10-Day Montenegro UNESCO Cycling Tour: Durmitor, Lovćen and the Bay of Kotor (Guided)

Beyond Albania's top pick: a guided 10-day bike tour through Montenegro's mountains to the Adriatic, taking in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Durmitor National Park and the Old Town of Kotor.

You start in Shkodër, northern Albania's cultural capital, then transfer to Rrapshë for a descent down a famous set of switchbacks, through gorges and high plateaus, crossing into Montenegro at Vermosh. The route climbs through the Komovi Mountains to the Trešnjevik Pass (1,565 m) and down the Tara valley to Kolašin, then crosses remote highland villages and the Nevidio Canyon area to Žabljak, at the heart of Durmitor.

From Žabljak you climb 8 km to the Sedlo Pass, at 1,905 m Montenegro's highest paved road, under peaks such as Bobotov Kuk, before a long descent through tunnels and hairpins to Lake Plužine. A transfer brings you to Cetinje, Montenegro's old royal capital, for a city tour. Next comes the day of contrasts: a climb through Lovćen National Park and the serpentine descent above the Bay of Kotor, one of the most scenic downhills in Europe, ending with a guided walk in Kotor's Old Town. The following day is a rest day in Kotor.

The final ride runs from Bar along the border back into Albania to the Buna river, with a farewell dinner in Tirana.

In total: about 352 km and 6,430 m of climbing over seven riding days, rated 7 out of 10, in groups of up to 14. You ride a hybrid bike with panniers (e-bikes available for a supplement), with a bag support vehicle and a multilingual cycling guide.

What's included

9 nights' shared accommodation in a mix of hotels and guesthouses (single rooms available for a supplement); Bag support vehicle with driver/guide; 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners; Hybrid bike rental with panniers (e-bikes available for an additional charge); Multilingual cycling guide; City tours of Cetinje and Kotor Old Town; Pick-up from Tirana International Airport

What's not included

Flights to and from Tirana; Drop-off at Tirana International Airport; Single room supplement; E-bike supplement; Head or bike lamp (for tunnels); Drinks and snacks; Water bottle; Gratuities