Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Fly to Dubrovnik; transfer to Trebinje in Bosnia & Herzegovina. After meeting at the airport in Dubrovnik, Croatia, we transfer to the old Ottoman trading centre of Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina’s wine capital. Trebinje has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages with a beautiful intact old town that escaped damage during the war. We overnight in a hotel in the old centre.Hotel Leotar or similar Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Ride through Popovo Polje, enjoy a wine tasting in family owned winery and visit the Vjetrenica Cave, the largest underground cave in Bosnia. Our first day takes us on a circuit of this wine growing region, past the villages and vineyards of Popovo Polje with magnificent views on all sides of the Herzegovinian limestone mountains. We climb up to the impressive Vjetrenica Cave, one of the largest in the Dinaric Alps. This morning’s section is on the old train tracks that serviced the region until the early 70’s. After lunch we head across Popovo Polje, flanked by the impressive limestone peaks of the Dinaric Alps. Having arrived at the other side of the valley, we’ll put away our bikes for the day and take the transfer back to the Hotel. Before dinner, we enjoy a wine-tasting at one of Hercegovina's family owned wineries. Hotel Leotar or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 3 Take the back roads over the Orjen Mountain range in the Dinaric Alps into Montenegro, then descend to Herceg Novi on the Bay of Kotor. Today we head off in the direction of the impressive Orijen mountain range and Montenegro. However before we can cool off in the blue refreshing waters of the Adriatic our cycling journey takes us through a beautiful valley known for its delicate honey and pungent cheeses. After a 7km climb, we’ll make a short stop for a honey farming crash course from one of the local farmers. Here you can try your hand at extracting some of this golden elixir. The bee keeper moves his hives 3 times a year, so that the bees can visit different flowers and therefore produce different honey. As such it may be necessary to do this visit on day 2 depending on where the hives are when we visit the region.In the afternoon, we continue our climb as we enter Montenegro or ‘the Black Mountains’, with a last 3km climb section up to the border. From here we encounter rolling hills and extensive views of the Adriatic. Just before our early afternoon descent ends in the old seafarers' town of Herceg Novi, we'll stop for a picnic lunch at a beautiful viewpoint above the town. Later on we continue our ride along the beach to the hotel where we can go for a swim before dinner. We overnight in a seaside hotel.Hotel Sun Resort or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 4 Boat transfer across the bay to the Listica Peninsula; ride the olive routes, before cycling the inner bay road to Kotor via the Venetian town of Perast. We start the day with a 30 min boat ride across the beautiful outer Bay of Kotor from Herceg Novi to the traditional fishing village of Rose while our bikes are transported by the small ferry. We meander across the tranquil Lustica Peninsula and enjoy a warm welcome and a visit to the traditional olive oil farm of the Moric family. The road continues to the inner Bay of Kotor, winding peacefully along the shores with spectacular mountain landscapes plunging into the deep waters of the bay. We will then stop for a 45 minute swim and coffee break near the baroque town of Perast. We finish the day riding into Kotor and our hotel base just a short walk from Kotor Old Town with its historic city walls, cobbled streets, piazzas and coffee shops. Hotel Marija 2 or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 5 Climb from Kotor to Lovcen Mountain via Njegusi to try traditional cheese and smoked ham; visit the famous mausoleum on Lovcen Peak. The challenge today is to ascend the incredible serpentine road leading to Lovcen National Park high above the Bay of Kotor. Each turn in the road brings a new vista and the top of the road affords breathtaking views over the bay and in total there are a dizzying 26 switchbacks! Once marking the frontier between Austria, Hungary and the old Montenegro the origins of this road are steeped in history. Upon entering the national park a much more alpine landscape opens up, contrasting sharply with the Mediterranean coastline just a few kilometres away. One of the most important sites on Lovcen Mountains, from a cultural perspective, is the mausoleum of the celebrated Montenegrin poet and philosopher Njegos, which we may be able to visit after the end our ride. We then have time to explore the area or perhaps go for a swim in our comfortable hotel in the national park.Hotel Monte Rosa or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 6 Descend to Skadar Lake via the ancient route connecting the hinterlands to the Adriatic Coast; en route stop at Cetinje, the former royal seat of Montenegro, finishing in Virpazar. Having climbed up to Lovcen, today we start with the descent to Cetinje, the former royal capital of Montenegro, a town of faded grandeur epitomised by the once imposing embassies and the Royal Palace. We take a short stop to explore the town itself. The descent continues towards the vast Skadar Lake, on the border with Albania. On the horizon during today's ride stand the distant but imposing peaks of the Prokletije (Accursed) Mountains, the lands of feudal tribes for centuries. The ride follows the River 'Crnojevica', a major tributary to Skadar Lake, all the way to its entry point into the lake itself. We end the ride at the fishing village of Virpazar. After visiting this charming hamlet we take a 40min transfer to our Hotel in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro; our base for the night.Hotel Podgorica or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 7 Transfer from Virpazar to Nevesinje, climb Mt Velez and descend