Balkans Cycling Tour - Dubrovnik to Istanbul

Duration
20 days
Guided Status
Guided
Difficulty
Difficult
D-Score™
D+ - Extreme

Overview

Our Balkans cycle tour from Dubrovnik to Istanbul is a rich adventure through diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories. You will cycle in seven countries on this Balkan cycling adventure - Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. Our unique route spans approximately 1,600 kilometers and offers cyclists a mix of coastal roads, mountainous terrains, and vibrant cities. The journey is from Dubrovnik (Croatia) to Istanbul (Turkey) in 20 days (17 Cycling Days). It includes one rest day to allow for 2 tours within a tour. Option to join us for only 8 days (6 cycling days) or 13 days (11 cycling days). The tour is suitable for road bikes wih 28mm+ tyres.

Daily Ride Schedule

Day 1: Dubrovnik Croatia to Kotor Bay Montenegro

75 km 1110 m

D2

Dubrovnik Croatia to Kotor Bay Montenegro

Day 2: Kotor Bay to Podgorica

116 km 2508 m

D3

Kotor Bay to Podgorica

Day 3: Podgorica to Shkoder Albania

88 km 1277 m

D2

Podgorica to Shkoder Albania

Day 4: Shkoder to Kukes

150 km 3250 m

D4

Shkoder to Kukes

Day 5: Kukes to Peshkopi

74 km 1997 m

D2

Kukes to Peshkopi

Day 6: Peshkopi to Ohrid North Macedonia

93 km 1121 m

D2

Peshkopi to Ohrid North Macedonia

Day 7: Ohrid to Bitola

69 km 995 m

D2

Ohrid to Bitola

Day 8: Bitola to Veles

126 km 710 m

D3

Bitola to Veles

Day 9: Veles to Blagoevgrad Bulgaria

156 km 2119 m

D4

Veles to Blagoevgrad Bulgaria

Day 10: Blagoevgrad to Bansko

57 km 1078 m

D1

Blagoevgrad to Bansko

Day 11: Bansko to Krinides Greece

153 km 1346 m

D4

Bansko to Krinides Greece

Day 12: Krinides to Thassos

58 km 686 m

D1

Krinides to Thassos

Day 13: Thassos round the Island

92 km 1383 m

D2

Thassos round the Island

Day 14: Thassos to Komotini

100 km 480 m

D2

Thassos to Komotini

Day 15: Komotini to Ipsala Turkey

120 km 966 m

D3

Komotini to Ipsala Turkey

Day 16: Canakkale to Canakkale. Loop to the ancient city of Troy

73 km 734 m

D2

Canakkale to Canakkale. Loop to the ancient city of Troy

Day 17: Lapseki via Kilitbahir and Gelibolou

56 km 361 m

D1

Lapseki via Kilitbahir and Gelibolou

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Catering services
Accommodation arrangements
Mechanical support
Support vehicle following all rides