Day 1: Cetinje
Individual arrival in Cetinje, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Montenegro. The option to request a transfer from the airports of Dubrovnik, Tivat, or Podgorica to the hotel is available (not included). A meeting will be held upon your arrival at the hotel front desk for the welcome briefing: tour introduction, delivery of travel documents, and bike fitting (for rented bikes). A walk or an initial bike ride around the historic center will give you a first taste of the rich history of Montenegro. We recommend a visit to the monastery of Cetinje, the embassy buildings, or to the Biljarda fortress, now home to the Njego Museum, where you can see the entire route of your bike trip, including reliefs, on the papier-mache map of Montenegro.
Day 2: Cetinje – Virpazar/ Lake Skadar (39 km; +550m/-1200m)
Today's tour will take you to Lake Skadar, the largest on the Balkan peninsula. You will travel approximately 1 km on the main road before turning onto the old road that connects Cetinje with Rijeka Crnojevića. This downhill route will take you through villages and splendid scenic spots to Rijeka Crnojevića, where the first book of Western Balkans was printed. Today, Rijeka Crnojevića is a peaceful village, with a few perfect roadside restaurants for your lunch break. The route then continues along the banks of the lake, traversing several villages to Virpazar. This stretch will require you to face some minor uphill climbs, but these will be rewarded with wonderful panoramic views. Lastly, a descent will take you to Virpazar, where you will spend the night. This beautiful fishing village is the center of Montenegro's most famous wine region and the producer of the famous Vranac wine, the perfect complement to the local lake fish specialties.
Day 3: Virpazar – Stari Bar (30 km; +850m/-810m)
Today you will pedal on the track of the old narrow-gauge railway that until the late '60s, before the construction of the railway tunnel through Mount Rumija, connected Podgorica to the port of Bar. By reaching this pass, you will start a thrilling descent, through centuries-old olive trees and with a magnificent view of the Adriatic Sea. Thus, you will arrive at Stari Bar, the historical center of Bar, which is dramatically located on the slopes of Mount Rumija. If you wish, you can also explore the modern part of Bar, which is directly on the coast. Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Stari Bar.
Day 4: Stari Bar – Ulcinj (30 km, +550m/-250m)
After breakfast, continuing on a secondary road with Adriatic views, you will traverse the olive groves area around Bar, Montenegro's olive oil capital. You will surely be enchanted by the magnificent ancient olive trees, some over 1000 years old. Also, enjoy the beautiful views as you pedal through a vast valley to reach the Ulcinj, Shkodri road (possible detour for those in good shape: +32km, +/-370m), leading you to the end of the stage. Before reaching your lodging, by taking on the last climb, you can visit Lake Šas, a bird paradise, and the remains of a medieval city, which are certainly worth a detour. Once arrived, you will be rewarded with an exceptional view. Accommodation in a guesthouse with an attached restaurant in Ulcinj.
Day 5: Ulcinj – Lovćen National Park (44 km, +860m/-1240m)
Today is challenging, but spectacular. You will follow a small road overlooking Lake Skadar through vineyards and villages, complemented by stunning lake views and the spectacular Albanian Alps in the background. At the village of Ostros, you will cross majestic centuries-old chestnut groves. Near the village of Murići, you can admire the small islands with monasteries, and in front of the village of Godinje, you will spot Montenegro's Alcatraz: an old prison dating back to the time of King Nikola. In Godinje, a historical winemaking region of Montenegro, you can rest before dealing with the last climb to Virpazar. From here, a transfer (about 1 hour) will take you into the heart of Lovćen National Park, above the Bay of Kotor. You will stay in a comfortable hotel located in the heart of the park, at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level.
Day 6: Lovćen National Park – Kotor (42 km; +200m/-1400m)
Today's tour will take you from the mountains to the sea through the famous Austro-Hungarian serpentine, also referred to as the "road of a hundred bends", which offers spectacular panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. From the hotel, the sports enthusiasts can decide to climb the last 200 meters to the mausoleum of Petar Petrović Njegoš, one of the country's most important historical figures, which offers a breathtaking view almost of all Montenegro. However, if you prefer to save your energy, after an initial climb, you can effortlessly glide downhill for more than 30 km. Along the route, you will find several scenic spots excellent for taking photographs. The stage ends in Kotor: enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of the historic center, where you will stay for the night.
Day 7: Bay of Kotor – circular route (47 km, +/-300m)
Today you can dedicate the whole day to discovering the beautiful Bay of Kotor, a wonderful bay characterized by inlets that make the landscape unique. Among the first jewels you will find on your route is the baroque seafaring town of Perast, with its two famous islands. After a few kilometers, you will reach Risan, the oldest settlement in the fjord: some Roman mosaics and Neolithic cave paintings bear witness to the rich history of the place. Near Morinj, there is a small beach where you can take a relaxing break. Not far from there you will find a ferry that will take you to the other side of the bay. Overnight stay in Kotor.
Day 8: Kotor
After breakfast, end of services.
Option to book a transfer from the hotel to the airport is available (not included).
Individual departure or extending of your stay.
Montenegro
