Balkans Cycle Tour GPX Files

All our cycle tours are supported with GPX files of the entire route. These start at the door of the hotel you are leaving and finish right at your finish hotel. The GPX route files for your Balkans cycle tour will be sent well in advance for you to check and upload to your bike computer. Any revisions will be resent.

Route & Itinerary

17 days of cycling plus one rest day and Arrival / Departure days - 20 days and 19 nights in total
Approximately averaging 131 km and 1,707 meters per day

Starting in the Jewel of the Balkan Crown’ City of Dubrovnik we head south to the world famous Kotor Bay in Montenegro and onwards to Shkoder, known as the ‘Cycle City’ in Northern Albania. When you arrive you’ll know why! The bells ring here like the bicycles in Beijing! You cycle across the north of Albania to Kukes not far from the Kosovo border and down towards the border crossing into North Macedonia to the breath-taking beauty of Ohrid. We head east through Bitola and Veles and tackle the climb over the border into Bulgaria on one of our longest days in the saddle. From the University city of Blagoevgrad we then take you to the ski resort of Bansko at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. We breathe out here, then head south freewheeling to the beach in Greece with a worthwhile detour onto the island of Thassos … from whence we make our last ride east across the Nestos Delta via Komotini and Alexandroupoli into Turkey. From Ipsala we cross the Dardanelles Strait by bus and stay over in Cannakale for two nights to allow us a loop out to the Ancient city of Troy. On our last day we take our bikes on a ride across the continents starting on the Asian side we ferry to Kilitbahir and ride north along the Strait to Gelibolou. We ferry back to Lapseki before taking a bus to Bandirma to cross the Sea of Marmara by ferry to Istanbul, the historical bustling ‘gateway to the east’.

Arrival Day (no cycling)

On arrival in Dubrovnik we can transport you and your bike to our hotel to prepare for departure the following day. You may choose to arrive a day or two earlier if you wish to enjoy the sights of this beautiful city before embarking on our journey through seven exciting countries. If you choose to arrive early please bear in mind that our hotel is closer to the airport where we begin our route and this is approximately a 20 minute drive from Dubrovnik old town.

Cycling Day 1 - Dubrovnik Croatia to Kotor Bay Montenegro 75 km 1,110 m

Our ride departs from near Dubrovnik airport to avoid the very busy coast road and takes us to the smaller south-westerly border crossing into Montenegro on quiet country roads overlooking the Adriatic as we ride.

It’s an early start today to give you plenty of time to enjoy a coffee in the beautiful Montenegrin town of Herceg-Novi before a leisurely lunch overlooking Kotor Bay. Then follows the delightful ride around the world-renowned Kotor Bay to our hotel.
A swim in Kotor Bay is a delight: surrounded by the mountains on all four sides this incredible vast sea inlet will amaze and astound you.

Enjoy floating in the sheltered luxury and try not to think too much about how you’re going to get out of the bay the next day …

The freewheel through your first no man’s land is ethereal and your first coffee when you enter Montenegro will be half the price of your last one.

On arrival in Kotor Bay you’ll be blown away by the splendour and sheer size of the bay. It is 28 kilometres long with a shoreline extending 100 kilometres. The hills of the Orjen and Lovcen Mountains slope away from the deep blue everywhere you look.

We take the short ferry across the Verige Strait in the narrowest section of the bay. The outer part of the bay is Tivat. The inner section is split in two with the Bay of Risan in the Northwest and Kotor in the Southeast. We stay in a hotel opposite Kotor Town which is a splendid vantage point from which to appreciate this truly amazing place and avoid the busy Kotor cruise ship crowds.

Cycling Day 2 - Kotor Bay to Podgorica 116 km 2,508 m

When we move on from this spectacular setting you will leave with a yearning to come back and explore many more miles in the hills around it. The steepness of the mountains around the bay is astounding. It’s just a beautiful expanse of sea protected from the elements by these marvellous mountains on all sides. A simply glorious setting. Only downside is that there might be a tiny climb (I might be lying just a teency bit) out of here this morning to head to the capital. Dragging yourself away from Kotor Bay is tough.

Today we climb and we climb some more. There are stunning views all of the way. The Serpentine is a renowned climb in Montenegro with 26 switchbacks. We make an early start to tackle this and reward ourselves with the first coffee and spectacular vantage point of the day before taking on the next 600 metres into Lovcen National Park. Another pause to look around and take in the panorama and we head down to lunch in the quaint town of Cetinje.

