MONTENEGRO’S UNESCO TOUR

After breakfast we transfer by van to Rrapshë where we descend an amazing set of switchbacks, cross through villages, unbelievable gorges and high plateaus that will take your breath away, before crossing the northern-most point of Albania to the border of Vermosh, where we cycle into Montenegro. We end the day with a transfer to our hotel.

We cycle a 2-lane road north of Andrijevica and then turn off on a quiet forest road that climbs through the spectacular Komovi Mountains to Tresnjevik Pass at 1,565 meters. From the pass, we descend into the Tara River Valley to another 2-lane road leading into Kolasin and our lodging for the night. Kolasin is popular for walking and skiing in the nearby Bjelasica and Sinjajevina mountains.

We begin with a short transfer to a spectacular viewpoint at the beginning of the Tara River Canyon where we start our ride. Tara is Montenegro’s second longest river and the canyon with the same name, is 1,300 meters deep at its deepest point. We continue through the canyon to the Tara Bridge which stretches across the canyon 165 meters above the river. After lunch, we have a 9 km climb and enter the Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. The top of the climb is a plateau with wide-open pastures and farms. Before reaching the town of Zabljak we take a fantastic secondary road towards another UNESCO site, the Stecci Tombstones, known for its ornaments dating the medieval times.

Today’s ride takes us up into Durmitor National Park and begins with a dramatic 8 km ascent to Prevoj Sedlo Pass, which at 1,905 meters is Montenegro’s highest paved road and one of the most spectacular views of the tour. Durmitor National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) has 23 mountain peaks over 2,300 meters. On the climb we will be close to Bobotov Kuk (2,522 meters) and the north face of Sedlena Greda (2,225 meters). The descent winds through magnificent limestone scenery and brings us to a high alpine meadow region with massive distant views. More descending is in store as we snake around a number of hairpin bends and pass through several short tunnels as we make our way to Lake Pluzine, a reservoir along the Piva River. We spend the night near the shore of the lake in the town of Pluzine.

From Pluzine we undulate along the main road above the Komanica River heading south toward Nikšić. After lunch there, we will prepare the bikes and transfer by minivan to Cetinje, the Old Royal Capital city of Montenegro. Founded in the 15th century, this town was once the center of Montenegrin culture and the former home of kings. There we will experience the authentic atmosphere of the town by walking through the historical center and relaxing at one of many centuries-old open-air terraces. (CITY TOUR INCLUDED)

Today is a day of amazing contrast as we go from the rocky highlands down to the deep blue Adriatic Sea. We start with a climb up through the alpine forest of Lovcen National Park and then begin a panoramic descent that finishes with the spectacular serpentine switchbacks overlooking the Bay of Kotor. This downhill is one of the most scenic rides in all of Europe! We end our day with a guided walking tour inside the Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (CITY TOUR INCLUDED)

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro due to its scenery and well-preserved medieval architecture. The Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) is one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea and some have called it the southernmost fjord in Europe, but it is a “ria”, a submerged river canyon. It is surrounded by an impressive landscape with overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovćen Mountain. Kotor old town is part of the World Heritage Site dubbed the Natural and CulturoHistorical Region of Kotor, while being surrounded by another UNESCO site, The Venetian Works of Defence, created between the 16th and 17th century. Activities to do on you off day: 1. Hike up to Kotor Fortress 2. Browse the Food Market in front of the old town 3. Relax on the beach surrounded by restaurants and bars 4. Take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks and/or The Blue Cave 5. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding 6. Take the bike and ride around the bay

After breakfast we transfer by van to Bar. Our final day of cycling takes us alongside the forests close to the border with Albania. The road is a bit of a “roller coaster” but with no significant ascents or descents that brings us down to the flat plain and the main road just a few km away from the Muriqan border back into Albania. The final 15km within Albania is almost flat before reaching the River Buna where we have lunch. After lunch, a transfer will be waiting for us to have our farewell dinner in Tirana. Tirana is a dynamic mixture of financial institutions, cultural and entertainment venues. It is home to two distinct architectural styles dictated by the totalitarian regimes that governed the country from the Second World War until the 1990’s - the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini during the Second World War and the Communist regime that followed it. The National Museum and Bunk’art showcases the different historical steps of the country, museums that are recommend to visit before meeting with the group. At 6pm you will meet your guide for the tour briefing and he will accompany you to a cozy, typical Albanian restaurant where traditional food will be offered in a family style type of dinner.

Farewell day starting with a 3 hour transfer to Tirana International Airport for those having a flight, and a separate transfer is offered to those staying in Tirana for a few extra days.