Montenegro Bike & Sail
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Explore the stunning coastline of Montenegro with its coastal towns and the sheer limestone cliffs of the Bay of Kotor
In the heart of the Balkans, the newly independent nation of Montenegro has a wealth of historic treasures and stunning Adriatic coastline to explore. Journeying to this intriguing country by boat from Dubrovnik, the cycle begins with an exhilarating ride into the stunning walled town of Kotor. The towns ancient bastions, built to withstand foreign aggressors, now serve as excellent viewing platforms of the dramatic surrounding coastal scenery. From the border with Croatia to the Albanian border, the cycle route explores quiet mountain and coastal roads to reach sandy beaches, the birdlife rich Skutari Lake and historic pirate hideouts. Plenty of time is set aside to explore the interesting coast towns of Budva, Bar and Ulcinj enroute, take a swim in the sea or relax on board.
Highlights
- Cycling in Europe's newest country through unspoilt landscapes
- Discovering the small towns and villages enroute
- Exploring Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful cities on the Adriatic
- The Bay of Kotor with its limestone cliffs
- Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable sailing boat
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Dubrovnik
Individual arrival either by car or by plane to Dubrovnik airport. After check in at 2pm, the afternoon is at your disposal, either for a walk through this interesting town with its beautifully preserved fortifications or for a short bike ride to a nearby beach. The dinner afterwards is the first meal on board the ship. We spend the night in Dubrovnik.
Day 2 Sail to Montenegro and cycle from Zelenika to Kotor (32km)
Early in the morning we start on a 5 hour crossing on our sailing boat. It takes us to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, which is surrounded by mountains reaching heights of up to 1,700m. It is the largest and best protected bay in the entire Adriatic. At the very end of the bay we arrive at the town of Zelenika. Here we officially enter Montenegro. In the afternoon we start with our tour guide on the first biking trip that leads us to Kotor. The town is almost 2,000 years old and famous for its medieval centre. Here you can end the day with a leisurely walk through town. Lunch or dinner is also included today.
Day 3 Sail to Bar and cycle to Stari Bar and the pirate hideout of Ulcinj (35km)
Early in the morning we leave the bay of Kotor and cruise to Bar, where we begin our cycle to Stari Bar. The town was abandoned after an earthquake in 1979, but some of the original buildings have been restored and are well worth a visit. It is also home to one of the three oldest olive trees in the world. Next stop is the pirate hideout town of Ulcinj, which is the southernmost town in Montenegro. It has a picturesque old town surrounded by fortified walls and with every step we encounter the town's oriental past. Overnight in the port of Bar. Lunch or dinner is also included today.
Day 4 Visit Skutari Lake and cycle the coast road with views to Albania (42km)
Today we explore the hilly side of the famous Skutari Lake. A shuttle bus takes us up a mountain road approximately 500m above the lake. With a length of 48km and a width of up to 14km it is one of the largest lakes on the Balkan Peninsula. The bottom of the lake lies partially below sea level. It is a haven for migrating birds on their flight south and was declared a National Park in 1983. We cycle along the panoramic road with fantastic views of the sea and Albania on the opposite shore. In the evening we have a transfer back to Bar and we sail to Budva. Lunch or dinner is also included today.
Day 5 Visit the former Montenegrin capital of Cetinje, cycle to Virpazar (40km)
A short trip takes us to the former Montenegrin capital of Cetinje. The president of Montenegro still has his official residence here and numerous government buildings and former embassies attest the town's past as the country's capital. From here we go on a beautiful bike ride to Virpazar. Another bus transfer takes us back to Budva, from where we cruise back to the bay of Kotor. If time allows we visit the church on the small island of "Our Lady of the Rock", which is a famous place of pilgrimage for sailors. Lunch or dinner is also included today.
Day 6 Morning cycle before visiting Lovcen (20km + 30km)
After breakfast we cycle on almost traffic-free roads with stunning views and many small churches before our transfer to Cetinje and then up to Lovcen. From the highest point more than 1500m above sea level, we begin our descent enjoying spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor. Lunch or dinner is also included today.
Day 7 Sail to Dubrovnik, afternoon city tour
In the morning we sail once more into the heart of Kotor Bay. After leaving the country at the harbor of Zelenika, the ship takes us back to Dubrovnik. In the afternoon a local guide will accompany us through Dubrovnik and tell us about its eventful, turbulent history. Lunch or dinner is also included today.
Day 8 Trip concludes Dubrovnik
Check out by 9am and individual return home.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners or lunches (does not include drinks). The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one warm meal a day – this meal could be lunch or dinner. One lunch or dinner is not included each day and this can be taken in a local restaurant.
- 7 nights accommodation in a double cabin below deck with private bathroom (small supplement applies for above deck or single cabin). If you are travelling by yourself you will be matched with another passenger. The compact cabins are configured with double beds. Excellent discounts apply to a third person sharing a triple cabin, with a configuration of a French bed (quite cosy for two people as it is a little smaller than a double) and a single bunk bed above.
- 21 speed trekking bike rental with pannier
- Experienced crew of 4 including cycle guide
- Bed linen and towels
- Overview maps for daily cycle tours
- City tour in Dubrovnik
Group Size Min
16
Group Size Max
30
Accommodation Summary
Ship SAN SNOVA (Premium ship, all cabins with shower/toilet) San Snova – Dream of Dreams – is the name of this brand-new ship launched in Spring 2009 and built specifically for the trip. This ship, 31m long and 8m wide, combines romantic seafaring with the highest specifications. Ten cabins above deck as well as four cabins below are available. They are outstanding in their spaciousness and comfortable furnishings. All cabins have their own bathroom with shower and WC and are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning. The crew of the San Snova is a wonderful team who are looking forward to welcoming you on board.
Equipment Required
Bike helmet, wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. (A detailed gear list is included in the pre departure information provided on booking).
What You Carry
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Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$1,920
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
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