Ride along the Croatian coastline and pedal into the heart of the Balkans on this multi-country cycling adventure. Starting in the historic walled city of Dubrovnik, this tour connects the stunning fjords and dramatic mountains of Montenegro with the rich history and unique culture of Albania. Enjoy the ascents and exhilarating downhill runs from Mount Lovcen, weave along the shores of immense Lake Skadar, and explore medieval fortresses and charming Ottoman era towns. Cross three countries in one week, enjoying quiet country roads, spectacular scenery, and plenty of opportunities to refuel on delicious local cuisine along the way, before finishing your journey in Albania's vibrant capital, Tirana.
Breakfast: 7
Explore Tour Leader
Bus
Cable Car
7 nights comfortable hotel
Moderate
Trip maximum 16 Explore average 11
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Arrive at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) and take a transfer to our hotel, located in the pleasant Lapad area.
Dubrovnik is a magnificent fortified city, fronted by the Adriatic and overlooked by the slopes of Mt Srdj. Its limestone-paved main street, the Stradun, is bordered by Baroque palaces and churches, restored following the medieval city plan. The mighty stone ramparts are known the world over and, provide views of the terracotta rooftops, hidden courtyards, and the sea itself.
For those arriving in Dubrovnik earlier in the day, consider exploring the historic Old Town. Luggage can be safely stored at the Dubrovnik main bus station, located a 10-minute walk from the airport transfer drop-off point. From there, you can take a short bus ride to the Old Town. Your tour leader or an Explore representative will provide further guidance.
This evening, we'll meet our tour leader and fellow cyclists for a welcome briefing to prepare for the days ahead.
Hotel Vis (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
We begin with a short morning transfer (approximately 35 minutes) to avoid the city traffic and we'll start our cycle near Zvekovica. Our ride follows quiet, undulating country roads through the beautiful Konavle region, characterised by cypress trees, low Mediterranean forest, and rich farmland. We continue to the border crossing before descending to the coast and after a short while, we'll enter Montenegro and the town of Herceg Novi, known as the 'City of the Sun'. Here, the afternoon is free to explore - you might like to take a walk up to the Ottoman-built Kanli Kula (Bloody Tower) for spectacular panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. In the late afternoon, we take a short transfer to our accommodation, including a ferry across the narrow Verige Strait, to the Kotor/Tivat area.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres/25 miles with 650 metres/2,130 feet of ascent and 750 metres/2,460 feet of descent.
Hotel Marija 2 (or similar)
Our route today offers a beautiful loop of the rugged Lustica Peninsula - the coastal arm guarding the entrance to Kotor Bay. Our journey begins with a short transfer to the starting point.
We'll cycle along scenic local roads through olive groves and coastal settlements like Radovici and Klinci. The route features rolling terrain with some notable climbs, including a 4.5 kilometre ascent. The gradient is however fairly consistent so we settle in to a comfortable pace as we climb. The effort is rewarded with spectacular views of the Adriatic and the opportunity to visit the charming village of Rose or the popular Plavi Horizonti beach. We'll end our ride back near Kotor.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 44 kilometres/27 miles with 850 metres/2,790 feet of ascent and descent.
This morning, we'll start with a short 20-minute transfer to the gondola station. We'll skip the massive climb out of Kotor Bay with a magnificent gondola ride up to Kuk on Mount Lovcen. From the high plateau, we begin a scenic and mostly downhill ride through the unique karst terrain of Lovcen National Park. We'll stop in Njegusi, the historical birthplace of the Montenegrin royal family, where there is an optional visit and tasting of traditional local prosciutto and cheese. Our 27 kilometre ride includes one 4 kilometre-long gradual climb before a long, rewarding descent into the former royal capital of Cetinje.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 27 kilometres/17 miles with 230 metres/755 feet of ascent and 940 metres/3,085 feet of descent.
Hotel Dapcevic (or similar)
Today we cycle straight from the hotel, heading out of Cetinje towards Lake Skadar National Park. The route starts with a short climb before a spectacular 13 kilometre descent into the riverside town of Rijeka Crnojevica, famous for its iconic horseshoe bend. We continue on an undulating road that winds through the rugged karst landscape, finishing our day in Virpazar, a small fishing village nestled on the shores of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in southern Europe.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres/25 miles with 520 metres/1,705 feet of ascent and 1,150 metres/3,770 feet of descent.
Hotel Pelikan (or similar)
Today is a slightly more challenging but an incredibly rewarding cycling day. We begin with a short transfer (10 minutes) to the Marstjepovici Pass, giving us a head start. From here, we cycle along a small road winding along the northern slopes of Rumija Mountain, offering dramatic views over the southern shore of Lake Skadar. The day features a quick 5 kilometre descent followed by two longer climbs (5 kilometres and 7 kilometres) before finishing with a glorious 7 kilometre descent to the town of Vladimir. A short transfer (45 minutes/ 23 kilometres) takes us to the border crossing and then into the historic Albanian city of Shkoder.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 39 kilometres/24 miles with 670 metres/ 2,200 feet of ascent and 1,080 metres/3,540 feet of descent.
