“From Sarajevo to Skadar Lake National Park”
(No availability) 8 Day Cycling Tour in The Heart of The Balkans
Sarajevo - Goražde, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Dubljevići - Bogetići - Podgorica, Montenegro
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Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro Cycling Tour
Come and join ACE Adventure for this eight-day guided cycling tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro while staying in accommodations of very great comfort.
Key information
- Trip type: Guided
- Lodging: Point to Point
- Starts in: Sarajevo
- Ends in: Podgorica
- Total Distance: 207 Miles / 333 Kilometers
- Type of bike: hybrid bike included
- E-bike: 260 EUR per person
- Maximum 15 participants
Highlights
- 5 days of cycling
- Meet Sarajevo - Jerusalem of Europe
- Cycle through unspoiled countryside, impressive canyons, and timeless villages
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
- Airport pick-up
- Van support and luggage transfer during the tour
Skill level
- Intermediate
- Advanced
5 days with instruction
Group size: Maximum of 15 participants
Airport transfer included:
Sarajevo International Airport
Accommodation
During this tour, you will stay in the finest accommodations available in the area. You will sleep the first two nights in a four-star hotel in Sarajevo and finish the trip with the last two nights in a five-star star hotel in Podgorica. You will spend one night in a three-star hotel in Goražde, Aparthotel in Bogetići, and the cottages in Izlazak Ethno Village.
Program
- Cycling grade: Moderate
- Distance: 20 - 70 kilometers / 12.5 - 43.5 miles per day
Enjoy quality bicycles (or e-bikes) and do not worry about flat tires or mechanical problems while cycling in this remote part of Europe.
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival and transfer to Sarajevo
Meeting the group at the Sarajevo airport and transfer to Sarajevo. Meeting the tour leader and the group. After an introductory briefing, free time and dinner.
- Accommodation: Four-star hotel President
- Activity: Free time
Day 2 - Exploring Sarajevo, the Jerusalem of Europe
In the morning, you will experience a Sarajevo guided tour for two hours and 30 minutes. The streets of Baščaršija (the old part of town) are full of shops - images and sounds of the eastern Bazaars. Shops where copper pots, trays, and other metal cutlery and dishes are made. Barbershops, wooden objects, tools, burek, earrings and jewelry, kebabs - streets full of people - mosques - and again shops with fabrics and tailoring materials, scarves, knife sharpeners, watches, mobile phones, cups, and pots - the low roofs of the workshops covered with red tiles, all make a maze of the old eastern bazaar.
The main square of this part of the city - Sebilj is always full of pigeons and the people who feed them. In the middle of the square is a wooden fountain covered with a copper dome, which many consider a symbol of Baščaršija. It dates back to 1891 and represents a reconstruction of the fountain erected in 1754 and destroyed in a fire in 1852. A walkthrough of Sarajevo is a walk through the history and cultures of various conquerors who temporarily governed this city.
Thus, from the part of the city that is unmistakably the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, you move without noticeable borders to the part where the Austro-Hungarian Empire left its mark. There, everything is more similar to other cities of European culture: the Catholic Cathedral and the Orthodox Cathedral and through the wide pedestrian zones. A visit to the brewery, where Sarajevsko Beer is brewed, is also not a bad idea.
Or you can walk along the quay of the river Miljatska, buy some delicious ice cream, or have the famous "dest upola s lukom" - Sarajevo's street food specialty: minced beef, finger-shaped, in half a bun with onions. There is something else you must not miss - the place where Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Young Bosnia movement that fought to overthrow the Austro-Hungarian government and join Yugoslavia, assassinated the Austro-Hungarian Prince Ferdinand. The event triggered the beginning of the First World War. Afternoon cycling to Vrelo Bosne, the spring of the Bosna River.
- Accommodation: Four-star hotel President
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Activity: Cycling
- Distance: 20 kilometers / 12.5 miles
- Terrain: Flat
Day 3 - Breaking through Prača Canyon to Goražde town
Transfer to Pale (40 minutes, 25 kilometers / 15.6 miles). Cycle from Pale to Goražde through the amazing mountain scenery of Jahorina. Mostly through deciduous forests, mountain farmlands, and villages. Cycling on a small unpaved road in the wilderness of Prača canyon.
