Save 15%
NEW
E-bike option

Cycle the Balkans - Croatia to Albania

Albania, Croatia, Montenegro - Trip code CCA Cycling
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
195Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Ride along the Croatian coastline and pedal into the heart of the Balkans on this multi-country cycling adventure. Starting in the historic walled city of Dubrovnik, this tour connects the stunning fjords and dramatic mountains of Montenegro with the rich history and unique culture of Albania. Enjoy the ascents and exhilarating downhill runs from Mount Lovcen, weave along the shores of immense Lake Skadar, and explore medieval fortresses and charming Ottoman era towns. Cross three countries in one week, enjoying quiet country roads, spectacular scenery, and plenty of opportunities to refuel on delicious local cuisine along the way, before finishing your journey in Albania's vibrant capital, Tirana.

Why we love this trip
  • Three countries in one tour - Seamlessly cycle through Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania.
  • Bay of Kotor and Lustica Peninsula - Experience spectacular views
  • Lake Skadar National Park - Ride along the shores of Europe's largest freshwater lake
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

  • Transport

    Bus

    Cable Car

  • i

    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

  • i

    Cycling grade:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Dubrovnik

Arrive at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) and take a transfer to our hotel, located in the pleasant Lapad area.

Dubrovnik is a magnificent fortified city, fronted by the Adriatic and overlooked by the slopes of Mt Srdj. Its limestone-paved main street, the Stradun, is bordered by Baroque palaces and churches, restored following the medieval city plan. The mighty stone ramparts are known the world over and, provide views of the terracotta rooftops, hidden courtyards, and the sea itself.

For those arriving in Dubrovnik earlier in the day, consider exploring the historic Old Town. Luggage can be safely stored at the Dubrovnik main bus station, located a 10-minute walk from the airport transfer drop-off point. From there, you can take a short bus ride to the Old Town. Your tour leader or an Explore representative will provide further guidance.

This evening, we'll meet our tour leader and fellow cyclists for a welcome briefing to prepare for the days ahead.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Croatia coastline and border crossing to Herceg Novi, Montenegro

We begin with a short morning transfer (approximately 35 minutes) to avoid the city traffic and we'll start our cycle near Zvekovica. Our ride follows quiet, undulating country roads through the beautiful Konavle region, characterised by cypress trees, low Mediterranean forest, and rich farmland. We continue to the border crossing before descending to the coast and after a short while, we'll enter Montenegro and the town of Herceg Novi, known as the 'City of the Sun'. Here, the afternoon is free to explore - you might like to take a walk up to the Ottoman-built Kanli Kula (Bloody Tower) for spectacular panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. In the late afternoon, we take a short transfer to our accommodation, including a ferry across the narrow Verige Strait, to the Kotor/Tivat area.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres/25 miles with 650 metres/2,130 feet of ascent and 750 metres/2,460 feet of descent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Cycle the Lustica Peninsula

Our route today offers a beautiful loop of the rugged Lustica Peninsula - the coastal arm guarding the entrance to Kotor Bay. Our journey begins with a short transfer to the starting point.

We'll cycle along scenic local roads through olive groves and coastal settlements like Radovici and Klinci. The route features rolling terrain with some notable climbs, including a 4.5 kilometre ascent. The gradient is however fairly consistent so we settle in to a comfortable pace as we climb. The effort is rewarded with spectacular views of the Adriatic and the opportunity to visit the charming village of Rose or the popular Plavi Horizonti beach. We'll end our ride back near Kotor.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 44 kilometres/27 miles with 850 metres/2,790 feet of ascent and descent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Gondola ride up Mt Lovcen, descend to Cetinje

This morning, we'll start with a short 20-minute transfer to the gondola station. We'll skip the massive climb out of Kotor Bay with a magnificent gondola ride up to Kuk on Mount Lovcen. From the high plateau, we begin a scenic and mostly downhill ride through the unique karst terrain of Lovcen National Park. We'll stop in Njegusi, the historical birthplace of the Montenegrin royal family, where there is an optional visit and tasting of traditional local prosciutto and cheese. Our 27 kilometre ride includes one 4 kilometre-long gradual climb before a long, rewarding descent into the former royal capital of Cetinje.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 27 kilometres/17 miles with 230 metres/755 feet of ascent and 940 metres/3,085 feet of descent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Cycle to Lake Skadar National Park

