After amazing and fresh local breakfast, start with cycling. This stage on your Montenegro cycling tour on Trans Dinarica is one of the most visually stunning of the entire 5,000-plus-kilometer route. Leaving from Trsa/Nedajno you will immediately be riding on great asphalt among tall peaks.  

Taking the southern route under the 2,523-meter Bobotov Kuk, the tallest peak along the Durmitor Massif, from Trsa to Žabljak, cyclists will tackle multiple climbs that average about 6% grade. The payoff is immediately obvious. Not only is the scene around you more magnificent with every hilltop, but there are designated view points to rest, take pictures, and absorb the magnificence of Durmitor National Park.

Two highlights along the way are the 2,393-meter Mount Prutaš, which rises right next to the road, and the Sedlo Pass, in the heart of the national park. After the pass, cyclists are rewarded with 20 kilometers of descent and easy riding into the town of Žabljak, the final destination. Overnight is in local farm with dinner included. We suggest you to explore small town of Zabljak, Montenegrin town settled at the highest attitude in the country – 1456m. The ski resort town of Žabljak is an excellent place to take a break for a day to do some shopping, make any necessary repairs, explore Durmitor National Park, have a few nice meals, and get a good night or two of sleep. The town, which has cafes, accommodations, tourism operators, bars, and restaurants is quickly being discovered by adventure travelers. Explore restaurants and have dinner on your own.

Distance: 40 km Elevation: 870 m Paved: 99% Unpaved: 1%

After breakfast, we will head on longest stage in Montenegro part of route.

The first part of the stage is relatively easy and follows a pleasant asphalt road. After the route leaves the R18 road, the Trans Dinarica demands more work from you: first with a steep asphalt climb, and then with a longer section on not-so-perfect gravel road. Those with fully loaded bikes will probably have to get off the bike at times. On the stretch from the picturesque St. Archangel Michael Church to the serpentine descent into the valley of the Ropušica river, you will cycle along a dreamy mountain plateau, exposed to incredible views, but also to mountain weather conditions. After descending into the valley towards the village of Gornje Lipovo, you can again expect some civilization and possibilities for accommodation. This part of the stage is especially challenging if you tackle it in the opposite direction – from Kolašin towards Žabljak.

Today’s stage along the Trans Dinarica bike trail in Montenegro takes cyclists to another incredible ski resort town: Kolašin. Sitting on the banks of the Tara River with the Kolašinska River running through it, Kolašin is a beautiful spot to stay while investigating the 56.5-square-kilometer Biogradska Gora National Park, which is on UNESCO’s tentative list. Overnight in Kolasin, free time for dinner in one of local restaurants. Recommendation to have a local bear in small cafe SFRJ that reflects on reins of Yugoslavia.

Distance: 70 km  Elevation: 1.060 m   Paved: 78%    Unpaved: 22%

Breakfast and start of cycling towards Komovi mountain. The ride today will be dominated by a steady climb. For approximately the first 10 kilometers, the road will follow the Tara River. At the village of Mateševo, the angle of the road and the river will change. From here, the route will follow the Drcka River and will tilt gradually up for the rest of the climb. 

The stage’s terminus will leave cyclists at the beautiful and remote Etno Selo Štavna, where cozy mountain huts are surrounded by peaks. Adventuring travellers here will feel the area’s embrace through its inviting landscape, great food, and hospitality as beautiful as they will experience along the route. Dinner and overnight in mountain lodges.

Distance: 32 km Elevation: 910 m  Paved: 100%  Unpaved: 0%

Breakfast before cycling. One of the aspects that draw cyclists to travel the Balkans is its diversity … and the Trans Dinarica is nothing if not diverse both culturally and geographically. Fans of this diversity will not be disappointed as they leave from the remote Etno Selo Štavna, where cozy mountain huts are surrounded by peaks. Adventurers will feel the area’s embrace through its inviting landscape, great food, and hospitality as beautiful as they will experience along the route. 

Two stages away from the Albanian border, the beginning of this day is defined by its rapid descent in the first 15 kilometers, which rolls across a combination of paved and unpaved roads. (If the gravel descent proves too challenging, consider taking the all-asphalt alternative.) Riders will soon pass through the small and pleasant town of Andrijevica. The route parallels the western side of the Lim River before crossing to the river’s eastern bank. The trail takes back to the western side at the village of Murino and continues for the next 10 kilometers until Lake Plav, Montenegro’s biggest glacial lake and one of the region’s highlights.

From Plav, the Trans Dinarica travels along a road with moderate traffic through villages. The path maintains an elevation of around 925 meters with mountains soaring to the south and National Park Prokletije just within reach. The stage’s end leaves riders in Gusinje, at the confluence of staggeringly stunning river valleys. Dinner and overnight in one of the local homestays/lodges/huts. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery as you leave Montenegro and enter the first stages along Albania’s section of the Trans Dinarica. Surrounded by the Prokletije Range of the Dinaric Alps and at the confluence of multiple rivers and streams, the area’s warm welcome will have you enjoying your afternoon with great food and happily going over your maps to get ready for your continued epic journey.

Take some time to enjoy Gusinje’s bazaar. Though it is not the center of commerce that it once was, there are wonderful places to eat and enjoy the old architecture. Sitting on the front row of Prokletije National Park and with a history that dates back to at least the Bronze Age, the town is a gem of ancient culture. Dinner in the accommodation.

