Cycle the Backroads of Bosnia
Pedal from Sarajevo to Trebinje on a journey through Bosnia and Herzegovina’s wild Dinaric Alps and along the historic Ciro Trail
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides and a bike mechanicAll Lodging
5 nights in local hotels, 1 night in a mountain refuge, 1 night in a guesthouseMeals
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinnersTransfers & Support Vehicle
Airport transfers and everything in between, including a support vehicle to carry your gear or hop into if your legs need a restGear
Specialized Rockhopper hardtail mountain bikeSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Cycle along the abandoned Austro-Hungarian railway, winding through tunnels, valleys, and forgotten stations on the way to Trebinje
Climb into the 'Herzegovinian Himalayas', tackling the challenging terrain of the Prenj and Velez mountains, with sweeping and rugged views
Experience Bosnia's rich cultural mix – from Sarajevo's lively streets and Mostar's iconic bridge to Trebinje's laid-back charm
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Bosnia
Driving
Touch down at Dubrovnik Airport (yes, in Croatia!) and meet your group for the transfer across the border to Trebinje, taking in the views as you enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tucked among vineyards and mountains near the Croatian border, Trebinje is a laid-back town with Ottoman architecture and a Mediterranean feel. Settle in and get to know your fellow adventurers over a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Through Sutjeska to Sarajevo
Driving
Set off on a scenic drive to Sarajevo, breaking up the journey with a stop in Sutjeska National Park, one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests with views of Bosnia's highest peak, Maglic. En route there’s also the opportunity to visit the striking Partisan Monument, a key WWII site. Arriving in the early afternoon, you can spend the rest of the day wandering Sarajevo's cobbled streets, exploring its markets and mosques, and soaking up the unique blend of east and west that defines the city.
Day 3
Ride the Olympic route
Cycling
After a bike fitting in the morning, you’ll pedal out of Sarajevo and straight into the adventure. It’s a demanding start, climbing into the Igman and Bjelasnica mountains. These mountains were once a lifeline during the 1990s siege of the country; they were also the site of the 1984 Olympic downhill and ski jump events. The terrain is a mix of paved and compact gravel roads – with steady climbing throughout the day, everyone can ride at their own pace. There will be regular breaks and the support vehicle will stay close by, in case the climb gets too tough. The route winds through pine forests and alpine villages, before you roll into the peaceful mountain hamlet of Tusila where you'll find the Vrela Mountain Hut, your cozy stop for the night.
Day 4
Caravan route over the mountains
Cycling
Today you'll feel like you're pedaling through the past, riding a centuries-old caravan route once used by Ottoman traders. The route begins with a gentle stretch of asphalt out of Tusila, before climbing into the Bjelasnica and Visocica mountain ranges on steeper roads. You'll pass through the picturesque villages of Sinanovici and Glavaticevo, stopping for lunch along the way. Expect remote mountain landscapes, medieval tombstones, and sweeping views, before descending to the calm, glacial waters of Boracko Lake.
Day 5
Into the Herzegovinian Himalayas
Cycling
You'll get straight into it today, hopping on your bike to ascend away from Boracko Lake and into the rugged terrain of the Prenj Mountains – known as the 'Herzegovinian Himalayas'. There'll be some steep switchbacks and short gravel sections to tackle, but you'll be rewarded with panoramic and rugged mountain views as you push towards the hilltop village of Ruiste. From there, it's a long descent into Mostar, where the iconic Stari Most bridge and a well-earned rest await. There's plenty of climbing today, but you can ride at your own pace, take breaks when needed, and hop in the support vehicle if your legs need a rest.
Day 6
Cycle the old railway to Capljina
Cycling
Leave Mostar behind this morning and pick up the old narrow-gauge railway corridor of the Ciro Trail. Once a vital link between Herzegovina and the Adriatic, the line was built under Austro-Hungarian rule and has since been transformed into a scenic cycling route. You’ll pedal past vineyards and farmland, tracing the Neretva River valley as you make your way toward Capljina. The terrain is mostly gentle, with a mix of asphalt and well-compacted gravel. This trail is a quiet, lightly traveled route through rural Herzegovina, ideal for soaking up the pace of local life and enjoying the rolling landscape.
