• Wild Montenegro - Cycling Tour 1: „Cycling Montenegro coast and inland"

    Kotor Bay, Lovcen National Park and amazing Skadar Lake and Durmitor National Park

  • Durmitor National Park

  • Lovcen National Park

  • Kotor Bay

  • Boka Bay

    The bride of the Adriatic

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  • Group size

    min 4 – max 18 persons

  • Difficulty grade

    Medium

  • Departure dates 2023

    10 June – 17 June

    16 September – 23 September

INQUIRY
Price on Request

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Cycling Montenegro coast and inland

Introduction

In terms of cycling holiday destinations, Montenegro might not be at the top of the list for most cyclists when they make their choice. The following information will highlight the reasons why Montenegro should be at the top of your list for 2023, however.

Montenegro has often been nicknamed the “Jewel of the Mediterranean” thanks to its diverse natural landscape.

While this mountainous country may be small in size, it has enough geographical diversity packed into its rugged and beautiful landscape to satisfy the adventurer in every cyclist. It is one of the finest cycling destinations in the world. While the country has a rugged interior with meadows, freshwater lakes, and mountain ranges characterized by snow-capped peaks, it is endowed with 300 km of Adriatic coastline.

There is a wide range of breathtaking views and scenic routes in Montenegro for you to enjoy, from flat to hilly and even steep mountainous climbs that rival those in the Alps and Pyrenees.

It is amazing what Montenegro has to offer cyclists. In addition to the good quality and relatively empty roads, the views are breathtaking and the terrain is challenging. There is a wide variety of food as it is a mixture of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and coffee is excellent wherever you turn. What more does an adventurous cyclist need?

This eight-day guided Montenegro road cycling holiday makes the most of the country’s most magnificent natural assets, the mountains and coastline, so if you are looking for some superb scenery from the saddle, you have come to the right place!

Trip Highlights:

  • Discover stunning Bay of Kotor and Old Town of Kotor

  • A cycling tour that offers panoramic views of Kotor Bay and the Lovcen National Park

  • Ride on panoramic roads with stunning views of Skadar Lake with the dramatic Albanian Alps in the background

  • Cycling along the Tara River, the deepest canyon of Europe

  • Ride on panoramic roads amidst the mighty mountain peaks of Durmitor NP

Gallery:

Trip Itinerary:

Explore day-by-day destinations, activities, routes, stops and more…

Note

Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Day 1 – Arrival at Tivat Airport (TIV). Welcome to Montenegro! (Non Riding Day)

Upon arrival at Tivat Airport (TIV), our representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall to guide you to your transfer vehicle. We will assist you with your luggage and then transfer you from Tivat airport to Kotor (15 minutes drive time). Upon arrival at a 3-star hotel in Kotor, you will be able to drop off your luggage and enjoy refreshments before embarking on a 1-hour walking tour of the Old Town, where you will learn all about the amazing history of this ancient city, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The medieval walled town of Kotor is indisputably the jewel in the crown of the coast, tucked into a small triangular wedge at the end of a long, narrow bay. Kotor retains its authentic charm despite being a major tourist attraction. It is one of the best-preserved medieval old towns along the Adriatic coast, with architecture distinctly Venetian. Your local guide will share some of the most fascinating stories and facts about the long and rich history of the city with you. There are many restaurants in the Old Town where you can choose a restaurant and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, such as seafood or bluefish, at lunchtime. You will have some time on your hands. A trip briefing will be held at the welcome dinner.

We will be staying at a 3-star hotel in Kotor for the night.