Today we cycle straight from the hotel, heading out of Cetinje towards Lake Skadar National Park. The route starts with a short climb before a spectacular 13 kilometre descent into the riverside town of Rijeka Crnojevica, famous for its iconic horseshoe bend. We continue on an undulating road that winds through the rugged karst landscape, finishing our day in Virpazar, a small fishing village nestled on the shores of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in southern Europe.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres/25 miles with 520 metres/1,705 feet of ascent and 1,150 metres/3,770 feet of descent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Skadar Lake’s Southern Shore and into Albania

Today is a slightly more challenging but an incredibly rewarding cycling day. We begin with a short transfer (10 minutes) to the Marstjepovici Pass, giving us a head start. From here, we cycle along a small road winding along the northern slopes of Rumija Mountain, offering dramatic views over the southern shore of Lake Skadar. The day features a quick 5 kilometre descent followed by two longer climbs (5 kilometres and 7 kilometres) before finishing with a glorious 7 kilometre descent to the town of Vladimir. A short transfer (45 minutes/ 23 kilometres) takes us to the border crossing and then into the historic Albanian city of Shkoder.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 39 kilometres/24 miles with 670 metres/ 2,200 feet of ascent and 1,080 metres/3,540 feet of descent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Albanian lowlands to Tirana

Our final cycling day is a flatter, gentler ride as we cycle away from the mountains and through the Albanian lowlands. After a short transfer (15 minutes) to the start of the trail, we encounter mostly flat terrain, passing through small towns, villages, and farmland \emdash a contrast to the Montenegrin mountains. We cycle towards Lezhe, where there is an opportunity to visit the iconic mausoleum of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero. After lunch, we transfer (a 90-minute journey) to Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital, where we celebrate our final night together.

Our final ride is approximately 43 kilometres/27 miles with 170 metres/560 feet of ascent and 180 metres/590 feet of descent

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Depart Tirana

Our tour ends this morning at our hotel in Tirana, there are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Tirana Airport (TIA) which is a 30-minute drive from Tirana.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Albania

Climate

Albania has a mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (ranging from 9 - 11 hours of sunshine a day in Tirana). Temperatures can reach up to 40°C in July. October to April is much cooler and can be wet. Albania is a mountainous country and the high peaks are snow-capped all year with seasonal weather patterns in the mountains that can be unpredictable.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam, Albanian Orthodox, Roman Catholic

Language

Albanian, Greek, Vlach, Romani, Slavic dialects

Croatia

Climate

The Croatian Adriatic has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry, sunny summers. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally it is in the form of short showers. Thunderstorms can occur in summer, generally helping to cool the air. Hvar Island gets the most sunshine in summer with 10-12 hours each day, followed by Split, Korcula Island and Dubrovnik with around 7-8 hours. Temperatures from May to October are generally in the low to mid 70's (in °F), but can reach into the 30's (in °C) in July and August. Trip itineraries with boat cruises can occasionally be disrupted due to bad weather.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Croatian

Montenegro

Climate

Montenegro's coastline has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters, whereas the more mountainous inland areas have a sub-alpine climate with warm summers and very cold winters with frequent snowfall. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn in the coastal areas, though generally this is in the form of short showers. In the mountains rainfall tends to be more frequent including around the Bay of Kotor. Temperatures from May to October are generally in the low to mid 20's (in °C), but can reach into the 30's (in °C) in July and August.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Christian (mainly Serbian Orthodox)

Language

Montenegrin

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

When cycling: quick drying cycle tops, padded cycle shorts, lightweight wind and water proof jacket and warmer breathable layers where local conditions require.
General: Pack essentially for hot or mild weather depending on the time of the year.