Distance: 55 km  Elevation: 630 m  Paved: 83%  Unpaved: 17%

Breakfast. The first day of the Albania bike tour starts from Gusinje, an inviting town sitting on a horseshoe bend along the Vermosh River.

From Gusinje, the Trans Dinarica cycle route heads west and parallels the Vermosh River as it crosses the Albanian border. After entering Albania, the route continues on a moderate but steady climb on asphalt. This is a good stage to find your pedaling legs and enjoy relaxed riding on quiet roads.

As the Trans Dinarica takes riders into the famous Albanian Alps, a new sense of cycling adventure starts to settle in for cyclists. The hospitality remains the same: warm, welcoming, and accommodating. But the excitement of starting the first of a dozen stages in Albania — rolling south and east along the Dinaric Alps and pedaling toward North Macedonia and Kosovo will be palpable. The day’s magical ride — full of the promise of a new country to discover — ends in the Albanian town of Tamarë.

Tamarë is a completely ’boutique’ village with cobblestone streets and flagstone squares encircled by mountains. The renovated settlement, a wonderful place to stay with multiple accommodation options, straddles the Cem River.

Overnight in the surrounding of Tamare with dinner included.

Distance: 38 km  Elevation: 680 m  Paved: 100%   Unpaved: 0%

Breakfast and start with the tour.

For those taking this alternative cycling route, Albania’s first full stage of the Trans Dinarica is a perfect combination of Albania’s jaw-droppingly beautiful geography and the moderate level of difficulty one can expect on several of the days. The day begins in Tamarë, which is a completely ’boutique’ village with cobblestone streets and flagstone squares encircled by mountains. The renovated settlement, a wonderful place to stay with multiple accommodation options, straddles the Cem River.

Leaving Tamarë, the Trans Dinarica bike trail heads south in the direction of Lake Shkodër. The first climb along the magnificent SH20 road starts about seven kilometers into the ride. Cyclists will soon reach and remain at an elevation of about 750 meters until starting a five-kilometer descent at about the 25-kilometer, halfway point across the stage.

The route makes a hard left turn — heading back north and east — and then begins a gradual but regular climb. The ascent takes cyclists through the villages of Zagorë, Dedaj, and Ducaj on the way to the pleasant mountain village of Bogë with 2.694-meter Maja Jezercë, the highest peak in the Dinaric Alps constantly rising to the north and framing your panorama. The dramatic landscape is appropriate as you prepare for the next stage using Theth National Park as your pivot point. Overnight in Boge in guesthouse, and dinner there.

Distance: 54 km  Elevation: 1.340 m   Paved: 100%   Unpaved: 0%

Breakfast and start with tour. The town of Bogë is a classic headquarters for mountain bicycle adventures in the Albanian Alps. More and more, people are trading in their hiking boots for bicycles, and you will see this when you enter the village. There are also a few places to eat, enjoy a coffee and sleep. This stage from Bogë will have cyclists surrounded by beauty from the beginning to the end. The day’s ride to Theth is divided almost exactly in two. The first half is a constant climb of nearly 12 kilometers followed by a 13-kilometer dynamic descent.

Take the time to enjoy your day as you make the relatively short bike ride through the magnificence of the legendary Albanian Alps. Suggestion: Start early from Bogë so you can also take some extra time to discover the village of Theth and its surroundings like amazing Blue eye spring. After enjoying the sights, be sure to eat well and get a good rest. The next day will be an incredibly fun and quite challenging stage. Dinner included, overnight in local guesthouse.

Distance: 27 km  Elevation: 760 m   Paved: 100%   Unpaved: 0%

After breakfast and enjoyment in breathtaking views, start with descend to Shkoder. There are alternative options to reach Shkoder through Mali i Shoshit pass, but being on the gravel over 15km, this route is not for everybody’s choice, so if you are interested in the gravel cycling for the next 2 days in order to reach Shkoder please contact us directly to adjust the tour.

One of the highlights when travelling Albania is a trip to Theth National Park. You’ll understand why within moments after cycling into the village of Theth, where a collection of restaurants and guesthouses are wedged between peaks along the crystal river. Our suggestion is to arrive early in the village so you can take in the sights: the Blue Eye, a waterfall-fed pool; the four-century-old tower; and the 19th-century Theth Church.

Be aware that the village and the national park are much more accessible than in the past. This is something you’ll also feel immediately — with the increase of visitors here over the last years because of paved roads and the publicity the country has received. The upside: people are interested in nature and this beautiful area of Europe. The downside: this is a very fragile environment and the growing numbers can be trouble if not properly managed.  Pat yourself on the back for making the good and sustainable choice to travel by bicycle. After connecting villages, and mountain passes and being surrounded by incredible geography, the stage pedals into the beautiful and bustling city of Shkodër. Free time for exploration of Shkoder and dinner in one of local restaurants. Overnight in hotel 3stars. With Shkoder, this cycling tour ends but the next day you will enjoy a visit to some beautiful medieval fortresses of Albania – Rozafa, Kruja castle, and explore Tirana, the capital of Albania.

Distance: 73 km  Elevation: start from 760/800 – end at 15 m   Paved: 100%   Unpaved: 0%

Breakfast in hotel and end of tour.