Cycling through the wild Balkans
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationMontenegro / Balkans
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions130.49 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a unique journey through the Western Balkans , where Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro unfold at your own pace. This carefully planned cycling route, following quiet roads , offers a complete immersion amidst wild mountains , crystal-clear rivers, and traditional villages .
This tour harmoniously blends physical challenge with cultural discovery . You will explore unspoiled natural parks and historic cities , testaments to a rich and authentic heritage. Designed for your comfort, this tour includes an expert guide , mechanical assistance , and luggage transfer .
Each stage is punctuated by convivial moments shared over delicious meals and nights in comfortable accommodations . To guarantee a smooth and personalized experience, this trip takes place in a small group limited to 15 participants . A human and sporting adventure in the heart of untamed nature, far from the beaten track.
The highlights
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Discover Sarajevo, the Jerusalem of Europe
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We stay in the best accommodations available in the region.
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Enjoy the comfort and delicious cuisine after your activities
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle 50 km a day. The stages are sometimes hilly and follow cycle paths, greenways, and secondary roads. A trip suitable for anyone who cycles occasionally.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 56 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 532 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
French
Our tour leaders are experienced cyclists and professional guides, accustomed to leading groups on this type of terrain. Local experts, they know the routes and conditions perfectly. They ensure safety, group cohesion, and a high-quality experience. All are trained in first aid to guarantee a worry-free ride.
Program
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Arrival and transfer to Sarajevo
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 11km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The group will be met at Sarajevo airport and transferred to the hotel. Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and the rest of the group. After a briefing about the trip, you will have free time to explore the surroundings at your own pace before dinner.
Day 1 -
Discovering Sarajevo, the “Jerusalem of Europe”
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 10 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Guided tour of Sarajevo in the morning (approximately 2.5 hours). You will explore the Bascarsija district, the historic heart of the city, with its lively alleyways, artisan workshops and oriental bazaars.
Throughout the tour, you will discover the rich and multicultural history of Sarajevo, marked by Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. You will pass by the city's main sites, such as cathedrals and pedestrian zones, as well as the site linked to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a pivotal event at the start of the First World War.
In the afternoon, we set off by bike towards Vrelo Bosne, the source of the Bosna river. A pleasant ride on flat terrain allows us to enjoy a peaceful natural setting on the outskirts of the city.
Day 2 -
Through the Praca canyon to Gorazde
- Transportation Minibus - 12h40 - 25km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 71 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early morning transfer to Pale (approximately 40 minutes). Start of the cycling stage towards Gorazde, through the mountainous landscapes of the Jahorina region.
The route winds through deciduous forests, rural areas, and small villages, offering an immersion in a pristine natural environment. Part of the day is spent on unpaved roads, including in the wild Praca canyon.
Day 3 -
Cycling along the Drina River to Montenegro
- Transportation Minibus - 00h50 - 40km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 67 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting by bike from Gorazde, following the spectacular Drina River gorge. The route passes through several small villages, such as Ustikolina and Brod, in a remarkable natural setting.
After approximately 40 km, you leave the Drina Valley and head southwest towards the Durmitor massif in Montenegro. After crossing the border at Scepan Polje, the cycling stage ends before you enter the Piva Canyon.
Transfer (approximately 40 km) to the traditional village of Izlazak, located in Rudinice. Situated on a hill, this village offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes and provides an ideal setting to relax after the day.
Day 4 -
On the road to Ostrog Monastery
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h20
- Distance 58 km
- Positive elevation gain 590 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Return by bike. The day begins with a gradual climb from Izlazak (approximately 200m of elevation gain), followed by a hilly route through alpine landscapes.
After a section of approximately 10 km, a long descent leads towards the Niksic region. The route then continues to the village of Bogetici.
A short minibus transfer takes you to Ostrog Monastery, situated in a spectacular setting, nestled in the cliff. This major pilgrimage site offers a unique atmosphere and breathtaking views over the valley.
Return by bicycle to Bogetici, or overnight stay in an aparthotel.
Day 5 -
From the mountains to the capital
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h10
- Distance 65 km
- Positive elevation gain 120 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Stage by bike towards Podgorica, following the slopes of the Prekornica massif and the Zeta river valley.