Day 2 – Kotor – Cetinje, Mount Lovcen and Boka Bay

The ride starts in Kotor with an ascent up Mount Lovcen, a famous Austro-Hungarian serpentine road with gorgeous views of Kotor Bay. Consisting of 25 hairpins within its 25 km of cycling, this is a climb that provides scenic views of the bay throughout the duration of the climb. The road flattens out after 25 switchbacks, and you may wish to detour to Njeguši village to refuel if necessary. It is likely to be the most difficult hill climb of our trip, so if anyone needs assistance, an escorted minivan is available. From this halfway point, you will double back to finish the climb. The mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, who was a ruler, poet, and philosopher of Montenegro, is situated at the very top of the climb on Jezerski vrh (Jezerski peak). As the world’s highest mausoleum, the mausoleum is one of the most impressive and mysterious destinations in Montenegro. The view of the Bay of Kotor, Skadar Lake, the high mountains in the northern part of Montenegro, and even Albania will amaze you. Afterwards, there is a 20 km scenic descent through the national park to Cetinje. This is the lovely old town which was the capital of Montenegro from the 15th century until 1918. Known as the ‘Museum Town of Montenegro’, this city is a worthwhile place to learn about the turbulent Montenegrin history and culture. In Cetinje, you will spend the night in a 3-star hotel.

Cycling 55 km ↑1700 m ↓1060 m

Note

Boka Bay – the bride of the Adriatic sea

Note

Lake Skadar meanders

Day 3 – Cetinje – Virpazar, Rijeka Crnojevića and Lake Skadar

Upon leaving Cetinje you will ride to Rijeka Crnojevića. This is a small village situated on the same river, where the first Cyrillic book among the South Slavic nations was printed in 1494 entitled “Oktoih prvoglasnik”. One of the reasons to bicycle through this area is the scenic view of the river, the lake, and the hills that surround it.

After visiting Rijeka Crnojevića, we continue our ride along an old road toward Virpazar, a small town on the shore of Skadar Lake. Skadar Lake is the largest lake in the Balkans. The size of the lake is 379 sq km of which 222 sq km belong to Montenegro and the rest to Albania. Here, there is a very rich and diverse living world, both beneath the surface of the water (22 species of fish) and above its surface (279 species of birds), as well as human settlements on its shores.

Your ride day will conclude in Godinje, a small village on the shores of Lake Skadar, where you will have the opportunity to taste wines from the family-owned vineyard and wine cellar. Then a transfer is arranged to Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital. An overnight stay in a 4-star hotel is provided in Podgorica.

Cycling 62 km ↑990 m ↓1650 m

Day 4 – Podgorica – Kolašin

We begin our day by taking a 20-minute transfer from Podgorica to Bioče. We then start pedalling along a road that connects the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica, with Kolašin, the most popular ski resort in the country. Located in the central part of the Kolašin Region, Mount Bjelasica, with its virgin forests of the Biogradska Gora National Park, its rivers, and its lakes, makes the Kolašin region particularly attractive. As a result of its scenic beauty, lavish flora and fauna, Kolašin is rapidly growing into the main tourism centre of the northern region of Montenegro. This ride is a long climb with a gentle gradient and plenty of views along the way. One of the most impressive is the Mala Rijeka Viaduct, the second-highest railway bridge in the world and the highest railway bridge in Europe. Additionally, there are excellent views of the first Montenegrin highway that was constructed just a year ago. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in Kolašin.

Cycling 72 km ↑1750 m ↓820 m

Note

Montenegro’s inland

Note

Durmitor National Park

Day 5 – Kolašin – Tara River Canyon – Žabljak

We will spend most of the day riding along the Tara River, the longest river in Montenegro (144 kilometres). It has an impressive canyon, which is 78 km long and 1,300 m deep, the world’s second deepest after the Grand Canyon of Colorado. Tara River Canyon is one of the finest examples of natural attractions in the world. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, and its magnificence lies in its numerous contrasts. Durmitor National Park includes a large portion of the canyon, which is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We will take a short break at Tara Bridge prior to leaving Tara Canyon and heading to our destination for the day. Tara Bridge is one of the most visited attractions in Montenegro. This bridge, which stands 172 meters above the Tara River, was the largest vehicular concrete arch bridge in Europe at the time it was built. At this point, the road forks, and we should keep left and head upwards towards Žabljak. The town of Žabljak is a small resort town on the eastern edge of Durmitor National Park. It provides a convenient base for winter skiing as well as summer walks and climbs. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Žabljak.