into Mostar. This morning we start with a long (5hr) road transfer to the Montenegrin / Bosnian border at Vrancenovici Bileca and Nevesinje. This journey allows us to climb Velez Mountain, Herzegovina’s sleeping giant. Velez offers stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as a range of fortifications built by the Austrians in the late 19th Century. The highlight of today is a fast and beautiful descent along the old postal service route to Mostar. Very few people get to see Mostar from above. The route takes us directly to Mostar’s old bridge and the Neretva River, a fantastic way to end our riding.Hotel Kapetanovina or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 8 Drive to Dubrovnik via the traditional towns of Blagaj and Stolac; afternoon free to explore. We transfer (3hrs) to Dubrovnik for a well deserved tour of the town and swim in the Adriatic. We’ll stop along the way in the nearby village of Blagaj, with its well known Buna Spring and the adjacent Ottoman house/monastery. The spring here is amazing. It flows out of a 200m cliff wall and singlehandedly creates the Buna River. Dubrovnik is our final destination and a great way to end. This magnificent walled city lies at the southernmost tip of Croatia. Formerly a prosperous trading centre, Dubrovnik is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its perfectly preserved Old Town and rich cultural life draw many visitors each year.Hotel Komodor or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport; fly to London. We head for the airport and home. You may however wish to extend your stay in the town to further explore its cobbled streets or enjoy the beautiful coastline. Should you wish to do so please ask a member of the sales team about our post tour nights. Meals included: Breakfast
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Hotel & Lodge Please be advised that the below accommodation listed in each location are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality. Accommodation in this region varies as much as the landscape, however we have selected well-run hotels offering good locations, comfortable rooms and a warm welcome. All the accommodation has private en suite facilities and offer free Wi-Fi. Most nights are in locally rated 3-star hotels, and 1 night is in a new mountain lodge on Lovcen Mountain. Trebinje- Hotel Leotar Herceg Novi- Hotel Sun Resort Kotor- Hotel Marija I Ivanova Korita- Hotel Monte Rosa Podgorica- Hotel Union Mostar- Hotel Almira Dubrovnik- Hotel Komodor Single supplements are available on request and are subject to availability.
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Reviewed October 2019 Emily Lever Trip: Cycling Bosnia & Montenegro I loved it! There we’re so many highlights from this trip, it’s hard to pick just one. Even getting rain soaked on day one was a bonding experience! I came on the trip to have some hard cycling and to learn something about a country I’d heard so much about but had very little understanding of. It exceeded every expectation in every way and my only regret is that I can’t go back and do it all again. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The 26 switch back day and the hill climbs afterwards were the toughest but most rewarding cycling experience. But for me, it was getting to meet so many new people - bee keepers, olive growers, so many cats...and our group was amazing with a lot of laughter. What did you think of your group leader? There are no words for how wonderful Sabina was throughout the whole trip. She never stopped smiling, explaining about the history and culture of where we were and most importantly, having fun with us. It was a dream team with Sabina, Irhad and Eldar, and all three of them made it an unforgettable trip with a lot of laughs along the way. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don’t worry too much about currency - you can get Bosnian marks from an ATM when you arrive. Take some euros and kuna for Montenegro and Croatia in advance. Is there anything else you would like to add? I’d end the trip in Sarajevo and not Dubrovnik. The latter is a beautiful place and a draw for lots of people who haven’t been there before...but I’d say that if you want to the true Bosnian experience and learn more about the history of the country - Sarajevo would definitely be more interesting (and cheaper!!)
Reviewed May 2019 Kathy Chellew Trip: Cycling Bosnia & Montenegro Come Rain or Come Shine Great way to see such a beautiful part of the world; the scenery in Montenegro was breathtaking and we got to see it for long hours during the extended climbs. We were really unlucky with the weather - it only stopped raining for one day and was very cold for May - but our cheery guides and group kept our spirits up, particularly with Rakija, the fire water of the Balkans! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We all loved the long cycle along the coast to Kotor Bay, especially because the sun finally broke through the rain clouds, and the epic scenery. The 26-switchback mountain day gave us all a great sense of achievement, with stunning views all the way up, and because the weather was so cold, we made it to the top in record time! And the boat trip on Lake Skadar was a great chance to unwind, with wine, sun and swimming. What did you think of your group leader? Sabina was superb. Always had a sunny disposition despite the cold and rain. And Sacha her able assistant was an amazing mechanic who kept the bikes in top condition. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Add some time on at the start or finish to see more of Croatia/Dubrovnik. It seemed a shame that Sarajevo was not part of the itinerary, so it would have been good to allow time to see that city too. Is there anything else you would like to add? Bring ear plugs for Kotor - the hotel is in the old town and I imagine in high summer it will be very noisy all night long. I think a hotel outside the old town with a chance to swim in the sea might be an improvement.
