Product Code: 3266
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bicycle,Support vehicle,Ferry,(e-bike option available,subject to availability)
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: ZMXBC
Starts: Split, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Finishes: Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (11), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights),apartment (3 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 6175 (CAD 441 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Optional Activities:
- Split - City Museum (4 EUR)
- Split - Ethnographic Museum (3 EUR)
- Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower (10 EUR)
- Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure (64 EUR)
- Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery (12 EUR)
- Split - Diocletian's Palace Cellars (7 EUR)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Brac Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities:
- Stina Winery Tasting (20 EUR)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Hvar Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities:
- Hvar Island - St Stephen’s Cathedral (2 EUR)
- Hvar Island - Spanjola Fortress (7 EUR)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Korcula Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities:
- Korcula – City Museum (6 EUR)
- Korcula - Wine tasting at local winery (20 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Private apartment (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk
- Pelješac Peninsula Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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).
Optional Activities:
- Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car (27 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure (69 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
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.
Included Activities:
- Bay of Kotor Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities:
- Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral (4 EUR)
- Kotor - Maritime Museum (5 EUR)
- Kotor - Fortress (3 EUR)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Niksic region Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
- Ramparts of Onogost Fortress
Optional Activities:
- Ostrog Monastery - Free
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Pluzine region Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Mostar region/Ciro Trail Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Ciro Trail Guided Cycling
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Sarajevo Region Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Geoffrey - Traveled, October 2023
Enjoyable, informative and well balanced itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Lachlan - Traveled, September 2023
The trip was so excellent!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Lana - Traveled, September 2023
I cannot recommend the Premium Greece package highly enough! We were able to see incredible historical sites such as the Acropolis, Olympia and Delphi - all without the hassle of organising transfers between places. Our guides (both our group leader and local guides) were excellent, warm, and very knowledgeable. Some of the smaller locations (such as Dimitsana) were unexpected delights too. Will definitely book with Intrepid again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2023
Kate and Lewis - Traveled, June 2023
Well organised, interesting itinerary with a great tour guide Ross and wonderful driver Dafy. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Maria - Traveled, February 2023
Ross demonstrated excellent knowledge, organisational skills, enthusiasm, physicality and was an absolute joy to travel with. I have done six Intrepid trips and if I could be assured of Ross as a leader I would book more
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Melissa - Traveled, June 2023
I can't recommend this trip enough. Intrepid has included so many wonderful things in this trip to see and do. There is no way I would have had the organization and knowledge to pull this trip off on my own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2023
Brendan - Traveled, May 2023
An amazing experience seeing a lot more of the 'real' Greece, along with the main tourist sites. So much history, culture and delicious food to take in. Dimitsana is simply stunning!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2023
Carmel - Traveled, May 2023
Wonderful trip which explored parts of Greece that were extraordinarily scenic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2023
Matthew - Traveled, May 2023
I had a fantastic time on this trip, our guide Maria was amazing and really brought it to life. I learned a lot about history and mythology which was fantastic. I would really recommend!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2023
Manfred - Traveled, May 2023
This tour covered the important historical sites of Ancient Greece as well as some monasteries in stunning landscapes. The small group format allows for a more personal approach from the leader, driver and within the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2023
Thomas - Traveled, October 2023
This tour was jam packed with awesomeness. We loved every minute.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Andy - Traveled, September 2023
This tour was fantastic and anyone who gets Maria as a guide will have the best time! Amazing sights, culture and food!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
Ian - Traveled, September 2023
Great trip organisation the tour guide was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Rosemary - Traveled, August 2023
Have spent 8 days with a terrific bunch of people including our tour leader. The local guides imparted us with much knowledge and enthusiasm. The restaurants recommended by our tour leader provided us with amazing food. The accommodation and van we travelled in was very comfortable. I will miss Greece for this and the memorable experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2023
Carmen - Traveled, June 2023
Excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Elizabeth - Traveled, June 2023
The driver is such an important part of a successful tour. Our driver was outstanding, he skillfully navigated narrow, mountain roads, crowded streets and busy freeways with calm assurance The vehicle was kept cool and meticulously clean every day This dedication and care is something to celebrate. Thank you Triandifilos and well done Our guide Rossito was exceptional, he was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and well prepared. He added interest to each day sharing his passion for Greece, the landscape, history, people and culture. He followed up on any questions with care . He noticed and wholeheartedly accomodated the needs of each person Most importantly he was fully engaged, gave clear instructions and made everyone welcome. The tour was a wonderful experience and one I thoroughly recomend One hundred stars from me Libby Kotschet
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Peter - Traveled, June 2023
Wonderful trip. Great leader guide and driver. A fantastic team who make the trip. Suggest strongl seat rotation for a better experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2023
Margaret - Traveled, June 2023
I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting a tour packed full of exciting places and wonderful food every day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2023
Bob - Traveled, May 2023
I can't speak about Intrepid overall but their Greece division (NOT the tour guide or driver) is awful. They lack any customer focus and are not customer friendly to the point of being rude - and this was a "Premium" trip. The tour guide/host and driver were lovely however.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2021
Lea - Traveled, May 2023
Our Premium Greece Intrepid tour was amazing! It was a small group of 10, plus our driver and guide. Our guide, Maria was fantastic in every way and we loved our group more than we had imagined! I would choose Intrepid again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2023
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