Montenegro and Croatia – 5 Days
Type of tour: Guided
Level: 3
Duration: 4 Nights
Distance: 25 Miles/day average
Dates: May 10, 17, 24, 31; Sep 6, 13, 20, 27, 2015 (minimum 8 participants)
Tour price: €790
Start city: Herceg Novi, Montenegro
End city: Kotor, Montenegro
Tour Description
The best way to explore Montenegro is by bike. On this tour, which can be perfectly combined with our boat and bike trips from Dubrovnik, we discover some particularly picturesque towns as well as the fantastic coast of Montenegro. Departure point of this journey is Dubrovnik in Croatia, one of the most beautiful cities in the Adriatic and a World Heritage site. Because of its historical importance it is often called the “Athens of Croatia”.
Montenegro, one of the youngest states in the world, is our main destination. Together with our guides we discover the bay of Kotor whose steep limestone cliffs make it one of the most impressive landscapes in the entire Adriatic. Also visited are the coastal cities of Kotor and Budva as well as Montenegro’s former capital Cetinje.
Highlights: Guided Daily Program: Guided Day 1: Dubrovnik – Herceg Novi (6 mi/10 km) Your first destination is the city of Herceg Novi, situated at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor. After checking in at your hotel, you’ll take your first short but beautiful cycle tour along the promenade. Later in the afternoon a local tour guide will show you around the beautiful old town and the medieval fortress of Herceg Novi.Overnight in Herceg Novi Day 2: Herceg Novi – Budva (31 mi/50 km) In the afternoon there will be enough time to explore the lively and picturesque old town of Budva on your own or you can cycle a bit further to visit the famous resort island of Sveti Stefan. Before dinner you can join a guided city tour through Budva, which has a very interesting history and was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1979. Overnight in Budva Day 3: Centinje – Virpazar – Rijeka Crnojevica (38 mi/60 km) In the afternoon you’ll cycle on an almost traffic-free road as far as Rijeka Crnojevica. From there you have a transfer to Cetinje, where you’ll join another a guided city tour.Overnight in Cetinje Day 4: Cetinje – Lovcen – Kotor (26 mi/52 km) Today’s cycle tour ends in Kotor, a town that is almost 2000 years old and famous for its medieval centre, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take advantage of the guided city tour and then perhaps spend the rest of the day with a leisurely walk through town and drink at one of the numerous cozy cafès and bars. Day 5: Kotor – Dubrovnik Included Services: Guided Note: Bike Rentals: Guided All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge: You can bring your own bicycles (at no extra cost). However, the crew or tour operator are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles. Pedals: Seats: Helmets: Bicycle insurance is available to buy. It costs 10 Euros/week for the hybrid touring bikes, and 20 Euros/week for the electrically assisted bikes. Additional specifications on the Hybrid touring bikes: Please note that the bikes are deliberately NOT equipped with water bottle holders. There is room in the saddle bag to carry a bottle of water, along with everything else you need for the daily rides. Additional specifications on the Electrically assisted bikes: The i:SY-Flyer ECO, a relatively light model of 50 pounds (21 kg), is a compact bike with a special low frame geometry for easy mounting and 20-inch wheels. The handlebar “Speedlifter Twist” is turnable, making the bike space-efficient for storage. This E-Bike model is equipped with an 8-gear-Shimano hub gearshift (Nexus), as well as Shimano V-brakes. It has a 10-amp battery along with an 8-amp back-up that allow for unlimited riding. The type i:SY Flyer ECO is available for all persons with a height of 150- 190 cm (it is not available for heights above 190 cm).
Upon your arrival in Dubrovnik you should take a taxi to the city harbour Gruz (approximately €40). You will meet a transfer bus in the harbor late this morning. From Dubrovnik city harbour Gruz, you’ll have about an hour’s bus ride to reach the Montenegrin border.
In the morning cycle along the coastal road by the Bay of Kotor, until you reach the ferry from Leptane to Kamenari. From there your tour takes you first to Tivat and then on a nearly traffic-free panoramic road with spectacular views as far as Budva.
After a short transfer ride you’ll reach the former Montenegrin capital of Cetinje, where the President of Montenegro still has his official residence. From here, take a beautiful bike ride to Virpazar where you’ll enjoy your lunch beside the famous Skutari Lake, which was declared a national park in 1983. The Skutari Lake is almost 30 mi/48 km long and 9 mi/14 km wide, making it one of the biggest lakes of the Balkan peninsula. The lake is partly below the sea level and serves as a welcome resting place for the migratory birds on their journey south.
After breakfast a bus transfer takes you to Lovcen. Depending on your mood you’ll have the opportunity to leave the shuttle and cycle part of the ascent. From the highest point, more than 4921 ft/1500 m above sea level, you can expect a thrilling descent with spectacular view of the Bay of Kotor. It is the largest and best-protected bay in the entire Adriatic, surrounded by mountains that reach heights of up to 5577 ft/1700 m.
Overnight in Kotor
In the morning the transfer takes you back to Dubrovnik, where your tour ends in the late morning. You’ll need to arrange for transfer to the airport to begin your trip home or schedule an extended stay in Dubrovnik.
lunches and drinks throughout the tour are not included. There is a €10 fee per person for water (payable locally).
Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
If you plan to bring your own seat, please ensure that it is a universal seat post.
Please note that a few helmets are available with bike rental, advance reservation required. However, for safety and hygiene purposes, we strongly recommend that you bring your own helmet.