The route descends gradually from approximately 750m altitude to Podgorica (20m), offering a pleasant stage that is mostly downhill.
On the way, we passed through the town of Danilovgrad with a break to refresh ourselves.
Arrival in Podgorica at the end of the day. Check-in at the hotel located in the city centre, where the group will spend the last two nights of the program.
Day 6 -
Lake Skadar and the historic town of Rijeka Crnojevica
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 60km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 52 km
- Positive elevation gain 820 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Transfer (approximately 40 minutes) to Virpazar, located on the shores of Lake Skadar, the starting point of the cycling stage.
The route runs alongside the lake, surrounded by limestone mountains, in a remarkable natural setting. Lake Skadar is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in Europe and is home to the Frisian pelican, among other species.
From Virpazar, you follow a scenic route to Rijeka Crnojevica, through typical Mediterranean landscapes.
A break in this small village steeped in history, the former capital of Montenegro in the 15th century, with free time to rest and have lunch.
Return by bicycle to Podgorica at the end of the day.
Day 7 -
Departure
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 12km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, transfer to Podgorica airport according to flight schedule.
Day 8
Accommodation
The Hotel President enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of Sarajevo's old town.
Ideal for exploring the city on foot, it's an excellent choice for both travelers seeking authenticity and those on business trips. It's also a perfect starting point for your itinerary, with a stay planned here for the first two nights.
Surrounded by iconic cultural and historical monuments, the hotel is also in the immediate vicinity of many traditional restaurants, as well as lively bars and pubs, offering a complete immersion in the unique atmosphere of Sarajevo.
Accommodation in this hotel or similar (same category), subject to availability.
The Behar Hotel is situated in a peaceful natural setting, near the Drina River and surrounded by the authentic landscapes of the Goražde region.
Offering a comfortable and pleasant environment, it provides an ideal place to relax after an active day. The hotel also offers various outdoor activities, allowing guests to fully enjoy the surrounding nature.
Subject to availability, accommodation in this hotel or a similar hotel of the same category.
The traditional village of Izlazak is located in a preserved natural environment, near the Piva canyon and the lake.
Composed of chalets built in a traditional style, blending stone and wood, it offers an authentic and peaceful atmosphere. It's an ideal place to relax after an active day and fully enjoy the surrounding nature.
Simple but welcoming accommodation, in harmony with the natural environment.
Ostrog Aparthotel Koliba is situated in a peaceful natural environment, near the Ostrog Monastery, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Comprising apartment-style units, it offers a comfortable stay in an authentic setting. It's an ideal place to relax after an active day, with direct access to nature.
Simple and comfortable accommodation, suitable for active holidays.
Subject to availability, accommodation in this establishment or a similar one of the same category.
The Carine Hotel Centar is a 4* hotel located in the heart of Podgorica, close to the city's main cultural and historical sites.
Offering a good level of comfort, it's an ideal place to relax after an active day. Its central location makes exploring the city easy on foot. The stay here is planned for the last two nights of the program.
Subject to availability, accommodation in this hotel or a similar hotel of the same category.
Access
Go to the starting point
From the airport to the hotel:
- Taxi: Allow approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The standard fare is around €15 to €25 (30-50 km). Use official companies such as Crveni Taxi or Zuti Taxi .
- Shuttle Bus (Centrotrans): It connects the airport to the city center (stop "Vijećnica" right next to the hotel). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around €2.50 (5 km).
Price details
The price includes
- Transfer from Sarajevo airport to the hotel (private transfer, regardless of arrival time)
- 7 nights' accommodation (4 nights in 4* hotels, 1 night in the traditional village of Izlazak, 1 night in a 3* hotel in Gorazde and 1 night in an aparthotel in Bogetici)
- 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners and 1 lunch
- Transport and transfer of luggage during the tour
- Supervision by a professional guide and mechanical assistance
- Guided tour of Sarajevo
- Snacks and refreshing drinks during the cycling stages
- Provision of 24-speed hybrid bicycles
- Support vehicle during the cycling stages
- Transfer from your hotel in Podgorica to the airport (private transfer, regardless of departure time)
- Price based on double occupancy
The price does not include
- Meals not mentioned in the "What's included" section
- Drinks during meals
- Air transport
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Options
- electric bike : CHF237.85 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