Cycling 89 km ↑1750 m ↓1270 m

Day 6 – Žabljak – Durmitor NP – Plužine – Rudinice

Following a scenic loop around Mount Durmitor, this route descends to Piva Lake and Plužine. The tour culminates at Veliki Štuoc (2050 m), one of the highest points on the trip. Our bicycles passed by the village of Mala Crna Gora (in translation: Little Montenegro), which is a remote village located on the edge of the Sušica Canyon. From this point, the road follows the canyon of the Sušica River, a river that mostly flows underground. We will make another stop at a fantastic viewpoint, 300 m above the canyon. To reach the village of Nedajno, we had to ascend a steep switchback road through picturesque old forests on the other side of the canyon. If you stop for photos of the canyon, you may also see eagles circling above you on thermals. From village Trsa (1450 m) to Plužine leads an asphalt road, which passes along the edge of Piva Lake. Known for its turquoise colour and crystal clear waters, it is one of Montenegro’s most picturesque lakes. Even though it is man-made, the lake fits perfectly into its mesmerizing surroundings. We reach the ethno village of Izlazak (Rudinice village, 990 masl) after exploring a wonderful area. Each of the wooden chalets is situated in the middle of nature with a scenic view of the valley and lake below. Overnight.

Cycling 67 km ↑1770 m ↓2250 m

Note

Durmitor NP

Note

Explore Beautiful Montenegro by Bike

Day 7 – Rudinice – Nikšić – Ostrog Monastery

For the end of this epic journey, we go south through yet another beautiful scenic route from Rudinice, up to Brezna, down to the town of Nikšić and finally to Orthodox Ostrog Monastery, the most popular pilgrimage place in Montenegro. The day starts with a ride through scenic alpine scenery with about 10 kilometres of undulated terrain before we start the long descent toward Nikšić, the second-largest Montenegrin town, the town of „beer and steel“. Leaving Nikšić, we ride to the village of Bogetići. We will then ride on a narrow mountain road to the Monastery of Ostrog. This monastery, dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog, was built in the 17th century and is cut dramatically into a cliff face that rises 900 meters above sea level. St Basil’s relics are located in the monastery, reverently housed in a sepulchral sanctuary connected to another chapel by caves and passages. Gifts and pleas from pilgrims cover the walls of the monastery, and the atmosphere is exceptionally pious. The Upper monastery of Ostrog gives you the feeling of standing on a balcony overlooking all of Montenegro. Afterwards, we’ll drive by minivan to Budva (100 km, 2 h drive), a Montenegrin metropolis of tourism famous for its long beaches and beautiful Old Town. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Budva.

Cycling 65 km ↑950 m ↓1100 m

Day 8 – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Tivat Airport (TIV) (25 km of distance, 30 minutes of drive). End of the tour.

Thank you for joining us for this adventure, we hope you had a memorable time and hope it’s not your last visit to the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains and exceptional nature!

Note

Tivat

Dates

10 JUNE – 17 JUNE

Duration

7 nights/8 days

INQUIRY
Price on Request

Dates

16 SEPTEMBER – 22 SEPTEMBER

Duration

7 nights/8 days

INQUIRY
Price on Request
INCLUDED
  • 7 nights/ 8 days
  • All accommodations (3-star hotels)
  • Meals: on arrival day – dinner; on departure day – breakfast; on bike tour days – breakfast, packed lunch (picnic), dinner
  • Prosciutto & wine tasting on the 3rd day
  • All transfers –minivan and driver from and back to the airport, as well as local transfers, in accordance with the program
  • Escort minivan and technical assistance
  • English-speaking licensed tour guide/s
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Parks entrance fees
  • Local tourist tax
NOT INCLUDED
  • Bike rental (€ 25/ day p.p. (6 days in total))
  • International flights tickets
  • Travel Insurance
  • Lunch on 1st day
  • Your personal cycling gear
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, tips, etc.
  • Optional gratuities for your guide/s
  • Any items not explicitly mentioned in the program

Additional info

You will mostly stay in 3* hotels or in private lodgings (apartments & guesthouses) that are especially appealing. We have selected small family-run hotels and cozy guesthouses whenever possible for their intimate atmospheres, as well as for their ability to share with you the history and culture of their specific Montenegrin region. Generally, rooms in Montenegro are double or triple rooms (we will assign you a roommate of the same gender, if possible) and you may find that some are small apartments with a kitchen. If you request single accommodations, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee. Please be advised there are a limited number of single accommodations available, and single accommodations may not be available for the village stay.

