Cycling the Ciro trail: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik

Tour dates: Sept 12th - Sept 20th, 2025

Duration: 8 days

Distance: 396 km

Grading: Intermediate

Whats included?

• Fully guided trip with experienced guide

• Bike supplied - fitted with rack, panniers and repair kit. Electric Bike also available.

• 8 nights accommodation

• Breakfast and snacks each day

• Local Transfers

• Detailed information pack with maps

Overview

If you are a fan of gravel, then this Balkan adventure is for you. The Ciro Trail is an unsung gem for gravel cycling enthusiasts, offering a wealth of historical and natural sites as well as spectacular scenery on a well establised traffic-free cycle path. The converted bike path once served as a narrow-gauged railway originally for military purposes and later as a lifeline by transporting goods and people between the sea in Croatia and hinterland in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Starting out in Sarajevo, there is so much to explore, from the history of it’s chequered past of multiple wars to its stunning old town and excellent food and coffee scene. There is no better way to experience this city than with a group tour with our friends at Meet Bosnia Tours. The Visočica mountain range and Prenj mountain area, know as the Alps of the Balkans, provide challenging cycling with magnificent mountain scenery - you'll be awe-struck by the views and rugged rock formations. Following the Ciro Trail, the route takes us to one of the most visited cities in Europe, Dubrovnik with its outstanding medieval architecture and fortified old town. To experience three historical cities - Sarajevo, Mostar and Dubrovnik is a truly unique opportunity to indulge in the best of the Balkan cities - with each city offering their own unique character and highlights.

Topping off the tour in pure Croatian style, we will head to the coast and a true highlight of the tour - Mljet Island, the greenest of all Croatian islands, it boasts fantastic wildlife, stunning beaches and pristine lakes in the protected national park.

This tour provides a unique blend of history, natural beauty and adventure for gravel cycling enthusiasts who appreciate a special slice of Balkan architecture, culture and history.

Day 1 - Sarajevo

You will arrive before the first day of riding on Sept 12th. You can check in to the hotel from 3pm on the day. We will then all meet later in the afternoon/evening (around 5pm) at the cycle store for your bike fit out. After getting your bike we will later head to a 'meet and greet' Drinks & Dinner in the evening. All the specific details will be provided in your information pack after you book. Starting out in Sarajevo, there is so much to explore, from the history of It’s chequered past of multiple wars to its stunning old town and excellent food and coffee scene. There is no better way to experience this city than with a group tour with our friends at Meet Bosnia Tours, who will be giving us a guided tour of the city.

Day 2 - Sarajevo to Tusila

The cycling begins with a short but challenging first day navigating over and around Mount Bjelasnica, which hosted the 1984 Winter Olympic downhill events. It will be uphill climbing most of the first half of the day which means the scenery becomes quite spectacular and you will see numerous waterfalls, lakes and natural springs along the way.

Day 3 - Tusila to Jezero

The day starts with a sharp climb to the highest point of the tour nestled deep in the Visočica mountain range - a popular area for hikers and known for its jagged limestone and dolomite rock formations. After the peak it’s mostly downhill, allowing the chance to take in spectacular scenery in all it’s glory. Our stop for the night is Jezero with it’s pristine lake and tranquil surrounds.

Day 4 - Jezero to Mostar

Another day in amongst the mountains with a strenous climb at the start of the day. The climb then takes us into the spectacular Prenj Mountain riding on a mix of gravel and tarmac surfaces. A welcome downhill gradient is taken all the way into Mostar - a jewel of Bosnia & Herzegovia, wrought with such a sorrowing past but with so much beauty defined by it’s iconic old bridge.

Day 5 - Mostar to Gabela

The shortest and easiest day of the tour come as a welcome relief after enduring the mountains. The ride follows the winding river Buna most of the day. We will detour out to Blagaj to see it’s unique monastery nestled below the town’s shear cliff face as well as visit Bunski Kanal with it’s miniature cascades.

Day 6 - Gabela to Ravno

This day presents us with best that the Ciro Trail offers: Flat trail cycling through old railway tunnels and viaduct whilst taking in the pristine lakes and stunning panoramic views. The many highlights include the Hutovo Blato wetlands, the towering Počitelj Fortress and the impressive Štangerova ćuprija viaduct.

