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Cycle an extraordinary 8-day self-guided bike adventure through the heart of the Balkans, from Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the shimmering Adriatic and the UNESCO-listed treasure of Dubrovnik. Traverse the breathtaking landscapes from the majestic Dinaric Alps to the lush Neretva Valley, following the historic Ciro Trail at your own pace. With every detail, from your luggage transfers to your daily routes, meticulously arranged, you are free to immerse yourself in the journey, whether that means a long lunch atop a mountain or a leisurely exploration of Mostar and Trebinje. This is your adventure, crafted for the independent spirit.
Your exciting adventure begins in Sarajevo — explore the infamous Latin Bridge that sparked WWI. Check out Baščarišija and many of the enrapturing museums providing insights into the 90s war before ...
Your exciting adventure begins in Sarajevo — explore the infamous Latin Bridge that sparked WWI. Check out Baščarišija and many of the enrapturing museums providing insights into the 90s war before transferring to the Bjelašnica mountain ski resort. Cycle over the Bjelašnica and Visočica mountain ranges to Boračko Lake. Climb out of the lake and ride across the Prenj mountain range, continuing till you arrive at Mostar. Take the Ciro trail, cycle through the vineyards of Herzegovina and Blagaj Tekija and continue along the Neretva river to Capljina. Keep following the trail along the edge of Hutovo Blato, a spectacular nature reserve, passing through old railway stations of Roman Villa Rustica, Brstanica and Ravno. Stop at Zavala and visit the famous Vjetrenica Cave, before journeying to Trebinje, and then transfer to the Adriatic coast and an overnight stay in Dubrovnik, where your trip ends.
This package includes 7 nights of accommodations in charming hotels on a twin-share basis handpicked for their great location and comfort with just a stone's throw from bustling city centres, where you will have an array of dining choices. Relax in indoor and outdoor pools and saunas, savour awe-inspiring views from scenic terraces and enjoy the hospitality of the locals. With all specified meals, transfers, and your bicycle included, you can ride in absolute comfort.
Seek adventure and pedal through centuries of history, where Ottoman bridges and medieval tombstones guide your path through the captivating landscapes of the Balkans. From the vibrant heart of Sarajevo, across the dramatic peaks of the Dinaric Alps, and along the historic Ciro Trail to the sun-drenched Adriatic shores of Dubrovnik.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys to Sarajevo to Dubrovnik. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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Upon your arrival in Sarajevo, you will be transported back in time as you begin your exploration of this historic city. Your first stop is the iconic Latin Bridge, an elegant Ottoman-era stone structure arching over the Miljacka River. It was here, at the northern end of the bridge, that the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place—a pivotal moment that set the stage for the outbreak of World War I. Stroll across its cobblestones and absorb the profound history that forever shaped the course of the 20th century.
As dusk settles over Sarajevo, retreat to the serene 4 star elegance of the Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel, a sanctuary of modern luxury nestled in the heart of the Old Town. Indulge your senses in the tranquil spa and wellness centre, where a shimmering pool and soothing sauna await, before ascending to the rooftop restaurant for a culinary journey that blends local flavours with panoramic city views.
Spend the morning enveloped in the vibrant atmosphere of Baščaršija, the city's ancient bazaar and the cultural heart of Sarajevo. Lose yourself in its maze of narrow, cobblestoned streets, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the aroma of grilled meats and the echoes of coppersmiths at work fill the air. For those with a keen interest in history, a visit to the War Childhood Museum or the Gallery 11/07/95 offers profound and moving insights into the city's resilience during the conflicts of the 1990s.
In the afternoon, you will collect your e-bike and enjoy a scenic transfer to the majestic mountain resort of Bjelašnica. This stunning alpine landscape, which hosted the men's alpine skiing events during the 1984 Winter Olympics, offers a dramatic contrast to the city's historical tapestry, inviting you to embrace the invigorating mountain air and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.
Today’s lodging is the stunning Hotel Han, a 4-star mountain retreat majestically situated on the Bjelašnica, with direct ski-in and ski-out access. You can savour dinner at the hotel’s Restaurant Kamin, which serves a diverse à la carte menu featuring delectable international and local dishes accompanied by a cosy fireplace.
Approx. 63 km (39 miles) 3-5 hours biking
Your first day on the bike begins with a journey over the breathtaking Bjelašnica and Visočica mountain ranges, culminating at the serene Boračko Lake. As you cycle, you'll find yourself on the historic 'Caravan' trading route, a path once traveled by merchants during the Ottoman era. Along the way, you'll encounter medieval tombstones, known as Stećci, standing as silent monuments to Bosnia's rich medieval past. The final stretch of your ride guides you alongside the emerald waters of the Neretva River, leading you to the tranquil shores of the lake where your day of adventure concludes.