After lunch comes the best part:
The descent takes us off the main road and around past the Pavlova Strana viewpoint on the way to Montenegro’s capital city of Podgorica where we spend the night on the outskirts of town to avoid the busy traffic in the centre. This section is just glorious!

Cycling Day 3 - Podgorica to Shkoder Albania 88 km 1,277 m

We leave Montenegro today and ride south to head down the Cemi valley to the Albanian border, crossing it on the north-east side of Lake Skadar. There then follows a challenging switchback climb at Grabom before we enter ‘Cycle City’ for lunch. As your first introduction to Albania you’ll find Shkoder most welcoming. Known as ‘Cycle City’ you’ll be greeted with bicycles coming at you from all angles (and I mean all angles) laden with everything from fresh produce to farm animals and Grandma! There’s a tough 400 m climb to our hotel. There’s no shame in walking this part!
There’s a wonderfully warm vibe to this city with a marked difference in culture from the moment you arrive.
We stay slightly outside the town on the north side because the view from this little hotel is just splendid. It’s a short and inexpensive taxi transfer to the town centre.

Cycling Day 4 - Shkoder to Kukes 150 km 3,250 m

Today is the toughest day! You’ll cycle across the north of Albania from Shkoder in the west by Lake Shkodra to Kukes on Black Drin Lake. Over the hills today’s ride is remote, relentless and rewarding. This road is 138 kilometres long, it twists and turns, goes up and down and has generally good tarmac. There’s only one town along the route (Puke).
This is one amazing traffic-free ride with views throughout. You’ll be delighted to see the hotel for lunch which appears like a little oasis.

Cycling Day 5 - Kukes to Peshkopi 74 km 1,997 m

After the previous long tough day, today is shorter. The climbing continues south to Peshkopi for a late lunch. There is unlikely to be snow on the hills in August when you come.

Cycling Day 6 - Peshkopi to Ohrid North Macedonia 93 km 1,121 m

We exit Albania at a quiet border crossing just south of Peshkopi and enter North Macedonia by the Debar river valley. Lake Ohrid forms the border between Albania and North Macedonia and sits just north of Greece. It's a personal favourite of mine!
It is most tranquil and we stay here for 2 nights to allow a rest day before embarking on the rest of our trip.

Rest Day / Changeover Day

If you have it in your legs it’s well worth a walk up and around the castle for a morning coffee to sit and gaze out over the lake. Wander down again for a swim with the fish in the cool fresh water!

Cycling Day 7 - Ohrid to Bitola 69 km 995 m

A relatively easy ‘two climb’ day to start the second half finishing with an overnight stay in a winery!

Cycling Day 8 - Bitola to Veles 126 km 710 m

Veles is in the heart of North Macedonia south of its capital, Skopje. It’s central position in the Balkans is, and has been of strategic importance throughout the ages. It was on the pre & post war route of the Orient Express Athens route from Budapest Orient Express - Wikipedia

Today, as well as supporting an increasing tourist industry in hiking etc in the surrounding mountains it serves as an important IT centre in North Macedonia.
It notoriously made the international news in 2016 when it was revealed that a group of teenagers were controlling over 100 websites in support of Donald Trump that were heavily publicised on Facebook.
The Vardar river valley makes for a glorious ride into town. As you start at over 500 metres, more than half of your ride today is downhill and flat on a quiet smooth road. This is probably for the best after a night at a winery!

Cycling Day 9 - Veles to Blagoevgrad Bulgaria 156 km 2,119 m

The views on the morning ride from Veles out to Makedonska Kamenitsa will not disappoint. Another big and beautiful ride today. A kind uphill gradient over 90k leading to pizza lunch before the Bulgarian border crossing climb back into the European Union at Delchevo.
A long (10k) delightful climb to the border today is rewarded with an even longer descent. Keep your eyes peeled for Tortoises. They are hard to spot but a joy to see in their natural environment.

Cycling Day 10 - Blagoevgrad to Bansko 57 km 1,078 m

Today we have a steady climb into this fascinating year round ski resort in the Pirin mountains. The summer months bring mountain-biking, white water rafting, jazz festivals and a host of other exciting activities. There are a number of traditional Mehanas to eat and drink in and sample the delights of homemade liquers and wine.
Relax and enjoy, tomorrow’s all downhill …

Cycling Day 11 - Bansko to Krinides Greece 153 km 1,346 m

This is our ‘freewheel’ day! Well, the first 70 kilometres of it is! The bit down to the Greek border. We take our hangovers down this valley that follows the path of the Nestos river (opposite) south along the east side of the Pirin Mountain range. You’ve now travelled a long way from whence you started and you’ll continue to witness multiple changes in culture and the environment as you ride along.
We cross the border and head south to Krinides for our first stopover in Greece on route to Drama. The day ends with a long gentle descent as we near the coast.