- Accommodation: Three-star Hotel Behar in Goražde
- Meals: Breakfast
- Activity: Cycling
- Distance: 71 kilometers / 44.2 miles
- Elevation: accumulated +700 meters / +2297 feet and -1200 meters / -3937 feet
Day 4 - Cycling along the Drina River and Piva Canyon to Montenegro
Leaving the Goražde cycle following a scenic gorge of the spectacular Drina river. You will pass through a few smaller towns such as Ustikolina and Brod. After approximately 40 kilometers / 24.9 miles, you will leave the Drina River and turn southwest toward Durmitor Massif in Montenegro. After crossing the border at Scepan Polje, you will soon finish your cycling day before the road enters the Piva Canyon and starts to climb at an elevation of 1000 meters / 3281 feet while enjoying a marvelous view of one of the deepest canyons in Europe.
Transfer 40 kilometers / 24.9 miles to the ethno village Izlazak, Rudinice village, where the group stays overnight. The enchanting Ethno Village Izlazak is located on top of the hill amidst the clouds overlooking the emerald waters of the spectacular Komarnica Lake.
- Accommodation: Ethno village Izlazak, comfortable cottages with private facilities
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner
- Activity: Cycling
- Distance: 67 kilometers / 41.7 miles
- Elevation: accumulated +950 meters / +3117 feet and -680 meters / -2231 feet
Day 5 - On the pilgrimage road
Back on the bicycles. You start the day with an ascent from Izlazak to gain 200 meters elevation. Cycling through alpine scenery - about 10 kilometers / 6.3 miles of undulated terrain before long descent towards Niksic town. From Niksic, you ride to the village of Bogetići where you will stay overnight. A short bus ride on the narrow mountain road will take you to the Ostrog monastery. Set before the imposing backdrop of sheer vertical walls, the whitewashed walls of the upper monastery make an inspiring sight.
The relics of St Basil lie in the monastery, reverentially housed in a sepulchral sanctuary that is linked to another chapel by a series of caves and passages. The walls are crammed with gifts and pleas from the pilgrims and the entire atmosphere of the monastery is exceptionally piety. From the monastery, you ride to Bogetići village where you stay overnight in Aparthotel Koliba.
- Accommodation: Aparthotel Koliba in Bogetići
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner
- Activity: Cycling
- Distance: 58 kilometers / 36 miles
- Elevation: accumulated +590 meters / +1936 feet and -1150 meters / -3773 feet
Day 6 - From the mountains to the capital
Cycle on the slopes of Prekornica Mount following the direction of the Zeta River valley. You slowly descend from 750 meters elevation where the monastery is located to the endpoint in Podgorica, at 20 meters elevation. Along the way, you pass through Danilovgrad town where stop for a refreshment. For the next two nights, you will spend in a five-star hotel located at the heart of Podgorica.
- Accommodation: Five-star Hotel Hemera in Podgorica.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Activity: Cycling
- Distance: 65 kilometers / 41 miles
- Elevation: accumulated +120 meters / +394 feet and -630 meters / -2067 feet
Day 7 - Skadar Lake and the magical town of Rijeka Crnojevića - once the capital of Montenegro
You left the most beautiful ride for the end. After a 30-minute long transfer, you arrive in the small town of Virpazar at the bank of Skadar Lake from where you will start your bicycle trip. The lake is surrounded by limestone mountains that rise steeply from the lakeshores and make a fairytale scenery, especially in the morning when all is wrapped in a mystery of the haze. Skadar Lake is one of the largest bird reserves in Europe and is home to the Dalmatian pelican.
Straight from the town center waterways bordered by reed and water lily meadows lead through the lake. From Virpazar, you take a scenic road to Rijeka Crnojevica town. You cycle through typical Mediterranean sceneries followed by the sounds of crickets and smells of sage. Even though the town has slightly less than 200 inhabitants, Rijeka Crnojevica was the capital of Montenegro in the 15th century. There you will rest and have time for lunch before you continue your ride back to Podgorica.
- Accommodation: Five-star Hotel Hemera in Podgorica.
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner
- Activity: Cycling
- Distance: 52 kilometers / 33 miles
- Elevation: accumulated +820 meters / +2691 feet and -780 meters / -2560 feet
Day 8 - Departure
Transfer to Podgorica airport (20 kilometers / 12.4 miles)
- Meals: Breakfast
Please note that ACE Adventure has the right to change daily itineraries.
Bicycles
ACE Adventure provides 24-speed hybrid bicycles. They are designed for riding both on paved and not paved roads with 27.5×1.25 tires. Every bicycle has a handlebar bag with a map case as well as a water bottle. A bicycle bag can carry a maximum of 5 kilograms / 11 pounds weight. If you prefer, you can bring your saddle and have them install it on the bikes. All bicycles are provided with platform pedals. If you are used to riding a bicycle with clipless pedals, you are welcome to bring them and they will install them on the bicycle. E-bikes are also available for this trip. E-bikes are Scott E-Sub Cross or similar.