Hotel Tradita (or similar)
Our final cycling day is a flatter, gentler ride as we cycle away from the mountains and through the Albanian lowlands. After a short transfer (15 minutes) to the start of the trail, we encounter mostly flat terrain, passing through small towns, villages, and farmland \emdash a contrast to the Montenegrin mountains. We cycle towards Lezhe, where there is an opportunity to visit the iconic mausoleum of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero. After lunch, we transfer (a 90-minute journey) to Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital, where we celebrate our final night together.
Our final ride is approximately 43 kilometres/27 miles with 170 metres/560 feet of ascent and 180 metres/590 feet of descent
Hotel Vila Verde City Center (or similar)
Our tour ends this morning at our hotel in Tirana, there are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Tirana Airport (TIA) which is a 30-minute drive from Tirana.
Total distance : 233 kilometres
Albania has a mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (ranging from 9 - 11 hours of sunshine a day in Tirana). Temperatures can reach up to 40°C in July. October to April is much cooler and can be wet. Albania is a mountainous country and the high peaks are snow-capped all year with seasonal weather patterns in the mountains that can be unpredictable.
+1
2 Pin Round
Islam, Albanian Orthodox, Roman Catholic
Albanian, Greek, Vlach, Romani, Slavic dialects
The Croatian Adriatic has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry, sunny summers. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally it is in the form of short showers. Thunderstorms can occur in summer, generally helping to cool the air. Hvar Island gets the most sunshine in summer with 10-12 hours each day, followed by Split, Korcula Island and Dubrovnik with around 7-8 hours. Temperatures from May to October are generally in the low to mid 70's (in °F), but can reach into the 30's (in °C) in July and August. Trip itineraries with boat cruises can occasionally be disrupted due to bad weather.
Roman Catholic
Croatian
Montenegro's coastline has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters, whereas the more mountainous inland areas have a sub-alpine climate with warm summers and very cold winters with frequent snowfall. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn in the coastal areas, though generally this is in the form of short showers. In the mountains rainfall tends to be more frequent including around the Bay of Kotor. Temperatures from May to October are generally in the low to mid 20's (in °C), but can reach into the 30's (in °C) in July and August.
Christian (mainly Serbian Orthodox)
Montenegrin
When cycling: quick drying cycle tops, padded cycle shorts, lightweight wind and water proof jacket and warmer breathable layers where local conditions require. General: Pack essentially for hot or mild weather depending on the time of the year.
If you are not bringing cycle shoes then try to bring stiff-soled shoes as these are better for cycling - transmitting your energy into the pedals more efficiently. This becomes more relevant and recommended the more demanding the grade and distances to cover. SPD cycle shoes are not well suited to trips that combine sightseeing with cycling. Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops and possibly water shoes, as the beaches are stoney, are useful when not on the bike.
20Kg
We recommend you bring a daypack and one main piece of luggage (total allowance: 44lb/20kg) which will be transported between hotels while you cycle. Check the bike details section to see if a pannier or handlebar bag is provided on the bike.
It is compulsory to wear a cycling helmet on all Explore cycling holidays. As we cannot guarantee the quality or structural integrity of locally hired cycling helmets, it is a requirement that you bring your own helmet with you. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet. Cycle glasses to protect against dust, pollen and the sun, padded cycle gloves and a water bottle or water delivery system (e.g. camelback or platypus) are also useful. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details) then you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. Other items to consider bringing are a sunhat and sun cream, torch, earplugs and insect repellent. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.
Bus, Cable Car
Albanian cuisine is very meat- and dairy-heavy, and the local hospitality culture means you’ll rarely leave a meal hungry – especially when dining with a local family, where leftover food is part of showing generosity. While vegetarian options like stuffed peppers, bean stews and salads are available, they can be quite repetitive, and vegan dishes are often limited and lacking in variety. Halal food is commonly available thanks to Albania’s significant Muslim population, but kosher options are much more limited due to the small Jewish community. Gluten-free dishes such as grilled meats, salads and rice-based meals can be found in some restaurants, though it's always best to check with staff. Can you drink the water? Tap water in Albania isn’t considered safe to drink for most travellers – while some locals may drink it, the quality can be inconsistent, so it’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any issues. You can buy bottled water easily throughout the country, or if you’d prefer to cut down on plastic waste, you can pick up a filtered Water-to-Go bottle through the Explore website before you travel.
Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Croatia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US or Canadian citizens. Albania: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Montenegro: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
We recommend protection against hepatitis A, typhoid, polio and tetanus. Rabies vaccination is recommended by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office due to the large number of stray dogs in Albania. You should seek further advice from your travel clinic. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend being up-to-date with your routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK including protection against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis protection is recommended by some medical sources at certain times of the year. Ticks are most active between spring and late autumn. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.