Self-Guided Ciro Bike Trail in Croatia (Mid Season)

7 Days, Multiple Departures

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Self-Guided Ciro Bike Trail in Croatia (Mid Season)
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind

Embark on a cycling adventure like no other along the legendary Ćiro trail, spanning from the charming coastal city of Dubrovnik in Croatia to the captivating town of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following the path of an ancient steam locomotive railway constructed during the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1903, this reimagined cycling route offers a journey through history, revived in November 2017 as the remarkable Ćiro bike trail, named after the iconic steam locomotive Ćiro.

While the Ćiro trail does not precisely mirror the original railway route from Dubrovnik to Mostar due to sections still in use, alternate roads winding through picturesque landscapes and rural villages offer an equally enchanting experience. Upon reaching Mostar, cyclists have the option to extend their adventure northward to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, though it requires additional days of cycling.

Designed as a 7-day cycling expedition, the Ćiro bike route blends paved and unpaved roads, with occasional challenging inclines that never exceed 5–7% of the route. Traverse through breathtaking vistas, including the lush green valley of Popovo Polje, the meandering Trebišnjica and Neretva rivers, and the quaint villages of Herzegovina. Along the way, encounter the historic towns of Dubrovnik, Mostar, and Počitelj, each steeped in rich cultural heritage and timeless charm.

Immerse yourself in a truly unique journey, where nights are spent at old train stations and days are filled with the taste of local delicacies. From the stunning scenery to the warm hospitality, the Ćiro bike route promises an unforgettable exploration of a lesser-known corner of the world, offering a fresh perspective and endless adventure opportunities. So saddle up and embark on an extraordinary cycling adventure along the Ćiro trail, where history and nature converge in perfect harmony.

About

All lodging, breakfast daily, luggage transfers, transportation as in the program, local emergency support, riding routes with maps, one Garmin device, and our assistance when needed.

Airfare

Bike rental is not included in the price of the tour:

Hybrid bikes: $46 per person/day

E-bikes: $57 per person/day

"My husband and I had a terrific 7 day, self guided cycle tour of the Dalmatian Coast - known for stunning views, wine and of course...The Adriatic Sea. From the first contact with Jelena (who was so attentive, knowledgeable and helpful), to Alex and Amir (our drivers), to the quaint and charming local accommodations that were booked for us, the whole experience was well worth it. We want to give special mention to Kata (Maestral Accomodations in Orebic) and Angelina (Amfora Villa in Dubrovnik). They took such good care of us and their breakfasts were so good! The daily cycling was well mapped out for us - we had a really special and memorable experience."

- Participant, Jul 2023

"We had a private guided cycling tour in the Konavle Valley with Alex. We are fit cyclists with less climbing experience wanting a challenging but enjoyable ride taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. Aleks put together a 3 hour ride with some great climbing and fun descents that checked all those boxes. He was knowledgeable and fun to talk to about the local area as well as cycling in general. We would not have felt comfortable doing the ride without his guidance. I highly recommend getting a guide and not going out on your own if you have not been to the area before."

- Amy, Jul 2023

"We have just got back from an amazing cycle tour. All the communication was excellent from start to finish. The route information was easy to understand and all the accommodation was really lovely."

- Robina, May 2023

"They were professional, responsive, friendly, knowledgeable, and helped us put together a great trip. We did 4 night Croatia self guided bike trip (Orebić, korcula, Ston, Konavle, then added on two nights in Montenegro. They arranged perfect small family run hotels, gave us great routes with tips of things to do, see, eat, … along the way. They made sure we were comfortable and safe, answering all questions before our daily rides."

- Jenny C, Apr 2023

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About The Host

Welcome to our adventure tourism company based in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik! We specialize in providing unforgettable experiences for tourists and locals alike, showcasing the natural beauty and rich culture of this stunning region.

Our team consists of passionate and experienced adventurers who are eager to share their love of the outdoors with others. We believe in responsible and sustainable tourism, and strive to leave a positive impact on the communities and environments we visit.

From a stunning cycling and hiking tours to kayaking, we offer a wide range of activities for all levels of adventure seekers. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides will ensure your safety and enjoyment every step of the way.

We are committed to providing exceptional customer service, and pride ourselves on creating customized tours that cater to your specific interests and needs. Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure or a group outing, we have something for everyone.

So come join us on an adventure and discover the hidden gems of Dubrovnik its surrounding areas and wider area of Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Let us create a memorable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the natural wonders and fascinating history of Croatia. Contact us today to book your next adventure!

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at the Dubrovnik Airport. Meet and greet at the airport, shuttle service transport to the Konavle countryside, fitting and tuning the bikes and a warm-up bike ride through the valley.

