Trans Montenegro cycling tour – Mountains and coastlines

Seventy peaks over two thousand meters, the southernmost fjord of the Mediterranean and Europe’s deepest canyon, everything can be found in Montenegro and on a small area like the size of half Wales. You ride on panoramic roads amidst mighty mountain peaks, follow the blue waters of river. Tara and finally arrive at the magically beautiful bay of Kotor riding all the time through stunning landscapes.

Highlights

UNESCO World Heritages Tara Canyon & Durmitor, Bay of Kotor

Monasteries Ostrog and Piva

National Park Lake Skadar – biggest lake of the Balkans and famed wine region on both sides

Historical towns of Cetinje, Perast & Kotor

Day 1: Arrival

The tour starts at the railway station of Podgorica, there we meet you for instructions and bike fitting. Depending on your international arrival time you take the next train to Mojkovac. This section of the trainline Belgrade-Bar is one of the most beautiful mountain railways in Europe and an unique travel experience not to miss. The train ride takes approx. 2hrs.

Day 2: Cycling along the Tara River, the deepest canyon of Europe. (65 km/↗1000m,↘ 1000m)

You cycle along the Tara River into Europe’s longest and deepest canyon, where the rock walls come closer and closer to finally open up a panorama of the river. Right at the historically infamous Tara bridge you meet our transfer which shuttles the final ascent to NP Durmitor.

Day 3: Cycling in across the peaks of Montenegro – National Park Durmitor (55 km/↗900 m,↘ 1600 m)

The journey continues to the magnificent National Park Durmitor with more than 25 peaks of over 2500 meters, where glaciers have carved a landscape of desolate expanses and deep canyons in a sparsely populated agricultural area. Soon the landscape will be wooded and the road winds its way downhill to lake Piva. This one of the most beautiful cycling sections of Montenegro.

Day 4: Cycling to Niksic (60 km/↗800 m,↘ 900 m)

The beautiful lake Piva is framed by high peaks and we cycle through a dramatic landscape characterized by running, stationary and falling water. We make a detour to the Orthodox monastery Piva, where time has stood still since the 16th century. The ultimate goal is Montenegro’s second largest city, Niksic.

Day 5 Cycling to the Ostrog Monastery (60 km/↗800 m,↘ 1100 m)

On winding roads, we climb up to the well-known and dramatically Ostrog monastery, which lies as wedged in the rock wall. A final pleasant downhill takes you towards the capital Podgorica. There you meet your transfer shuttle which takes you to National Park Lake Skadar.

Day 6 Cycling in National Park Lake Skadar, the old capital Cetinje and the Bay of Kotor(25 km/&500 m,↘ 500 m)TRANSFER (45min) to 2nd section:(30 km/↗200 m,↘ 1300 m)

Todays cycling is split into two sections. On a beautiful side road you cycle through the villages of National park Lake Skadar the biggest lake of the Balkans to the village of Rijeka Crnojevica. Here you meet your transfer (1hrs) which takes you via Cetinje to National park Mount Lovcen. Conclude this day with the epic downhill on the serpentine road to the Bay of Kotor right to the shores of the Adriatic sea.

Day 7: The highlights of the Bay of Kotor (47 km/↗200 m↘200 m )

At the end of your bike trip you can explore the picturesque sights in the Bay of Kotor. You won’t miss the baroque sailor’s town of Perast with its two church islands but there is much more to see! Once again, you can count on a beautiful route, directly along the sea.

Day 8 Farewell and departure

After breakfast transfer to departure airport.

If you are a passionate road cyclist we can adjust the daily distances and climbs. We recommend to try our “Specialized” ro ad bikes

For more comfort while cycling through the very hilly landscape, we recommend the use of an electric bike.

This tour is completely customizable

The itinerary for this tour can be customized to suit your needs from your accommodations, difficulty and pace. D rop us a message.

How do self-guided tours in Montenegro work?

Self-guided tours: travel independently but with the support of our back-up service With a few exceptions, we offer all our tours as a self-guided options, to suit independent travelers. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to walk, hike or bike at your own pace, taking breaks whenever you like, while we organize the logistics for you: accommodation, including breakfast; luggage transfers; detailed tour planning; a comprehensive information package, maps and GPS trackers. We’re always on the end of the phone, for emergencies or queries, so you won’t feel on your own. Thanks to our established partnerships along all routes we can ensure quick and efficient help in case of emergencies.

Your responsibility on self-guided tours

You travel without accompanying vehicle so it is your responsibility to get to the next hotel every day, even if you head into bad weather or just don’t feel like riding anymore. BUT, if you do run into serious trouble (bicycle breakdown, physical emergency…), though, call our emergency hotline, and we will support as much as possible, whether sending a van or advising you on public transportation options such as trains and buses. Please be prepared to fix your flats and other minor breakdowns on your way. For this we provide you repair kits and spare tubes.

Guided tours – explore and experience – with a knowledgeable tour guide

If you value perfect organization and would enjoy the security of exploring with an experienced guide are perfect for you. From accommodation to food and transportation – everything is arranged. Our trained and certified guides accompany you throughout your entire trip. Guides are friendly and flexible, and can adapt the schedule according to the wishes of the group, changes in the weather or unexpected events. Usually a support vehicle follows the group all the time.