Reviewed May 2019 James Bennett Trip: Cycling Bosnia & Montenegro Cycling in the bltkans Thoroughly enjoyed the trip despite the poor weather. Very engaging and professional crew What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Getting to the top of that very very very steep climb above kotor What did you think of your group leader? Very good Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do it - however, not recommended for the occasional cyclist
Reviewed August 2018 Sue Mapes Trip: Cycling Bosnia & Montenegro Fantastic cycling in stunning scenery My 16 year old daughter and myself enjoyed this tour recently, the scenery is absolutely stunning and efforts pedalling on the bikes were well and truly rewarded. The guide was delightful, energetic, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and capable, she was assisted by an equally positive and inspiring driver / mechanic. The tour itinerary details the difficulty of the cycling, a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as adequate bike handling skills to manage the poor road surfaces that crop up now and again. Having previously completed tours with other companies where the entire day would be spent in the saddle, this tour was refreshing with lots of other activities including visiting a honey making farm, several wineries, caves and an olive oil producer. Many thanks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Climbing the switchbacks. What did you think of your group leader? Superb Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read the trip notes so you know what to expect Is there anything else you would like to add? Thanks - it was fab
Reviewed August 2018 Tony Chau Trip: Cycling Bosnia & Montenegro Beautiful country with amazing group of cyclist It was our 9th Exodus cycling trip for me and my wife and we have chosen Bosnia and Montenegro because it was Moderate/Challenging (and that didn't disappoint). We had lovely Sabina guiding us (she rode with us all the way including supporting us on the tough climbs) as well as Sasa (an ex-downhill MTB racer) fixing our bikes/nice picnic lunches and following us in the van to make sure we are okay. We went through beautiful country as well as lots of interesting visits (the wine was surprisingly good!). We stayed at nice hotels (beach resort, ski lodges and hotels in middle of the old towns) and had great tasting and very reasonably priced food. Did I say cycling is great too? What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The climb out of Kotor was great. Because of the road works, we had an additional challenging final few kilometres climbing on "gravel" rather than tarmac. So glad that the whole group made it to the top under our own steam. Great support and encouragement from Sabina helps a lot too! What did you think of your group leader? Sabina is one of the best Exodus group leader. She rode with us all the way and gave us safety briefing to ensure that we knew what to expected. She worked hard with Sasa to make sure everything went according to plan and always asked for (and listen to) our feedback to make sure that we were all happy and the riding pace suits everyone. She knew all the best places to go for dinner (with great food at very reasonable price) and her encyclopedia knowledge of the dates and the history made the stories much more interesting. Her selfies with us must be one of the best..... Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We went through 3 countries and each have their own currency. We found the cheapest way is to bring some Euros, get some BAM from the ATM on day 1 for Bosnia and then change the left over in Croatia for Kuna to spend on the last day. Oh - and do some practise climbs before you go especially if you are a pure roadie, do try and get some miles on a gravel /mountain bike (95% of the ride is on smooth tarmac but there are a few K of gravel). Is there anything else you would like to add? We were lucky that although we were a relatively large group (14 of us), we had similar riding ability and all of us got on well (including the post ride drinks :) ). We didn't get rain on (quite hot on some days but not a problem once you are moving) and the places that we visited were very memorable.
Reviewed August 2018 Amy Chau Trip: Cycling Bosnia & Montenegro Bosnia/Montenegro - beautiful mountains and lake The mountains and sea view were great which kept us occupied during the 26 switchbacks. The accommodation and facilities were better than I expected. We have our lovely and enthusiastic guide Sabina to tell us about the history and traditional food and drinks. Really enjoyed the scenery as well the fresh sea food and fruits along the way. The visits to bee hive, olive production and wine tasting were very educational and loved the boat trip on Lake Skadar. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? At the top of Lovcen looking down at Kotor and co-mingling with the birds in the middle of Lake Skadar. What did you think of your group leader? Sabina is fantastic. She is knowledgeable, sincere and enthusiastic. She is very conscious of safety and the welfare of the group and constantly seek feedback. She is so efficient too and sent us all the photos and routes straight after the trip. She offered to help our fellow riders on their extension. One of the best leaders I have seen. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Maybe bring some of your favourite snacks and don't complain about not enough food. Enjoy the scenery and take lots of photos. Is there anything else you would like to add? Sasha is very friendly and enthusiastic. He brought us healthy fresh bread and fruits everyday. With his in depth bike knowledge we felt that our bikes were in good hand and he did clean and check them all every day. He always carries a big smile and great if you want to talk about bikes! He knows it all.