With a mix of Turkish and Italian influences, Montenegro offers a rich variety of dishes. In hotels, breakfasts are served buffet-style, with cereals, eggs, bread and jam or honey, cheese, tea and coffee. Picnic lunches are provided (bread, meat, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers etc.). If you are someone who enjoys chocolate/sweets/nuts on the road, then please feel free to bring extra snacks from home.

Evening meals include traditional soups, locally-grown vegetables and local dairy and meat dishes.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, with a limited choice, it may be more difficult to cater for special diets. The hosts are very flexible in trying to accommodate different dietary requirements but a vegan and gluten-free diet will be difficult to cater for. It may be necessary to supplement your diet with food products that you are used to eating as well as snacks from home. Please let us know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

All transfers from and back to the airport, as well as local transfers, in accordance with the programme, are included. Luggage transfer also is included, and your bags will be transferred by private transfer to your next accommodation. The baggage limit is 23 kg per person.

This Montenegro cycling tour is medium to hard in difficulty. This means that previous cycling experience is necessary and you should be healthy and lead an active and sporty lifestyle. Depending on the terrain, we cover 50-90 km per day, which takes 6-8 hours including stops. There will be steeper and longer climbs along the way, but escorted vehicles will be available if necessary. The route runs mostly on asphalt. The driving pace is entirely up to you: everyone is free to set his or her own pace. Also, we take enough breaks during the day’s rides so as not to overexert ourselves. As a rule, one of the guides rides in front of the group and the other at the tail of the group. As a rule, an escort vehicle also drives at the end of the group.

  • Valid Visa*, passport and ID card
  • Money, and/or credit card (currency in Montenegro is the Euro – €)
  • Travel health insurance certificate 
  • *Holders of travel documents containing a valid Schengen visa, a valid visa of the United States of America, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, or permission to stay in these countries, may enter and stay, or pass through the territory of Montenegro up to 30 days, and not longer than the expiry of visa if the period of validity of the visa is less than 30 days.
  • We recommend taking sufficient cash for your daily requirements. Banks and  ATMs are available,  and credit/debit card payments are widely accepted in towns but might be limited in some of the villages we visit.

Bikes

You can rent a road bike or a trekking bike during your cycling holiday. If you do bring your own bike, please make sure that they are road bikes and in good mechanical condition.

A road bike with a compact or semi-compact chain set and 11-30(32) T with 25 or 28 mm tires is advisable.

Bike Repairs

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee to have spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Safety

Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non-negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take travel insurance that will cover you for a road biking tour.

Guides

You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well-informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.

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 cold winters with 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. Average temperatures from May to October are generally in the mid 20’s(in °C) but can reach into the 30’s(in °C) in July and August.

Typically, you can expect excellent weather in Montenegro from April to November.

  • Time difference to GMT +1
  • Currency-Euro (€)
  • Religion-Christian (mainly Orthodox)
  • Language-Montenegrin, English is widely spoken
  • Electric supply and plugs: 220V, 50Hz, two-pin round plugs

Bring one main piece of luggage and a day backpack is recommended.

This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff.

  • bicycle helmet,
  • gloves,
  • shorts,
  • sunglasses,
  • sunscreen and lipstick,
  • water bottles,
  • waterproof jacket,
  • warm fleece jacket,
  • small backpack,
  • energy-giving snacks,
  • spare bicycle inner tube(s) if you bring your own bicycle.

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