What are the standard accommodation on cycling tours?

You will mostly stay in 3* hotels (4* on request) or in private lodgings (apartments, mountain huts, shepherds’ cottages) selected because of their charm or, sometimes, because they’re the only option in a remote location. We have selected small family-run hotels and cosy guesthouses wherever possible, with a good atmosphere and hosts happy to fill you in on the history and culture of their specific Montenegrin region. All rooms have private facilities with the exception of certain mountain guesthouses, mountain huts or shepherds’ cottages.

What meals are included?

Breakfast is included at all accommodation and also in your package price. Evening meals are available for an additional charge, either at the accommodation or at nearby restaurant. We are happy to provide dining recommendations. Most accommodations also offer packed lunch service (€ 5-6), please let them know in the evening of your departure.

Which extra spendings do I have to expect?

You will need money only for lunches, dinners and drinks. A typical dinner costs between 15-20 €, a light lunch is € 8- € 10 and a liter of red wine from €10 – €12. Coffee is € 1,2 – € 2,4 and a small beer (0,3l) € 1,2 – € 1,7. Entrance fees to National Parks € 2 – € 4/person These are paid right at entrance gates. The ferry passage in the Bay of Kotor is € 2/person.

ATM machines are common in most cities and towns. But more challenging is trying paying with a credit card in remote places. Cash is the most easy way of payment and luckily, because of the prices in Montenegro, you don’t need much of it.

Which fitness level do the tours require?

You should meet a medium fitness level so you can fully enjoy the tour or you take advantage of one of our e-bikes.

What happens in a case of emergency?

Because of the partly remoteness of this tour will take you, is quite necessary that you let 3etravel know in advance of possible medical conditions. In case of emergency always get in touch with us with the local mobile phone we provide you, 24/7. We have a well established network of institutions and people along the routes who can fast respond to help you.

Should you join a guided tour, all our guides are competent in first aid techniques and will do everything to sort out the situation in the most professional manner.

What personal equipment should I bring with me?

It is important to layer your clothing for different climates, as our tour may go through cool high mountain passes on one day and warm valley lowlands on the next. Rain in the mountains can occur unexpectedly. Helmet is a must unless you have made further arrangements with us. In the event of lost luggage we will provide you with a helmet and riding gear until the arrival of yours.

What rental bicycle models and sizes do you offer?

Our fleet of rental bicycles are 2018 onwards models for all our tours. When booking make sure you provide us details so we can reserve the most appropriate bike for you. You can do all hard surface tours either with touring bikes, road bikes or e-bikes. MTB tours are indicated separately. We have following sizes: Touring XS – XXL, road bike 48 – 58, ebike S-M-L. MTB 15”– 21”.

Along the rental bikes comes a waterproof pannier (20l), repair kit and spare tires, helmet (disinfected, but we do advise to bring your own); All bikes have two bottle holders. Please bring your own bottles.

What about boarder crossings?

If your tour includes boarder crossings, these are easy and straight forward. Everyone must have their passports or ID-card (EU citizens) on them at all time. Just show your passport, usually you have to show you passport twice, when leaving and again when you enter. If you have our luggage transfer service included please make shure your luggage is not locked.

Is cycling in Montenegro safe?

The routing follows small side roads with little traffic. There are no bike lanes in Montenegro except in the capital of Podgorica and Tivat. You are shuttled to avoid any longer sections on main roads, which might get stressful since main roads in Montenegro are busy and narrow.

What does Montenegro’s cuisine taste like?

Montenegro’s natural diversity is reflected your plate or in your glass. We recommend to ask for local dishes which each restaurant will proudly present to you. In the northern and central parts sheep and beef are popular and very delicious. In the central part, Podgorica, Cetinje and Lake Skadar you lake fish, vegetables and of course a glass of “Vranac” wine will make your day. Always ask for local cheese, since cheese is a very essential part of Montenegrin cuisine. Cheese from Njegusi, Pljevlja or Kolasin are the most wellknown but any homemade cheese will match those easily in quality and taste. Coastal Montenegro offers of course fish and seafood. Eg. in the Bay of Kotor we are happy to organize you an oyster and mussels tasting right at the mussels farm – a nice treat while cycling. Another highlight for your tastebuds is Montenegrin olive oil which is produced all along the coast from Ulcinj to Herceg Novi.

Do you offer add- on food tasting experiences?

You can spice up any of our tours with tastings of local products. We encourage you to taste wine, olive oil, honey, dairy, ham, oysters with wonderful families along our way. Wine & food tasting experience are from € 10 – € 25/person depending on the kind of tasting. Please get in touch with us on details.

What add-on tours and activities can I book?

Should you wish to dig deeper in a certain topic or into the history of a place please contact us we gladly organize the perfect expert for you. We can link you to local activity providers eg. City tour, Bird watching, sea kayaking, (speed) boat tours, crafters, cooking classes etc.