Rules of bicycling safety
Bicycle touring has its inherent risks. It is a sport whose safety is dependent upon the judgment and alertness of the cyclist. As a cyclist, you are responsible for the way you tide and the condition of the bicycle.
1. For a safe bicycle
Your bicycle must be in excellent repair. Every bicycle needs thorough servicing annually. If you have not had this done recently, please have it done before your tour. Special attention should be paid to the functioning of brakes; condition of brake pads and cables’ functioning and condition of derailleur and derailleur cables; headset; cranks; trueness and cones of wheels; tightness of seat post, seat, and handlebars; condition and pressure of tires. If you bring a new bicycle, ride it adjusted by a bicycle mechanic.
2. For safety on the road
- Follow all traffic regulations as if you were driving a car
- Use hand signals for turning, slowing down, or stopping
- Yield right of way to pedestrians.
- Ride on the side of the road in the same direction as motorized traffic.
- Ride a straight course neat to the side of the road (not too close to the edge of the pavement to risk going off the pavement)
- Ride single-file and keep several bicycle lengths between yourself and the cyclist in front of you. Allow even more room when going downhill
- Use both brakes at the same time, gently; never stab at them. On downhill, pump both your brakes. Do not apply them continuously, for this can cause them to overheat and stop working
- Dry your brakes by using them after cycling through water or on a wet road
- Never go faster than you can handle
- Listen for motor vehicles coming from behind and prepare to have them pass you
- Do not look behind you while riding a bicycle, except to make a left-hand turn
- Be extra cautious in bicycling over railroad tracks, especially if approached downhill; dismount if necessary.
- Be careful of parked motor vehicles. They may pull out into your path or a car door may open in front of you. Watch for exhaust fumes and look for a person sitting in the vehicle. Attempt to establish eye contact.
- Stay at least five bicycle lengths behind moving motor vehicles. They can stop and turn more quickly than you on your bicycle
- Ride with caution on wet or sandy roads. They may be slippery and cause a fall
- Potholes, metal grates, and other objects in the road must be avoided
3. For safe bicycling
- Require all cyclists to wear helmets
- Wear bright clothing to make yourself visible to motorist
- Make certain you wear no loose clothing that can get caught in a bicycle chain or wheel
- ACE Adventure recommends using protective eyewear. If you wear corrective lenses for diving, wear them for bicycling. Make sure they fit tightly.
- Make certain you are in good health and in sufficiently good physical condition to handle the exertion required by bicycling and other activities you undertake. A checkup with a doctor six months before your trip is advised.
Location
The tour will take place in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Sarajevo
The city of Sarajevo was founded on the crossroads of East and West, of Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, of Christianity and Islam, of Austrian boulevards and Ottoman shops, of modern skyscrapers and European squares. The transition from East to West is much more than a metaphor; in Sarajevo, it is a literal, geographical process. From the Ottoman East with its magnificent mosques and Oriental architecture, through the Austrian Center with its proud churches and European architecture, to the modern West with its towering buildings and wide highways.
In this valley, an amazing alchemy of cultures and religions merges into a single one - yet, each keeps something of its character and is recognizable for what it is. Light from the same source passes through the stained glass windows of the Katedrala, illuminates the gem that is Begova Mosque, lights the central chandelier of the Church of the Lord’s Holy Transfiguration, and caresses the ancient Soloman’s Seal, the Star of David. Nevertheless, it is all one whole, which could hardly be modified in any way. Trying to understand Sarajevo is one of the nicest things one can do in this world.
Valley of the Drina
The valley of the Drina is the principal traffic artery in the south-eastern region of Bosnia. Since old times it has been part of the important route going from the sea inland, (Dubrovnik - Trebinje - Gacko - Foča - the Drina valley). This route was particularly significant in Roman times and in the Middle Ages when it was used by Dubrovnik citizens traveling to these parts of Bosnia and further on to Serbia. (The Dubrovnik Road). At Goražde, this road meets another one coming from Sarajevo and central Bosnia via the Jabuka Mountain pass down to the Drina valley and preceding on to Plevlje.
Piva Region
The Piva Region is situated in the Northwest of Montenegro. Positioned in the middle of the Dumitor mountain range with Volujak and Maglić on one side and the breathtaking Tara River canyon on the other. The natural beauties of the Piva River Canyon and the manmade Piva Lake dominate the heart of the region, which gives the name to the entire region. This along with the richness of wildlife and cultural monuments makes the Piva region a very attractive destination.