Day 7
The winemaking roads of Herzegovina
Cycling
The final day in the saddle takes you further along the Ciro Trail toward Zavala. After leaving Capljina, you’ll cross old Ciro bridges and skirt around the edges of the Hutovo Blato wetlands, cycling past abandoned stations, tunnels and the crumbling markers of the railway’s past life. The terrain is mostly asphalt, with occasional gravel segment. You’ll encounter up to 10 tunnels and several historical bridges along the way. Reaching the ride's end in Zavala, you can visit Vjetrenica Cave and the 16th-century Orthodox monastery. In the afternoon, hop in the van for a short transfer to Trebinje, where you can toast your adventure with a well-earned wine tasting, followed by a celebratory farewell dinner.
Day 8
Back to Dubrovnik
Driving
After breakfast, say goodbye to Bosnia as you make your way back over the border to Croatia, where you'll be dropped off at Dubrovnik Airport. From here, you can catch your onward flight – or perhaps even extend your stay with a few days on the Croatian coast.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia (DBV)
13:30 on Day 1
Ends
Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia (DBV)
11:30 on Day 8
Transfers
Your adventure begins at the well-connected Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia, where you’ll meet your host and fellow adventurers at 1:30 PM in the Arrivals area. Hop into your group transfer to drive across the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina, where you'll stop in the town of Trebinje for the first night of your trip. The drive takes around 1–2 hours (depending on the border crossing). Please schedule your flight to arrive no later than 1:00 PM (ideally earlier!), to allow time for passport control and baggage collection.
On Day 8, your group transfer will drop you back at Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia by 11:30 AM, so you’re free to book any flight departing after 1:30 PM.
If you're flying from North America or another long-haul destination, we recommend arriving the day before to allow for delays, jet lag and a more relaxed start. There’s a regular shuttle bus from the Dubrovnik Airport to the city center that takes around 30 minutes; a pre-tour night of accommodation can be arranged with your host (see Optional Extras for costs).
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Dubrovnik from airports across the UK and Europe. In summer, there are also seasonal direct flights from select North American cities, including New York. Travelers from other long-haul destinations can connect via major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam or London.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Food in Bosnia is usually freshly made and locally sourced. Meals are typically hearty and traditional, with plenty of cheese, dairy, dried meats, fresh breads, and seasonal vegetables. Picnic lunches are included while you're cycling, and usually come in the form of a picnic with bread, cheese, cured meats, veggie options, salad, trail mix, chocolate, and cookies. In the mountains, you’ll be served rustic, home-cooked dishes typical of rural Bosnia – this could include cevapi (grilled minced sausages) served with flatbread and kajmak, or begova corba, a rich chicken and vegetable stew perfect after a day on the bike. Burek (a flaky, savory, filled filo pie) is another local favorite. Dinners in Sarajevo, Boracko Jezero, Mostar, and Capljina aren’t included in the cost of the trip, to give you a chance to try local restaurants as per your preference. Your host will have recommendations of where to go if you'd like them.
Vegetarian options are available throughout, but this region can be meat- and dairy-heavy. If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, please let your host know in advance so they can make arrangements where possible.
What is the accommodation like?
Trebinje
In Trebinje, where you'll spend the first and last night of the adventure, you'll stay at one of two 3-star properties, either the Hotel Apis or the Hotel Leotar. Both options are just a short walk from the town center, where you'll find the river and the old bridge. Rooms are en suite and allocated on a twin-share basis, plus there's a garden, a terrace, and on-site dining options.
Sarajevo
You'll stay at Hotel Hecco (or an alternative hotel of a similar standard), which is located in the historic part of Sarajevo. Hotel Hecco provides a B&B-style stay, simply furnished with a touch of local character, plus there's a terrace that has city views. All rooms have en suite bathrooms, and will be allocated on a twin-share basis.
Vrela Mountain Hut
You’ll spend one night at the Vrela Mountain Lodge – a friendly refuge popular with hikers and bikers, and one of three official Via Dinarica centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s a relaxed, sociable place, with a cozy restaurant and shared spaces ideal for swapping stories after a day in the saddle. Lodging is in same-sex, four-bed dorms, with shared bathroom facilities available on each floor.
