Adriatic Ascents
The Balkans
Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia & Herzegovina
This four-country road biking tour is the ultimate journey to explore and get the most out of diverse and culturally rich countries of the Balkans. Experience stunning landscapes from towering mountain ranges, deep blue lakes to the idyllic Adriatic coast. Here you will also find remarkable architecture, charming old towns and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Tour Dates
Tours run:
- May
- June
- August
- September
Tour Details
- Duration: 8-days
- Ride Type: Road
- Difficulty: Etape (Level 5 of 6)
- Average Daily Mileage: 54
- Price: $2,525
Dubrovnik, Croatia, known for its majestic city walls that overlook the Adriatic Sea, is our starting point for this tour.
We cycle along the stunning coastline and head up and around to charming Trebinje in Bosnia & Herzegovina, which is just waiting to be rediscovered by you.
Montenegro is the third country of the tour and we cycle along the stunning Bay of Kotor by way of introduction. Explore the alleyways of the fortified medieval town of Kotor before continuing on an epic climb as we ascend the 21 switchbacks of the Kotor Serpentine.
This dramatic day ends with a scenic train ride up to the mountain resort of Kolasin.
Though we have ascended with the train to 940m, more climbing awaits before a thrilling downhill to the lakeside village of Plav.
Soon after we cross into Albania our next climb awaits, as we take on Leqet e Hotit and ascend 6 km with an average grade of 8%. Descending we end at the laid back town of Shokdra and have time to enjoy the cafe culture.
It is back to Montenegro to end our tour at the village of Virpazar and a celebration drink on the shore of Lake Skadar.
Return home with bragging rights of having cycled through four countries and conquering numerous challenging and iconic climbs.
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival – Dubrovnik
DAY 2 – Dubrovnik, Croatia – Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina
DAY 3 – Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina – Kotor, Montenegro
DAY 4 – Kotor, Montenegro – Kolasin, Montenegro
DAY 5 – Kolasin, Montenegro – Plav, Montenegro
DAY 6 – Plav, Montenegro – Shkodra, Albania
DAY 7 – Shkodra, Albania – Virpazar, Montenegro
DAY 8 – Departure
* Request the full itinerary via the contact form below.
Highlights
- Trsteno Arboretum botanical garden (King’s Landing in Game of Thrones)
- Vjetrenica karst cave
- Wine tasting at Tvrdos Monastery
- Old town of Perast on Bay of Kotor
- Town of Kotor, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Kotor Serpentine & its 16-hairpin turns
- Lovcen National Park
- Lake Skadar – largest lake in Southern Europe
- Train ride to the resort mountain town of Kolasin
- Redzepagic tower
- Leqet e Hotit mountain pass
Inclusions
Cycling jersey
Water bottle
Support vehicle
Guide(s)
Meals (as indicated)
Accommodation
Snacks and drinks
Entrance fees
Train rides
This really is a great trip for all. As a solo traveller was also fortunate to have a great group to enjoy the experience with.
– Andy M