The breathtaking Tara, Piva, and Komarnica river canyons are places that must be visited, as well as the Susica and Vrbnica River and glacier lakes: Skrcko, Susicko, Trnovacko, and two Stabanjska lakes. Despite being artificial, Piva Lake is the jewel of the region, stretching 45 kilometers. The dam that formed Piva Lake has a staggering height of 220 meters.
Municipality of Pluzine
Municipality of Pluzine is situated on the territory of 852 square kilometers. The landscape is formed by the very high mountains of Durmitor, Vojnik, Golija, Volujak, and Maglić. The landscape is closely related to a climate, which is continental, with warm and very pleasant summers with the highest temperature of 36 degrees Celcius, and cold snowy winters with the lowest temperature of minus 20 degrees Celcius.
Village Rudinice is one of the oldest and most beautiful villages, known not only for the famous hero Bajo Pivljanin, but also for its landscape, location, and rich nature. It is set in the central part of Piva, on the Pluzine - Niksic road, 13 kilometers from Pluzine and 44 kilometers from Niksic. From the main road, there are three roads to the village, the shortest is two kilometers and the longest is four kilometers.
Monastery of Ostrog
The monastery of Ostrog is placed against an almost vertical background, high up in the large rock of Ostroska Greda, from which a superb view of the Bjelopavlici Plain explodes. Ostrog Monastery is the most popular pilgrimage place in Montenegro. The Monastery was founded by Vasilije, the Metropolitan Bishop of Herzegovina in the 17th century. He died there in 1671 and some years later he was sainted and proclaimed a wonderworker.
His body is enshrined in a reliquary kept in the cave church dedicated to the Presentation of the Mother of God to the Temple. The present-day look was given to the Monastery in 1923 -1926, after a fire that had destroyed a major part of the complex. Fortunately, the two little cave-churches were spared and they make the essential value of the whole monument. The frescoes in the Church of the Presentation were done towards the end of the 17th century.
The other church, dedicated to the Holy Cross, is placed within a cave on the upper level of the monastery and was painted by Master Radul, who successfully coped with the natural shapes of the cave and laid the frescoes immediately on the surface of the rock and the south wall. Around the church are the monastic residences, which together with the church building and the beautiful scenery make this monument an agreeable place to stay in.
The Orthodox Monastery of Ostrog is the most frequently visited one in the Balkans. It is visited by believers from all parts of the world, either individually or in groups. It represents the meeting place of all three confessions: the Orthodox, the Catholics, and the Muslims because it is believed that the enshrined body of Saint Vasilije Ostroski makes miracles work. According to the stories of pilgrims, by praying to his body, many have been cured and helped in lessening the difficulties in their lives.
Skadar Lake
With an area ranging from 370 to 530 square kilometers, Skadar Lake is the biggest lake in the Balkans. Due to its geographic position and sub-Mediterranean climate, it is one of the most important habitats of swamp birds in Europe, right after the river Danube delta. There are around 280 bird species on the lake, including the rare curly pelican, which became a trademark of the National Park.
The southern hinterland of the lake (Crmnica) is famous for being the best vine in Montenegro. Together with the lake carp, this will satisfy even the most demanding gourmands. The lake has numerous extraordinary beaches, particularly those in the village of Murići, not less attractive than beaches on the coast.
Food
You will be served daily breakfast, four dinners, and one lunch as well as snacks and refreshing drinks during the daily tours included in the price. ACE Adventure pays special attention to the choice of food and all places where you have dinners included, restaurants with great choices of local specialties. If you have some dietary restrictions, they will be happy to adapt their menu to you. Meals other than those included in the itinerary are paid for separately by yourself. Examples of some costs are provided below:
- Coffee or tea: 0.8 EUR
- Soft drinks: 1 EUR
- Bottle of beer: 1 - 2 EUR
- Bottle of wine: 5 - 15 EUR
- Two-course meal: 8 - 10 EUR
- Three-course meal: 12 - 15 EUR
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
- E-bike rental (260 EUR)
What's included
- Cycling tour
- Guided city tour of Sarajevo
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- 1 lunch
- 4 dinners
- Snacks and refreshing drinks during the daily tours
- Transfer from Sarajevo airport to the hotel
- Transfer from the hotel in Podgorica to Podgorica airport
- Transportation and luggage transfer during the tour
- Full guiding service and bicycle mechanic support
- Use of 24-speed hybrid bicycles
- Van support during cycling tours
What's not included
- Airfare
- E-bike rental (260 EUR)
- Other meals and drinks
- Tipping
How to get there
Recommended Airports
SJJ
Sarajevo International Airport
8 km
Transfer included
Airport: Sarajevo International Airport
Airport transfer included: Sarajevo International Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
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