Highlights
- Cycle amid the wild and unspoiled nature of the Konavle region and Popovo polje
- Visit the 600-year old Blagaj Tekke monastery
- Walk across the 16th-century Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Explore the marble streets and baroque buildings of Dubrovnik's Old Town
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dubrovnik, Transfer to the Konavle | Konavle |
| Day 2 | Explore Konavle, Cycle to Gruda | Konavle |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Dubac, Cycle into Bosnia and Herzegovina | Ravno |
| Day 4 | Cycle from Ravno to Čapljina | Capljina |
| Day 5 | Cycle from Čapljina to Mostar, Explore Blagaj | Mostar |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik |
| Day 7 | Depart Dubrovnik |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik, Transfer to Konavle
Welcome to Croatia! Meet your transportation at the airport and transfer the short distance to the Konavle countryside where you will have the opportunity to settle into your accommodation before readying your bike. If there's time, take your bike out for a spin through the Konavle region, biking along orchards, vineyards, and peaceful villages and farms to warm up for the days ahead.
The Konavle is a famous wine region southeast of Dubrovnik that stretches from Cavtat to the most southern point of Croatia at the Montenegrin border. Its fertile land sits between the karstic mountains and the rocky shores of the Adriatic.
Day 2: Explore Konavle, Cycle to Gruda
Today you will rise bright and early for your first day of cycling the Ciro route. Bike through the countryside following the old railroad trail to rural villages that sit above the Konavle valley. Here you will have time to explore these remote hills before returning to the valley and to Gruda—a rural town surrounded by green fields.
Biking distance: 40.4 miles (65 km)
Elevation gain: 2,624.7 feet (800 m)
Day 3: Transfer to Dubac, Cycle into Bosnia and Herzegovina
Check out of your accommodation and transfer to the small town of Dubac, close to the Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina border. Here you will switch to your bike and cycle across the border and into Bosnia and Herzegovina, following the Ciro route through the Popovo Polje valley and to Ravno.
Popovo Polje is one of the largest karstic plains or polje and offers panoramic views of fertile lands in the country's south.
Biking distance: 26.7 miles (43 km)
Elevation gain: 23 feet (700 m)
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Cycle from Ravno to Čapljina
Leaving Ravno behind, this morning you will continue biking the Ciro trail, the Popovo polje valley spread out before you, passing small towns and rural landscapes toward Čapljina.
Along the way stop in Hutovo, a small medieval fortified town that rests at the end of the Popovo plains. Carry on through bucolic scenery, stopping to enjoy the all-encompassing vistas, including Hutovo Blato—a park that houses one of Europe's richest bird reservations. You will even bike over an old railroad bridge thought to be constructed by Gustave Eiffel, before crossing the Neretva river to today's final destination, Čapljina.
Čapljina sits just over 12 miles (20 km) north of the Adriatic and is centrally located between Mostar and the sea. It has been an important link connecting the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the port of Ploče in Croatia (a seaport near the mouth of the Neretva river).
Biking distance: 36 miles (58 km)
Elevation gain: 2,591.9 feet (790 m)
Day 5: Cycle from Čapljina to Mostar, Explore Blagaj
Today you will follow the Neretva river, crossing it and continuing northeast to Mostar, stopping along the way in Blagaj.
Blagaj is a small town that sits at the source of the River Buna just south of Mostar and features an impressive Dervish or Sufi monastery, Blagaj Tekke (or tekija, both meaning a building designed for Sufi gatherings). Sitting 656 feet (200 m) high and built into a rocky cliff, Blagaj Tekke has been around for 600 years, the last of the Sufi order expelled in 1952. Enjoy stunning views of the tekke and the Buna river spring at its base.
From there, you will continue to picturesque and friendly Mostar, a tourist's paradise. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Neretva River from the minaret of the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque, traipse along ancient alleyways and paths and cross the reconstructed medieval Stari Most (Old Bridge), and take in Bosnian hospitality at a local guesthouse. The number of notable architectural landmarks combined with the relaxed and inviting atmosphere of the old city will leave you charmed.
Biking distance: 27.3 miles (44 km)
Elevation gain: 1,476.4 (450 m)
Day 6: Transfer to Dubrovnik
Today you will be driven to Dubrovnik where you will have the option to explore the city on your own and at your own pace or join a guided city tour to explore Old Town.
Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", Dubrovnik is a world-renowned city of exceptional charm. Take the time to explore its 16th-century stone walls, including the Minceta, Lovrijenac and Revelin fortresses, visit Onofrio's Fountain and St. Vlaho's Church, and stroll along the limestone-paved Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street to get your bearings. Dubrovnik offers excellent nightlife and some of Croatia's best restaurants and wine bars.
Day 7: Depart Dubrovnik
Depending on your departure details you may have time to visit one of Dubrovnik's museums, like the Franciscan Monastery and Museum. This large complex houses many treasures, including the world's third oldest pharmacy dating from 1317.
Or, for a collection of 15,000 pieces of interesting works, visit the Rector's Palace and Cultural Historical Museum. Wander this well-preserved palace-turned-museum and explore its exhibits, some detailing life in the Republic of Ragusa during medieval times.
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