Day 7 - Ravno to Dubrovnik

After a short ride, the day starts with a visit to Špilja Vjetrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s largest cave and the most biodiverse cave in the world - a must see! The majestic journey then continues much like the previous days using the old rail along the old gravel Ciro rail trail. The path towers above the expansive flood plains of Popovo Polje before reaching the border with Croatia at Ivanica where the views of the sea and Croatia’s famous medieval town, Dubrovnik emerge below.

Day 8 - Pelješac peninsula

After a magnificent evening exploring Dubrovnik with its ancient town within the walls, it’s time to hit the coast and islands for a real change of scenery! With it being the longest distance of the tour with two big hills to encounter, it makes for a challenging but spectacular day - with views of the islands below stretching right out to the horizon. A night’s stay in Pomena on Mljet island offers a true island experience.

Day 9 - Mljet island

The shortest day of the tour certainly doesn’t disappoint. We spend the entire day exploring the stunning national park. We hug the coastline for the first part of the day where the sparkling Adriatic really comes to life. After this we head for the hills capturing spectacular viewpoints from the top of the national park. Heading out of the national park we ride in a loop out to Lake Blatina before heading downhill to the finish at Polače. Our 8 day odyssey is topped of with a swim, meal and drink to celebrate our achievements before catching the boat back to Dubrovnik.

  
    Day
    Route
    Distance (Km)
  

    

    Day 1
    Sarajevo
    0

    Day 2
     Sarajevo - Tusila
    50

    Day 3
    Tusila - Jezero 
    45

    Day 4
    Jezero - Mostar 
    55

    Day 5
    Mostar - Gabela 
    52
 

    Day 6
    Gabela - Ravno 
    47

    Day 7
    Ravno - Dubrovnik
    53

    Day 8
    Peljesac Penninsula 
    62

    Day 9
    Mljet Island 
    32

    
    Total
    396
    

      

Grading

Challenging adventure (5/5). This tour is certainly challenging and much of it is offroad on gravel cycle ways. Whilst you don’t have to be an expert to be able to do it you will have to be comfortable riding a mountain bike on gravel and uneven surfaces. The first 3 days and day 7 are the most challenging with uphill riding. Regular cycling on such terrain, as well as gym sessions or other cardiovascular activity is recommended prior to attending this tour.

Logistics

You can check in to the hotel from 3pm the day of Sept 12th. We will then all meet later in the afternoon/evening at the cycle store for your bike fit out. You will be provided with two panniers (totalling 25litres) to be fitted to your bike to carry all your belongings for all days. The panniers provide ample space, but please pack light and make sure you bring a soft foldable bag. After getting your bike, we will head out on a private tour of Sarajevo with an experienced guide and then on to a 'Meet and Greet' drinks & dinner in the evening.

The riding commences at a designated hotel in Sarajevo the following morning. After meeting in the morning we ride south and climb up towards Mount Bjelasnica. The next two days we ride amongst the spectacular mountains of this region, resting our heads in the towns of Tusila, Jezero and Mostar. Day 5 is the easiest day following the winding Buna River. Day 6 we wake up in Gabela and embark on the most spectacular riding and views on the old Ciro Rail Trail. Day 7 we continue along the Ciro Trail and into Croatia and Dubrovnik! Day 8 is spent along the magnificent Pelješac penninsula before heading off the mainland and into Pomena on Mljet island for the night. The last day we explore the island of Mljet before catching the boat back to Dubrovnik.

What to bring?

Travel light! Packing appropriately for this trip could make or break your tour. Personal luggage will need to be carried for every day of the 8 days of riding in panniers provided. One of the challenges with this area in the beginning, can be the weather. Whilst the weather is mostly fine and sunny, we are riding through a region which can have some rain in Sept. Bare that in mind when packing. Appropriate riding gear to suit all conditions are imperative items to bring. A full list of items to bring will be provided after you book and we will be on hand to help you choose the right clothing and gear for an enjoyable trip.

What to budget for?

• FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED. You will need to arrange a flight to arrive in Sarajevo on the day of Sept 12th.

The closest airports are:

- Start point: Sarajevo

- End point: Dubrovnik

• Other meals are not included - budget for around 40 euros per day

• Traveller’s Insurance (compulsory)