Footwear

If you are not bringing cycle shoes then try to bring stiff-soled shoes as these are better for cycling - transmitting your energy into the pedals more efficiently. This becomes more relevant and recommended the more demanding the grade and distances to cover. SPD cycle shoes are not well suited to trips that combine sightseeing with cycling.
Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops and possibly water shoes, as the beaches are stoney, are useful when not on the bike.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

We recommend you bring a daypack and one main piece of luggage (total allowance: 44lb/20kg) which will be transported between hotels while you cycle. Check the bike details section to see if a pannier or handlebar bag is provided on the bike.

Equipment

It is compulsory to wear a cycling helmet on all Explore cycling holidays. As we cannot guarantee the quality or structural integrity of locally hired cycling helmets, it is a requirement that you bring your own helmet with you. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.

Cycle glasses to protect against dust, pollen and the sun, padded cycle gloves and a water bottle or water delivery system (e.g. camelback or platypus) are also useful. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details) then you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. Other items to consider bringing are a sunhat and sun cream, torch, earplugs and insect repellent. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £20 of local currency for tipping.

In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Albania

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£10.00
Dinner price
£20.00
Beer price
£2.00
Water price
£1.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Albanian Lek
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Sterling, US Dollars and Euro cash is widely accepted in bureaux de change in major towns and cities. Most transactions in Albania are done on a strictly cash only basis using the Lek and some places accept Euros. Most ATM's and bureau de change are charging a fee for exchanging money on top of the exchange fee. Please note that the Lek is a closed currency and cannot be obtained before arrival in the country – your tour leader will be able to direct you to a suitable exchange location once you're there.
Where To Exchange
Bureau de change in major towns and cities.
ATM Availability
Most larger towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Albania.

Croatia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15 to £35, depending on your location, touristic areas are usually slightly more expensive
Dinner price
£15 to £40 depending on your location, touristic areas are usually slightly more expensive
Beer price
£5 to £10 depending on your location, touristic areas are usually slightly more expensive
Water price
£3 to £5 depending on size
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Currency Exchange locations are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
Most towns and cities have ATM's for cash withdrawal.
Credit Card Acceptance
Generally accepted throughout including most restaurants and hotels.

Montenegro

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£20
Dinner price
£40
Beer price
£3
Water price
£2
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Pound Sterling and US Dollars can be exchanged for local currency. Please note if using Pound Sterling then only Bank of England issued bank notes are accepted. Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes are not accepted.
Where To Exchange
Banks or Forex Offices in the main towns and cities. Your Explore Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
Most towns and cities have ATM's for cash withdrawal.
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are also generally widely accepted.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Cable Car

Albania

Food and drink

Albanian cuisine is very meat- and dairy-heavy, and the local hospitality culture means you’ll rarely leave a meal hungry – especially when dining with a local family, where leftover food is part of showing generosity. While vegetarian options like stuffed peppers, bean stews and salads are available, they can be quite repetitive, and vegan dishes are often limited and lacking in variety. Halal food is commonly available thanks to Albania’s significant Muslim population, but kosher options are much more limited due to the small Jewish community. Gluten-free dishes such as grilled meats, salads and rice-based meals can be found in some restaurants, though it's always best to check with staff.

Can you drink the water?
Tap water in Albania isn’t considered safe to drink for most travellers – while some locals may drink it, the quality can be inconsistent, so it’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any issues. You can buy bottled water easily throughout the country, or if you’d prefer to cut down on plastic waste, you can pick up a filtered Water-to-Go bottle through the Explore website before you travel.

 

Croatia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Montenegro

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Croatia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US or Canadian citizens.
Albania: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.
Montenegro: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.
Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Albania

Vaccinations

We recommend protection against hepatitis A, typhoid, polio and tetanus. Rabies vaccination is recommended by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office due to the large number of stray dogs in Albania. You should seek further advice from your travel clinic. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Croatia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend being up-to-date with your routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK including protection against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis protection is recommended by some medical sources at certain times of the year. Ticks are most active between spring and late autumn. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Montenegro

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend being up-to-date with your routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK including protection against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis protection is recommended by some medical sources at certain times of the year. Ticks are most active between spring and late autumn. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

Table of contents

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Got it!