Reviewed August 2018 Amy Chau Trip: Cycling Bosnia & Montenegro Bosnia/Montenegro - beautiful mountains and lake The mountains and sea view were great which kept us occupied during the 26 switchbacks. The accommodation and facilities were better than I expected. We have our lovely and enthusiastic guide Sabina to tell us about the history and traditional food and drinks. Really enjoyed the scenery as well the fresh sea food and fruits along the way. The visits to bee hive, olive production and wine tasting were very educational and loved the boat trip on Lake Skadar. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? At the top of Lovcen looking down at Kotor and co-mingling with the birds in the middle of Lake Skadar. What did you think of your group leader? Sabina is fantastic. She is knowledgeable, sincere and enthusiastic. She is very conscious of safety and the welfare of the group and constantly seek feedback. She is so efficient too and sent us all the photos and routes straight after the trip. She offered to help our fellow riders on their extension. One of the best leaders I have seen. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Maybe bring some of your favourite snacks and don't complain about not enough food. Enjoy the scenery and take lots of photos. Is there anything else you would like to add? Sasha is very friendly and enthusiastic. He brought us healthy fresh bread and fruits everyday. With his in depth bike knowledge we felt that our bikes were in good hand and he did clean and check them all every day. He always carries a big smile and great if you want to talk about bikes! He knows it all.
Reviewed August 2018 Stephen Barlas Trip: Cycling Bosnia & Montenegro Great views, challenging cycling Previous reviews about the scenery are accurate. Beautiful terrain, friendly Balkan people. Also, our lead guide, Sabina, and van driver/bike mechanic, Sasha, were extraordinary in every way, eagerly sharing insights on local history and culture. Both were kind and unflappable. The tour was hectic, however. Left hotel at 8:30 am, reached next hotel generally late in afternoon. An hour or two before dinner, which was generally over by 10 pm. There were no rest days, or really much time to kick back for personal time. For example, there was no time to tour the interesting towns of Kotor or Mostar and really get a feel for them. This is a cycling tour, though. And there was plenty of very tough riding, including two days with sections on very loose scree, one uphill, one downhill. Most people felt the uphill portion was the toughest ride they had ever done. It was maybe three or four miles, Crippling! The downhill section was dangerous, period. Mountain biking skills needed! More generally, there were long uphills every day of grades between 3 up to 8 and 10 percent. The climb out of Kotor was 18 miles or so, including the scree incline up to Lovcen National Park. There was nothing moderate about the cycling on any day. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Completing tough climbs.
Reviewed July 2018 Mairi Anstruther Trip: Cycling Bosnia & Montenegro Cycling Bosnia & Montenegro This was a fabulous trip with great views throughout the days uphills on the bike, on this trip you get to see the views, and experience a variety of aspects of Bosnian and Montenegro life and culture. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Getting to the top of the climb out of Kotor , and seeing the views, and enjoying beautiful surroundings in a fabulous setting What did you think of your group leader? Sabina was excellent, very knowledgable and keen to ensure everyone was taken care of, on the cycles, on our variety of trips, discussing and agreeing options...she really was a very exceptional leader.
Reviewed June 2018 j h allen Trip: Cycling Bosnia & Montenegro Cilmbing and descending Limestone mountains in BOsnia & Montenegro Stunning scenery, awesome climbs - long but not impossible - leading to spectacular views. Fabulous descending for hours,taking care on the switchbacks. Gorgeous ride along the shores of the Gulf of Kotor, Amazing descent into Mostar. Interspersed with visits to taste honey like you have never tasted before; tasting of olive oil - it's peppery; tasting local wines. A visit to limestone caves, A boat trip on Lake Skadar. A visit to a museum and a mausoleum on top of a mountain. And a thunderstorm of impressive proportions - luckily we were in a restaurant sampling grappa. How much more can you pack into 6 days cycling What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the top of the Serpentine Road What did you think of your group leader? Seriously good: great sense of humour, very good bike mechanic, great ride leader, knowledgeable, friendly, worked tirelessly to make the trip really memorable for all of us. And big shout out for the support van driver - always ready with food, insight into the area, friendly, great sense of humour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Would recommend taking bar ends if using the hire bikes; they are fit for purpose but if you are a roady then the bars are way too wide and you don't have enough positions on the flat bars to give your palms a rest Is there anything else you would like to add? Just go - it's wonderful
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