Boracko Jezero
You’ll spend one night at Apartments Boracko Lake, right beside the glacial waters of the lake itself. Lodging here is in simple twin- or triple-share rooms, all with en suite facilities and most with balconies overlooking the surrounding forest. There’s a communal living area to relax in, as well as easy access to the lakeside beach.
While in Mostar, you'll stay in the comfortable Hotel Almira. Situated in the heart of the old town, it's just 100ft from Mostar's famous bridge. You'll be staying in twin-share, en suite rooms with air conditioning and WiFi. The hotel also has a terrace from which you can enjoy views of the town's charming streets and its bridge.
In Capljina, you'll spend a night at Hotel Stroia (or similar), a modern hotel in a riverside location. The twin-share en suite rooms are well outfitted, and the hotel also has welcoming public areas, an on-site restaurant and swimming pool access (seasonal) – perfect for relaxing in after a ride.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for the all nights except Day 3 at the Vrela Mountain Lodge and Day 4 at Boracko Lake. See Optional Extras for the price, please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trip is designed for experienced cyclists with a sense of adventure and the ability to ride over 35 miles a day. The route sticks mostly to quiet regional and village roads, with a mix of tarmac and some gravel sections – particularly on Day 2 and Day 5. The terrain is undulating, passing through remote, mountainous landscapes, so expect steady climbs and fast, winding descents throughout the day. You'll tackle over 3,600 feet of climbing over the course of Day 2, while Days 3 and 4 include over 4,265 feet of accumulated descent.
While the riding isn’t technical, you should feel confident riding back-to-back days and managing the elevations listed in the itinerary. There is no rush, everyone can ride at their own pace, there'll be plenty of stops to refuel, and there's the option to hop in the support vehicle if needed. Some hill training rides before the trip will enhance your stamina and overall experience.
For more guidance, check out our article on how to choose the right level of cycling trip for you.
Style of riding: backroads
This trip offers a varied riding experience across both paved and unpaved surfaces on a mountain bike. You'll mostly ride on quiet backroads that are largely smooth with the occasional pothole, crack, or rough patch. You'll also follow some wide gravel tracks and hard-packed dirt paths that can be bumpy or uneven in places.
Terrain breakdown
75% paved roads
25% wide gravel paths/trails
Gravel sections are wide paths, not technical single track
Want to sharpen your off-road skills – including handling climbs, descents and loose terrain? Check out our weekend adventure Intro to Off-Road Riding, in the beautiful Chiltern Hills.
What if i need to skip an activity?
A support vehicle accompanies the group to transport luggage daily and assist with bike-related issues. If needed, arrangements can be made for a group member to hop in if you’re struggling with the terrain or become unwell. However, it should not be used simply to skip a day's ride.
What will I need to carry?
All your lodging is pre-booked, and your luggage is transferred from one point to the next. As everything will be transported by the support vehicle, which there will be access to throughout the day, you can cycle completely unburdened. We do suggest bringing a small fanny pack/backpack or bag that can be attached to your frame for carrying essential items like money, a cell phone, sunscreen, and a snack. The van also carries tools and spare bike parts if needed.
Summer (June-September) is the best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 75–86°F, cooling down in the evenings. Most of this adventure is spent in the Dinaric Alps, where the mountain air is fresher and temperatures are often a few degrees cooler, ideal for cycling. At higher elevations, such as around Bjelasnica and Prenj, mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially after a long descent. Boracko Lake and the Herzegovinian lowlands can feel warmer and more humid, particularly in July and August. Weather conditions can shift quickly in the mountains, so it's best to pack layers and be prepared for occasional showers.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided ride from Sarajevo into the mountains to Tusila
- Guided ride along the Caravan Route to Boracko Jezero
- Guided ride through the Herzegovinian Himalayas to Mostar
- Guided ride along the Ciro Trail to Capljina
- Guided ride along narrow gauge railway to Zavala
- Wine tasting in Trebinje
Guides
- Local, expert, English-speaking cycling guides and a bike mechanic
Lodging
- 5 nights in locally run, 3-star hotels or pensions
- 1 night in the cozy Vrela Mountain Hut
- 1 night in a lakeside guesthouse
Meals
- All (7) breakfasts to fuel you up each day
- 5 picnic lunches
- 3 dinners – two traditional meals in restaurants, and one homemade dinner in a mountain lodge
- Snacks while cycling
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Dubrovnik Airport (Croatia) on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Dubrovnik Airport (Croatia) on Day 8
- All transfers during the trip
Gear
- Specialized Rockhopper Hardtail mountain bike
Support Vehicle
- To transfer your luggage, and for you to hop in if your legs need a rest
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Some meals
One lunch (en route to Sarajevo) and three dinners have not been included, to allow you to sample some local restaurants in the locations you pass through and stay at. We recommend you budget about $12 for lunch and $25 per dinner to cover these meals.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline:
- Cycle guide: €40-50 per person
- Local support driver: €20-25 per person
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Personal expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance
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Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate coverage for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and gear, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment coverage, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
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Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travelers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer coverage for a wide range of adventurous activities.