Approx. 56 km (35 miles), 2-3 hours biking
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 follows the side of the Bosnia Himalayas. Continue through tiny hamlets to Mostar, best known for its iconic Stari Most bridge. Traverse the narrow streets of the Old City, dotted with historic Ottoman-era buildings.
Nestled in the heart of Mostar's Old Town, just a stone's throw from the iconic Old Bridge, the elegant 4 star Hotel Almira welcomes you to a world of refined comfort. Ascend to the rooftop terrace where panoramic city views await, or surrender to tranquility in the serene wellness spa, creating an unforgettable conclusion to your day's journey.
Approx. 46 km (29 miles), 2-3 hours biking
Your journey continues along the historic Ciro Trail, a scenic cycling route that follows the path of an old, abandoned narrow-gauge railway line. As you pedal through the sun-drenched vineyards of Herzegovina, you’ll discover the region's rich winemaking heritage. A highlight of your day is a visit to the Blagaj Tekija, a magnificent 16th-century Sufi monastery dramatically built into a sheer cliff face at the source of the Buna River. From there, your ride carries you through the beautiful valley carved by the Neretva River, eventually leading you to the charming town of Čapljina.
Nestled beside the tranquil Neretva River, Hotel Storia welcomes you to an oasis of serenity where history and modern luxury converge. Unwind in the hotel’s elegant wellness spa before indulging in an exquisite dining experience that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Herzegovina.
Approx. 55 km (34 miles), 2-3 hours biking
Today, your path continues along the Ciro Trail, skirting the edge of Hutovo Blato Nature Park. This unique sub-Mediterranean wetland is a vital haven for birdlife, providing a resting place for over 250 species of migratory birds throughout the year. As you cycle, you'll pass through several old railway stations that have been converted into charming rest stops, including a station near the remnants of a Roman Villa Rustica in Mogorjelo. Your journey then leads you through the stations of Brštanica and finally to Ravno, the largest settlement on this section of the trail, offering a glimpse into the region's history and natural splendor.
The Hotel Stanica Ravno is a boutique 4-star hotel, uniquely situated in a stunningly restored historic railway station. You can enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the indoor dining area or on the outdoor terrace, with breathtaking views of the mountains adding an extra layer of flavour.
Approx. 52 km (32 miles), 2-3 hours biking
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 through the Popovo fields, an area that flooded regularly in the past, leading most of the ancient villages to be located on the sides of the dry limestone mountains and ridges. Continue cycling along old train tracks repurposed as village roads to the little, lovely town of Trebinje. Explore the old town before a transfer takes you to the Adriatic coast and an overnight stay in Dubrovnik, at the Hotel Adria.
Perched majestically above Gruž Harbour, Hotel Adria offers breathtaking views of the Elaphiti Islands from every balcony, inviting you to unwind in its elegant rooms or by the shimmering indoor and outdoor pools. Indulge your senses in the hotel's wellness center and spa, or savor exquisite local flavors at the restaurant before retreating to the comfort of your seaside haven.
This morning, your Balkan adventure comes to an end. Savour one last breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey. Bid your farewells for your onward journey.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
- The departure point is Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
- The finish point is Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Sarajevo. The closest airport to Sarajevo is Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), located approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) southwest of the city centre.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
The climates of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia offer distinct travel experiences depending on the region. Croatia's coastline has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny summers where temperatures average 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Winters are mild, typically ranging from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Inland, Bosnia and Herzegovina experiences a continental climate. Summer temperatures in the valleys often reach 30 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the alpine winters are cold, with snow and temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. These varying climates provide different environments for travellers, from the warm Adriatic coast to the cooler mountain regions.
The biking level on this trip is rated Level 2 Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: First time cyclists, leisure riders, relaxed explorers. Typical daily distance 20-60km. Typical ascent up to 400m. Time on the saddle 2-4 hours. Terrain & roads are quiet lanes, cycle paths, mostly flat or gently rolling. Easy navigation via app. Ideal for vineyard routes, riverside paths and cultural cycling
Level 2 Moderate: Regular cyclists in good health. Typical daily distance 40-90km. Typical ascent up to 600m. Time on the saddle 3-5 hours. Terrain & roads are mixed terrain with rolling hills. Confident app navigation or GPS use. Our most popular cycling level. Distances can be higher with e-bikes
Level 3 Demanding: Fit, experienced cyclists. Typical daily distance 50-100km+. Typical ascent up to 1,000m. Time on the saddle 5-7 hours. Terrain & roads are mountain roads, sustained climbs. Strong navigation skills required. Longer, more physical cycling days
Level 4 Challenging: Very fit, confident cyclists. Typical daily distance. Long distances depending on terrain. Typical ascent up to 1,500m. Time on the saddle 6-8 hours. Terrain & roads are alpine or remote terrain, major climbs. Advanced navigation confidence. Altitude, heat and remoteness increase difficulty
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.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 100 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 100 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 100 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 100 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.