The Ciro Cycling Trail: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik

The Ciro Cycling Trail: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik

heart_plus
tourhub | The Natural Adventure | The Ciro Cycling Trail: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik | 359
38 Views
8 Days From

$1181

The Ciro Cycling Trail: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik

8 Days Starting in Sarajevo and ending in Dubrovnik

Visiting: Sarajevo, Igman, Tušila, Bjelašnica, Visočica, Boračko Lake, Mostar, Čapljina, Zavala, Dubrovnik

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

359

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium, Fit

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing

From: $1181

NB: Prices correct on 02-Jul-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The scenic Ciro Trail is a unique bicycle route opened in 2017 that runs through the Dinaric Alps between Mostar in the southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Dubrovnik in Croatia. The 160-km paved cycle track follows the route of the old Austro-Hungarian railway line built in the 1900s and closed in the 1970s. The trail is often described as an “open-air museum”

Highlights

  • Explore the tumultuous history of Sarajevo

  • Ride over Bjelasnica, the 1984 Olympic mountain range

  • Explore the wine routes of Herzegovina

  • Ride along the Ciro Austro Hungarian narrow-gauge railway

  • Zavala Orthodox monastery

  • Vjetrenica Cave

  • Cross the rugged Dinaric Alps

  • Take in Dubrovnik Old Town

  • Swim in the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Sarajevo

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation Name: Pension Kandilj or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrival on your own in Sarajevo. Depending on the time of your arrival you will have the rest of the day for exploring the numerous cultural riches of the city.

Day 2 : Igman War Route And The Olympic Experience | 61Km

Location: Igman, Tušila

Accommodation Name: Vrela Mountain Hut or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

On your first day, you’ll follow a path from Sarajevo to Igman and Bjelašnica Mountain, the site of the men’s downhill and ski jump during the 1984 Olympic Winter Games. You will cycle along the route over Igman connecting Sarajevo to the outside world during the war in the 90’s. Overnight in Tusila.

Cycling for the day: 61km, ↑1,300m

Day 3 : Bjelasnica And Visocica Mountains | 55Km

Location: Bjelašnica, Visočica

Accommodation Name: Vila Sunce Boracko Lake or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Starting from Umoljani village, today you go through Bjelašnica and Visočica mountain ranges to Boračko lake, following the Caravan trading route used during the Ottoman era. The gentle asphalt road will soon give way to a more challenging and steep road on a stretch between the Bjelašnica and Visočica Massifs through the heart of the Visočica Range. You pass medieval tombstones and monuments of Bosnia’s turbulent history, reminders of what once was a mighty kingdom stretching all the way to the Dalmatian coast.

Cycling for the day: 55km, ↑680m

Day 4 : Boracko Glacier Lake To Mostar | 60Km

Location: Boračko Lake, Mostar

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Almira or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

You start the morning and warm up your legs with a strenuous climb out of Boračko Lake and then a spectacular ride across the Prenj mountain range. This is a challenging ride with switchbacks and climbing on a mix of gravel and secondary asphalt roads.

Cycling for the day: 60km, ↑940m

Day 5 : Mostar To Capljina | 60Km

Location: Mostar, Čapljina

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hutovo Blato, Park Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s ride starts in Mostar and ends in the town of Capljina. At the beginning, you can stop at Blagaj visiting the spring of Buna river and a 600-year old historical tekke (a Dervish monastery), uniquely perched on a 200 metre-high cliff that overlooks the entire area.

Cycling for the day: 60km, ↑410m

Day 6 : Capljina To Zavala | 60Km

Location: Čapljina, Zavala

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse Zavala or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s ride along the Ciro Trail will take you on a gravel path along vast fields and mounting beautiful old railway bridges, through the Hutovo Blato nature park. During the day you will be able to stop at various viewpoints and old railway stations: Capljina – Roman Villa Rustica – Ciro station Brstanica – Ciro station Ravno – Ciro station Zavala. In Zavala, you have the opportunity to visit one of the biggest speleological sights in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Vjetrenica Cave. Another place of interest is the XVI century Christian Orthodox Monastery of Zavala.