Cycling Day 12 - Krinides to Thassos 58 km 686 m

The roadside is littered with poppies in the spring and into late summer in these parts. There may well be a few left lining your ride in early September when we leave for the Port of Kavala that morning.

This is a day of two parts. The first being the scenic ride to the ferry where, all going to plan, there’ll be enough time to grab a bite to eat before we depart for Thassos island. There’s plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy our ferry ride over to Prinou on Thassos island and then on to Thassos itself.

At this time of the year you'll see many cyclists just like you out enjoying this relatively quiet island road. Tomorrow we join them!

Cycling Day 13 - Thassos round the Island 92 km 1,383 m

There’s an annual race round Thassos Island that’s known for being particularly tough. Today you’ll find out why we had an easy day yesterday. It’s nice to be in the same hotel for 2 nights! You’ll be glad of the pool.

Cycling Day 14 - Thassos to Komotini 100 km 480 m

You’ll start to feel that prevailing wind now.
Guess which way it’s blowing?!
After heading north and riding the southern outskirts of Xanthi we go south to cross the East Macedonia and Thrace National Park crossing the Gulf of Lagos following the narrow strip of land that sections off Vistonida Lake. As a low lying National Park, keep your eyes peeled for the abundance of wildlife the wetlands have to offer on both sides. And remember, if you do see a snake slither across your path, he is likely to be much more terrified of you than you are of him! Keep a look out for the occasional tortoise. Do stop and help them across the road a little faster than their tiny fat legs are carrying them. They may not make it otherwise.

Cycling Day 15 - Komotini to Ipsala Turkey 120 km 966 m. Bus transfer to Canakkale

There’s a chance we may face a bit more headwind today as we make our way to the opulent gates at the entrance to Turkey through the great gateway to the East.
It’s a bit of a slog to be honest but just think of the Trojan soldiers that didn’t have bikes to make the journey!
Both Komotini and Alexandroupoli are quite multi-lingual and their proximity to Turkey over the years has meant that they are home to a diverse and mixed religion and culture.
The area tends to have a high number of refugees and this means that English is often spoken by many.
After the opulent and lengthy (around an hour) border crossing we head downhill and turn left through the arch for lunch in Ipsala before our transfer bus arrives to take us to Cannakale.

Cycling Day 16 - Canakkale to Canakkale. Loop to the ancient city of Troy. 73 km 734 m

Again we have the luxury of two nights in the same hotel. Keep a lookout for dolphins along the Dardanelles Strait as you ride out to Troy. An easier ride than most of your days to date on tour so take your time and marvel at the ancient city for a couple of hours.

Cycling Day 17 - Lapseki via Kilitbahir and Gelibolou 56 km 361 m. Bus transfer to Bandirma or Yalova. Ferry or Catamaran to Istanbul across the sea of Marmara

Don’t let the relatively easy distance and climbing today have you thinking that it’s going to be an easy one; it won’t! It’s an exhilarating ride into the wind with astounding views of the Strait and the famous 1915 bridge.

You will LOVE it! It’s a fabulous finish!

Departure Day (no cycling)

You’ll waken up in a bustling warm Istanbul to the distinctive eastern sound of the calls to prayer (adhan) from the many Minarets dotted across the city.

For those seeking an airport transfer today we will arrange this for you and for those staying on to sample the delights of this utterly amazing city you will not be disappointed.
Make sure Topkapi Palace is high on your list!

You can opt to have your bike collected from the hotel and professionally packaged for your return journey then delivered to the airport in time for your return flight.

Key Points

The tour starts in Dubrovnik in Croatia and finishes in Istanbul
The tour is suitable for road bikes wih 28mm+ tyres
Bike rental cannot be arranged
Your bike will need to be brought with you in a CARDBOARD-style disposable box. For a fee (£65) you can opt to have your bike professionally repacked at the end of the tour for onward travels. Your bike will be collected from the hotel where we spend our final night and then delivered to the airport all ready to check on your flight!
There will be one support van on route

Balkans Cycling Tour - Dubrovnik to Istanbul

Route map of the Balkans Cycling Tour

Distance and Climbing

Price

What is included in the tour

What is NOT included in the tour