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Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What do I need to bring?
CYCLE KIT
- Helmet (required)
- Cycling shoes (bring your own pedals if using cleats)
- Saddle, if you would rather use your own
- Gel saddle cover (optional if preferred)
- Cycling gloves
- Bumbag or small handlebar bag for riding (optional)
- Reusable water bottle: it is recommended that you bring cycling water bottles that fit into standard bottle cages on bikes (17 oz, 20 oz or 25 oz).
CLOTHES
- Padded cycling shorts
- Sports top or cycling jersey
- Waterproof jacket
- Buff or neck scarf
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Sleepwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Fleece jacket or similar for the evenings
- Trousers/leggings for the evenings
- Sneakers/sandals
- Swimwear
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Personal first-aid kit
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks
Additional Post-Trip Night Single Room (BB) in Trebinje
Payable Before Departure
Additional Post-Trip Night Single Room (BB) in Trebinje
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Additional Post-Trip Night Twin/Double Room (BB) in Trebinje
Payable Before Departure
Additional Post-Trip Night Twin/Double Room (BB) in Trebinje
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Additional Pre-Trip Night Single Room (BB) in Dubrovnik
Payable Before Departure
Additional Pre-Trip Night Single Room (BB) in Dubrovnik
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Additional Pre-Trip Night Twin/Double Room (BB) in Dubrovnik
Payable Before Departure
Additional Pre-Trip Night Twin/Double Room (BB) in Dubrovnik
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Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
… Per person
Private Arrival Transfer (Dubrovnik to Trebinje)
Payable Before Departure
Private Arrival Transfer (Dubrovnik to Trebinje)
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We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 204kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
It's no secret that we love cycling, and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country. However, we realize that organizing your own trip can be a total hassle. On our cycling trips, we’ve found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. We also send a van that transports your overnight luggage and provide high-quality bikes and delicious snacks to keep you going. Hassle eliminated!
All you have to do is show up, pedal, and take in the amazing landscape with your fellow riders. You will cycle at your own pace, with regular stops to regroup so that no one gets left behind.
You'll be riding a Specialized Rockhopper Comp or Sport hardtail mountain bike, with light aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and front suspension. These are road- and trail-worthy bikes designed to handle climbs, descents, and everything in between. Your host requires details of your height before the trip begins to ensure the correct frame size is supplied. The bikes are equipped with a water bottle cage, and all come with standard flat pedals and male/standard saddles. If you would rather pack your own saddle and pedals (including SPDs), please do so – these will be fitted for you.
Yes, you will cycle point to point during the trip. Each day, you'll travel from one location to the next, cycling through rural and coastal landscapes, from Sarajevo to Trebinje.
The cycle-to-guide ratio on the trip is 1:8, meaning that for groups of nine or more people, there will be two cycling guides. Throughout, you will be accompanied by a support vehicle driven by a bike mechanic.
In the event of bad weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, and/or storms, it is possible that conditions may become unsafe to complete the planned rides on this trip. Your guide will assess the conditions and weather forecasts and make a decision with your safety in mind. If it becomes necessary to make a change to the planned itinerary, an alternative route or activity will be offered.
The support vehicle will have large containers of water that you can refill your water bottles with.
E-bike upgrades are not available for this trip; you’ll be riding non e-bikes as listed in the trip inclusions. We do, however, have a growing collection of e-bike adventures which you can explore.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
No Reviews yet
This trip is brand new
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday 14th June 2026
to Sunday 21st June 2026
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