Overnight: Konavle (Gruda)

Accommodation: B&B

Day 2 Cycling through the Konavle countryside

Cycling distance: 65km, elevation gain: 1000m

The bike route follows the old railroad trail to the villages overlooking the valley of Konavle. This route explores the rural area of the Konavle hills, goes through the Konavle valley and the town Gruda.

Overnight: Konavle (Gruda)

Accommodation: B&B

Included meals: breakfast

Day 3 Konavle – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ćiro bike route

Cycling: distance: 43km, elevation gain: 700m

We will check out and take a morning shuttle from Konavle to Dubac (a small town close to the border with Herzegovina). We will cycle to the border, cross it and continue to follow the Ćiro railroad trail to Herzegovina and the valley of Popovo Polje.

Overnight: Zavala / Ravno

Accommodation: B&B

Included meals: breakfast

Day 4 Ravno – Čapljina, Ćiro bike route

Cycling distance: 57km, elevation gain: 790m

In the morning you will continue cycling along the Ćiro trail towards the valley of Popovo Polje (a valley located below the former railroad route). You will pass by small towns and a very rural area, the town of Hutovo and a lake with a picturesque valley, cross the Neretva River and cycle over the old railroad bridge which was designed by the famous Gustave Eiffel (who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris). You will finish the route in the town of Čapljina.

Overnight: Čapljina

Accommodation: B&B

Included meals: breakfast

Day 5 Čapljina – Blagaj – Mostar

Cycling distance: 44km, elevation gain: 450m

The bike route follows the Neretva River. At one point, you will cross it and cycle to the old oriental town of Blagaj, located at spring of the Buna River. Afterwards, you will cycle to Mostar where you spend the night.

Overnight: Mostar

Accommodation: B&B

Included tours: doručak

Day 6 Shuttle to Dubrovnik, city tour in Dubrovnik

On our last day we will take a shuttle from Mostar to Dubrovnik. The transfer by car takes about 3h. Upon our arrival in Dubrovnik, you will have free time and the possibility of taking a city tour (cultural sightseeing tour in the old part of Dubrovnik with our guide).

Overnight:Dubrovnik.

Accommodation: B&B

Included meals: breakfast

Day 7 End of tour

Check out and shuttle to the Dubrovnik Airport or some other address in Dubrovnik if you do not end your holiday with a flight.

Included meals: breakfast

Location
Things to keep in mind

Guests right to change or cancellation

About cancellations: If a guest wants to cancel the services booked, this should be done in a written form (e-mail, fax or mail). The date when the agency received a written notice of cancellation is the basis for making the bill of cancellation costs in the following way:

65 days + prior to trip departure: Refund of what you have paid (trip deposit) minus EUR 50,00 processing fee per person.

64 - 45 days prior to trip departure: we charge 50% of your payments (trip deposit) and EUR 50 processing fee per person.

44 – 31 days prior trip departure, a trip deposit is not refundable

30 days before trip starts, we require trip balance

30 – 10 days prior to trip departure: we charge 75% of your total payments and EUR 50 processing fee per person.

9 - 0 days prior trip departure: No refund.

In case if we need to cancel the booking of the trip, we will refund you PRICE paid in advance for the trip. We do not refund bank transfer expenses or credit card fee.

Tourist Offer

Activ Retreats offers the services of mediation and booking on behalf of the provider of services and to their benefit and in this way provides accommodation and tour packages for guests in accordance with the information found on the web pages of activretreats.com except in the state of emergency and due to unexpected circumstances. Activ Retreats tries to be as specific as possible when describing their tours and trips. By paying for one or more tours and trips from our program, you assume a legal obligation towards us and you confirm that you agree with the general conditions of providing travel arrangements and services which are here presented to you. All the items from the tour package present a legal obligation both for the guest and the agency. These conditions are the basis for resolving any possible disputes that may occur between us, therefore please be sure to read them.

Booking and Payment

Reservations can be made by sending an e-mail, fax message or by coming to our office or the offices of our partner-agencies, which are authorized to sell the tours and trips we offer. When making a reservation the guest has to supply all the information required. After receiving a confirmation of the booking, we will send you a requisition form for making the advance payment. To make the reservation valid it is necessary to make the minimum advance payment in the amount of 30% of the full price. After the receipt of the advance payment, you will receive a voucher containing all the necessary information about the reservation.

Balance of the Service

For tours and other services from our offer you have to pay the remaining part of the total sum at least 21 days before the service is required. On receipt of the entire amount the agency will mail you the original Voucher to your address. You should hand in this Voucher directly at the representative of the agency upon arrival to Croatia.

Insurance

Please be sure that you have valid travel insurance, our company does not provide travel insurance (but it is possible on request).
Health and Fitness: You should be in good physical health to participate in our trips, with trip confirmation you confirm that you take trip activity (cycling, hiking, or sea kayak…) at your own risk. Please discuss any health and medical questions you may have with your doctor prior to your trip and upon arrival with our representative.

Terrain: Variety, flat with hilly parts