Cycling for the day: 60km, ↑950m

Day 7 : Zavala To Dubrovnik | 57Km

Location: Zavala, Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Komodor or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You begin your ride along Popovo fields, an area that was flooded regularly in the past and as a result, most of the old villages today are located up on the sides of the dry limestone mountains and ridges. You will cycle along the old train tracks in direction of Ivanica Border Crossing. There is almost no traffic at all and the route is very enjoyable for riding. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Walking for the day: 57km, ↑450m

Day 8 : Departure

Location: Dubrovnik

Meals Included: No Meals

Departure on your own, or extra nights in Dubrovnik

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    7 nights in 3-star hotels and family pensions (private rooms with en-suite facilities)

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, and 3 dinners

  • Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route

  • Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel on all cycling days

  • 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • Airfare and connecting land transfers

  • Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks

  • Personal expenses

  • Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)

  • Any items not explicitly listed as included

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No they aren't

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    This holiday is appropriate for experienced cyclists and requires a good level of fitness (read more about difficulty grades). You will cycle on average of 60km per day, with an average daily elevation gain of 900m. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No they aren't

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No they aren't

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No they aren't

  • When to go?

    This trip is available between May and October. The flexibility of self guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date in the season – so please indicate desired beginning date when booking. During the active season, the weather is normally pleasant and sunny. More rain is expected at the beginning and the end of the season, and it gets warmer during July and August.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren  

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Li W (Google Reviewer)  

Promised clean yet simple accommodation...

24-Jun-2024

Promised clean yet simple accommodation turned out to be noisy and dirty. Some of the walks were borderline dangerous. The trip was ok but way overpriced for the quality offered. I was unable to provide and feedback directly to the company as I never received feedback form. Apparently it's broken and it's been broken for the last month. I do not recommend.

James Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d...

02-May-2024

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d 100% recommend hiking the Camino, unfortunately I couldn’t recommend The Natural Adventure Company to anyone. We signed up for the Relaxed Portuguese Camino - however, the organisation was woeful. None of the private transfers showed up, the welcome pack wasn’t delivered on time, and many of the hotels were well-below standard - including one where the manager was extremely aggressive to both us and other customers. During the trip, there was no proactive support from the Natural Adventure, and their customer service was appalling. Even after the tour, I tried to contact the company to draw their attention to the myriad of other 1 star reviews for the hotel in question - which includes reviewers stating the hotel owner physically assaulted them - but unfortunately they weren’t interested. As other reviews have pointed out below, you should also beware that The Natural Adventure simply subcontract the entirety of their tours to other providers. So if you still want to sign up for this tour, you could cut out the middle man and book the EXACT same tour directly with Portugal Green Walks - for less money!

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 11, 2024 - Jul 18, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Jul 12, 2024 - Jul 19, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 14, 2024 - Jul 21, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Jul 15, 2024 - Jul 22, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 23, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 17, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 18, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Jul 19, 2024 - Jul 26, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 28, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Jul 22, 2024 - Jul 29, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 23, 2024 - Jul 30, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 24, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 25, 2024 - Aug 01, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Jul 26, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 27, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 04, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Jul 29, 2024 - Aug 05, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 30, 2024 - Aug 06, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 31, 2024 - Aug 07, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 08, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Aug 02, 2024 - Aug 09, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Aug 05, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 06, 2024 - Aug 13, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 07, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 08, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Aug 09, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 20, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 14, 2024 - Aug 21, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 15, 2024 - Aug 22, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Aug 16, 2024 - Aug 23, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 20, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 21, 2024 - Aug 28, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 22, 2024 - Aug 29, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Aug 23, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 25, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 02, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 27, 2024 - Sep 03, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 28, 2024 - Sep 04, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 29, 2024 - Sep 05, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 03, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 11, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 05, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Sep 09, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 11, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 12, 2024 - Sep 19, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 17, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 18, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Sep 20, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 24, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 08, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024
$1181

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024
$1181

Thursday - Thursday

Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024
$1181

Friday - Friday

Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
$1181

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
$1181

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
$1181

Monday - Monday

Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024
$1181

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024
$1181

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours