One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
|
Tour search View all tours
Choosing a tourTop 10 questions to askGuided Self-guided Ability level Riding style Choosing a destination |
DestinationsIn EuropeBeyond Europe
Special programsCustomGroups Clubs Help |
|
Book now |
Booking guideHow to bookTerms and conditions Payments Tour documents Insurance Help |
PreparationPassports, visas and vaccinationsPacking tips Weather Training tips Fixing a flat
TransportationInternational flightsGetting around Europe
Extending your tripHotels |
To bringMoneyClothing and equipment Packing list Phones Books and maps Insurance
|
Bike Tours DirectAbout usOur philosophy Our team Published praise Client feedback Contact us FAQs |
Bike tours (general info)Why tour by bike?Why go local? Pros and cons Green travel Blog Newsroom Help |
| Type of tour: | Guided |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 18 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | April 4; May 13, 27; Sep 16, 30, 2012 |
| Tour price: | €1140 |
| Start city: | Dubrovnik, Croatia |
| End city: | Dubrovnik, Croatia |



On this tour starting in Croatia, we explore coast of Montenegro by bike and boat. Departure point of this journey is Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful cities in the Adriatic and a World Heritage site. Because of its historical importance, it is often called the "Athens of Croatia."
Montenegro, one of the youngest states in the world, is our next destination. With our guides, we discover the bay of Kotor, whose steep limestone cliffs make it one of the most impressive landscapes in the entire Adriatic. We spend 8 exciting days on board the ship with its friendly, attentive crew. Riding along on our bikes we will become acquainted with unique and beautiful landscapes.
On this tour starting in Croatia, we explore coast of Montenegro by bike and boat. Departure point of this journey is Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful cities in the Adriatic and a World Heritage site. Because of its historical importance, it is often called the "Athens of Croatia."
Montenegro, one of the youngest states in the world, is our next destination. With our guides, we discover the bay of Kotor, whose steep limestone cliffs make it one of the most impressive landscapes in the entire Adriatic. We spend 8 exciting days on board the ship with its friendly, attentive crew. Riding along on our bikes we will become acquainted with unique and beautiful landscapes.
Day 1: Arrival Dubrovnik
Individual arrival either by car or by plane to Dubrovnik airport. After check in, the afternoon is at your disposal, either for a walk through this interesting town with its beautifully preserved fortifications or for a short bike ride to a nearby beach. Dinner is the first meal on board the ship. We spend the night in Dubrovnik.
Day 2: Kotor - Tivat - Kotor (20 miles/32 km)
We start early in the morning on a 5 hour crossing on the ship. It takes us to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, which is surrounded by mountains reaching heights of up to 1 mile. It is the largest and best-protected bay in the entire Adriatic. At the very end of the bay, we arrive at the town of Zelenika. Here we officially enter Montenegro. In the afternoon we start with our tour guide on the first biking trip that leads us to Kotor. The town is almost 2,000 years old and famous for its medieval centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you can end the day with a leisurely walk through town and dinner at one of the numerous cozy restaurants.
Day 3: Kotor - Budva and Cetinje - Virpazar (13-25 miles/20-56 km)
After breakfast, we cycle along a nearly traffic free mountain road with fabulous vistas and many small churches. The destination of this morning ride is the coastal town of Budva, where a transfer bus is waiting for us. A short trip takes us to the former Montenegrian capital of Cetinje. The president of Montenegro has his official residence here and numerous government buildings and former embassies attest the town's past as the country's capital. From here we go on a beautiful bike ride to Virpazar. Another bus transfer takes us to Bar where the ship is waiting for us to spend the night.
Day 4: Skutari Lake (26 miles/41 km)
Today you become acquainted with the less level part of Skutari Lake. The transfer bus takes you to a mountain road above the lake. With a length of 30 miles and a width of up to 9 miles, it is the largest lake of the Balkan Peninsula. The bottom of the lake lies partially below sea level. It is a haven for migrating birds on their flight south and was declared a National Park in 1983. You cycle along the panoramic road with fantastic views onto the sea and Albania on the opposite shore. A transfer takes you in the evening back to the ship waiting for you in Bar.
Day 5: Bar - Ulcinj (22 miles/35 km)
Starting out from Bar, today's bike trip takes you to Stari Bar. Stari Bar is the original town of Bar that was abandoned after a heavy earthquake in 1979. Some of the buildings have been restored and are well worth a visit. Three of the oldest olive trees in the world can also be admired here. You continue biking southward to the pirate hideout of Ulcinj near the Albanian border. There you have the opportunity to go for a swim at the 10-mile-long beach, the longest sand beach of the eastern Adriatic. The ship takes you from there back to Budva, one of the oldest settlements in the Adriatic.
Day 6: Budva - Herceg Novi (12 miles/19 km)
From Budva we start out on our last biking tour in Montenegro along beautiful beaches to the picturesque village of Sveti Stefan. Once a pirate quarter, Sveti Stefan is now one of the best known and most exclusive hotel complexes in the Balkans, favored by all sorts of prominent visitors. The construction of a casino gave it the nickname "Monaco of the Adriatic." Afterwards we return to Budva and in the afternoon we can relax on a long sail to Herceg Novi.
Day 7: Herceg Novi - Dubrovnik
Leaving Herceg Novi we sail once more into the heart of Kotor Bay. The small island is home to the church of Mary of the Rock, and is the last destination of our Montenegro journey. After leaving the country at the harbor of Zelenika, the Ship takes us back to Dubrovnik. In the afternoon a local guide will accompany us through Dubrovnik and tell us about its eventful, turbulent history.
Day 8: Disembarkation Dubrovnik
Check out before 9 a.m. and individual return home.
Alterations
We reserve the right to make alterations to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.
April 4; May 13, 27; Sep 16, 30, 2012


Premium boat San Snova (shower/toilet in each cabin)
The MS San Snova is a new wooden motor sailer that was launched in Spring 2009 and made exclusively for Islandhopping cruises. The ship, constructed entirely of oak, was built in three years by the Scherka family in their own carpentry workshop as family project.
The ship, 100 ft./ 31 m long and 26 ft./ 8 m wide, meets the highest expectations in regard to comfort, elegance and style, combining romantic seafaring with modernity and functionalism. Young captain Tonci, his brother Josip and ever-cheerful Jelena pride themselves in the meticulous appearance of the ship and the cordiality on board.
The San Snova has five double cabins (with double beds 6,5 ft./ 200 cm x 5,2 ft./ 160 cm) and five triple cabins in the upper deck (with double beds 6,5 ft./ 200 cm x 5,2 ft./ 160 cm and single bunk beds 6,5 ft./ 200 cm x 2,6 ft./ 80 cm) as well as four spacious triple cabins in the lower deck. Two of these triple cabins can also be used as quadruple cabins by adding a camp bed. The fittings of the cabins as well as the saloon and the outside area are of superior quality with many carefully created details. The roomy sun deck offers comfortable mats for relaxing and lounge chairs are found on the afterdeck. So let yourself be pampered and enjoy the “Dream of Dreams” (San Snova), as the Scherka family named their new ship!
Special requests on the boat:
The cabins
The cabins are equipped simply and functionally and have private baths with shower and toilet on all of our boats. There is enough space for sleeping and storing your luggage. Due to the shape of the ship‘s hull the size of the cabins may vary. Price differentiations are only made with respect to "above deck" and "below deck" cabins. Cabin allotments are the responsibility of the tour operator and cannot be influenced. If you are sensitive to noise (especially in unfamiliar surroundings) we recommend the use of noise-reducing products. Insulation is not comparable to houses.
Cabin service
There is a daily cabin service on board which takes place during the bicycle tours. It includes the cleaning of floor and bath as well as the bedding (personal belongings should be removed). The towels will be changed once in the middle of the week.
Air conditioning
Most of the ships have air conditioning in the saloon as well as in the cabins.
Usually they will work while the generator is running (during taxi) or while connected to onshore power supply. Please be aware that your cabin door has to be closed in order to run the air conditioning. If there is no power supply available during nights air conditioning will stay switched off.
Electricity and water on board
Electricity and water are of course provided on board but not in unlimited amounts.The water tanks are filled according to the number of people on board. There is enough water available for washing and showers even if the tanks cannot be refilled for several days. However, we presuppose that all passengers use this valuable resource sparingly. The ships also use a central heater for the showers. This also means that there is only enough warm water if people use the showers only for as long as it is really necessary (for example: turn off the water while soaping up). The boat uses a 220 V generator which is not run constantly - amongst other reasons in order to keep the peace at night. The power supply on board is accessible with Euro-wall-sockets (as customary in Germany). Guests from UK and other countries with different socket systems are kindly requested to bring their own appropriate adaptors.
Sleeping on deck
Many guests feel that spending a night outside in the fresh air is a unique experience. There is enough space on the deck for that purpose. However you should bring your own sleeping bag and an insulated mat as it is not permitted to take the mattresses and sheets out of the cabins.
Catering on board
Meals included in the price of the tour consist of half-board. The food served on board is typically Mediterranean and higher nutritional demands of bikers are taken into account. Breakfast on board generally includes at least bread, butter, cheese, ham, coffee and tea. For lunch the chef generally serves light fish dishes or vegetarian meals. For dinner there are usually fish or meat dishes.If you wish to eat vegetarian food or have distinctly different eating habits please inform us in time before your arrival. Please keep in mind that special food requirements cannot always be met in all details.
Premium boat San Snova (shower/toilet in each cabin)
The MS San Snova is a new wooden motor sailer that was launched in Spring 2009 and made exclusively for Islandhopping cruises. The ship, constructed entirely of oak, was built in three years by the Scherka family in their own carpentry workshop as family project.
The ship, 100 ft./ 31 m long and 26 ft./ 8 m wide, meets the highest expectations in regard to comfort, elegance and style, combining romantic seafaring with modernity and functionalism. Young captain Tonci, his brother Josip and ever-cheerful Jelena pride themselves in the meticulous appearance of the ship and the cordiality on board.
The San Snova has five double cabins (with double beds 6,5 ft./ 200 cm x 5,2 ft./ 160 cm) and five triple cabins in the upper deck (with double beds 6,5 ft./ 200 cm x 5,2 ft./ 160 cm and single bunk beds 6,5 ft./ 200 cm x 2,6 ft./ 80 cm) as well as four spacious triple cabins in the lower deck. Two of these triple cabins can also be used as quadruple cabins by adding a camp bed. The fittings of the cabins as well as the saloon and the outside area are of superior quality with many carefully created details. The roomy sun deck offers comfortable mats for relaxing and lounge chairs are found on the afterdeck. So let yourself be pampered and enjoy the “Dream of Dreams” (San Snova), as the Scherka family named their new ship!
Special requests on the boat:
The cabins
The cabins are equipped simply and functionally and have private baths with shower and toilet on all of our boats. There is enough space for sleeping and storing your luggage. Due to the shape of the ship‘s hull the size of the cabins may vary. Price differentiations are only made with respect to "above deck" and "below deck" cabins. Cabin allotments are the responsibility of the tour operator and cannot be influenced. If you are sensitive to noise (especially in unfamiliar surroundings) we recommend the use of noise-reducing products. Insulation is not comparable to houses.
Cabin service
There is a daily cabin service on board which takes place during the bicycle tours. It includes the cleaning of floor and bath as well as the bedding (personal belongings should be removed). The towels will be changed once in the middle of the week.
Air conditioning
Most of the ships have air conditioning in the saloon as well as in the cabins.
Usually they will work while the generator is running (during taxi) or while connected to onshore power supply. Please be aware that your cabin door has to be closed in order to run the air conditioning. If there is no power supply available during nights air conditioning will stay switched off.
Electricity and water on board
Electricity and water are of course provided on board but not in unlimited amounts.The water tanks are filled according to the number of people on board. There is enough water available for washing and showers even if the tanks cannot be refilled for several days. However, we presuppose that all passengers use this valuable resource sparingly. The ships also use a central heater for the showers. This also means that there is only enough warm water if people use the showers only for as long as it is really necessary (for example: turn off the water while soaping up). The boat uses a 220 V generator which is not run constantly - amongst other reasons in order to keep the peace at night. The power supply on board is accessible with Euro-wall-sockets (as customary in Germany). Guests from UK and other countries with different socket systems are kindly requested to bring their own appropriate adaptors.
Sleeping on deck
Many guests feel that spending a night outside in the fresh air is a unique experience. There is enough space on the deck for that purpose. However you should bring your own sleeping bag and an insulated mat as it is not permitted to take the mattresses and sheets out of the cabins.
Catering on board
Meals included in the price of the tour consist of half-board. The food served on board is typically Mediterranean and higher nutritional demands of bikers are taken into account. Breakfast on board generally includes at least bread, butter, cheese, ham, coffee and tea. For lunch the chef generally serves light fish dishes or vegetarian meals. For dinner there are usually fish or meat dishes.If you wish to eat vegetarian food or have distinctly different eating habits please inform us in time before your arrival. Please keep in mind that special food requirements cannot always be met in all details.
Bringing your own bicycle
A bicycle with a gearshift (at least 21 gears) in a sound technical condition is required for this tour because the islands are mostly hilly to mountainous. As we set out from a harbor our daily route will often begin with a long climb to the ridge of the island (approx. 600-1240 feet). If you decide to bring your own bicycle you should double-check the condition of your brakes, tires and chains before the trip and put together an appropriate repair kit with spare parts (such as an extra tire tube). Narrow tires are ill-suited for the trip.
Islandhopping rental bicycles
If you have reserved a rental bicycle you receive a 21-gear aluminum Islandhopping touring bike on arrival. These bikes are especially made for us and the result of our long experience in cycling tourism. The men’s bikes have a frame size of 56 cm or 60 cm, and the frames of the women’s bikes are 46 cm and 52 cm. In order to supply you with the bicycle that fits you, we need to know how tall you are. Should you not have given us this information along with your booking, we ask you to pass it on to our office team.
All the Islandhopping bicycles have a fender, a kickstand, a rack and a quick release seat. Our bicycles are deliberately not equipped with bottle holders in order to avoid accidents.
Alternative i:SY-Swiss FLYER electric bike
Cycle hassle-free and climb mountains without difficulty and enjoy nature and landscapes. Electronic Bikes make it possible.
The i:SY-Flyer ECO, a relatively light model, is a compact bike with a special low frame geometry for easy mounting and 20-inch wheels. The handlebar “Speedlifter Twist” is turnable, making the bike space-efficient for storage. This E-Bike model is equipped with an 8-gear-Shimano hub gearshift (Nexus) as well as Shimano V-brakes. A 10-amp battery along with an 8-amp back-up allow for unlimited riding pleasure.
On each of our ships in Croatia 2-5 E-Bikes are available and can be rented for a weekly fee of 140 euros. Due to the limited number of E-Bikes a reservation in good time is required. Please contact: Email: info@islandhopping.com or call +49 (0) 7531 361860.
The use of rucksacks (except for hydration packs) is in our opinion less practical than handlebar bags or saddlebags. The later are more easily accessible. If necessary we supply you with a waterproof saddlebag by Ortlieb a practical way of carrying drinks, bathing gear, camera etc.
Should you not want to be without your own saddle (without the post) or your own click pedal please bring them with you and let your tour guide attach them to your rental bicycle.
We kindly ask you in your own interest to take good care of the hired bicycle during the trip and to ensure that the bicycle is always safely placed and protected from accidents (e.g. falling into saltwater). Please keep in mind that you will have to pay compensation for any damage your cause and that this is not covered by the rental fee.
Bringing your own bicycle
A bicycle with a gearshift (at least 21 gears) in a sound technical condition is required for this tour because the islands are mostly hilly to mountainous. As we set out from a harbor our daily route will often begin with a long climb to the ridge of the island (approx. 600-1240 feet). If you decide to bring your own bicycle you should double-check the condition of your brakes, tires and chains before the trip and put together an appropriate repair kit with spare parts (such as an extra tire tube). Narrow tires are ill-suited for the trip.
Islandhopping rental bicycles
If you have reserved a rental bicycle you receive a 21-gear aluminum Islandhopping touring bike on arrival. These bikes are especially made for us and the result of our long experience in cycling tourism. The men’s bikes have a frame size of 56 cm or 60 cm, and the frames of the women’s bikes are 46 cm and 52 cm. In order to supply you with the bicycle that fits you, we need to know how tall you are. Should you not have given us this information along with your booking, we ask you to pass it on to our office team.
All the Islandhopping bicycles have a fender, a kickstand, a rack and a quick release seat. Our bicycles are deliberately not equipped with bottle holders in order to avoid accidents.
Alternative i:SY-Swiss FLYER electric bike
Cycle hassle-free and climb mountains without difficulty and enjoy nature and landscapes. Electronic Bikes make it possible.
The i:SY-Flyer ECO, a relatively light model, is a compact bike with a special low frame geometry for easy mounting and 20-inch wheels. The handlebar “Speedlifter Twist” is turnable, making the bike space-efficient for storage. This E-Bike model is equipped with an 8-gear-Shimano hub gearshift (Nexus) as well as Shimano V-brakes. A 10-amp battery along with an 8-amp back-up allow for unlimited riding pleasure.
On each of our ships in Croatia 2-5 E-Bikes are available and can be rented for a weekly fee of 140 euros. Due to the limited number of E-Bikes a reservation in good time is required. Please contact: Email: info@islandhopping.com or call +49 (0) 7531 361860.
The use of rucksacks (except for hydration packs) is in our opinion less practical than handlebar bags or saddlebags. The later are more easily accessible. If necessary we supply you with a waterproof saddlebag by Ortlieb a practical way of carrying drinks, bathing gear, camera etc.
Should you not want to be without your own saddle (without the post) or your own click pedal please bring them with you and let your tour guide attach them to your rental bicycle.
We kindly ask you in your own interest to take good care of the hired bicycle during the trip and to ensure that the bicycle is always safely placed and protected from accidents (e.g. falling into saltwater). Please keep in mind that you will have to pay compensation for any damage your cause and that this is not covered by the rental fee.
The bike tours require a good basic fitness, which the participants should have acquired through regular bicycling. The trips reach altitudes between 650 ft. and 1640 ft. The day trips of 18 mi. – 31 mi. on average traverse hilly and mountainous terrain. Some steeper and longer ascents must also be tackled, but it is perfectly acceptable to push the bike if necessary. Most of the roads are asphalt and mainly traffic-free.
Helmet use is mandatory on this tour, and you are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet.
In principle, we believe that only children with sufficient stamina and a minimum age of 10 are capable of tackling the bike tours. Please note that the minimum height for rental bikes is 4'7." Under Croatian law, children aged 16 and under must wear a helmet while on a bike.
This tour is rated moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.
The bike tours require a good basic fitness, which the participants should have acquired through regular bicycling. The trips reach altitudes between 650 ft. and 1640 ft. The day trips of 18 mi. – 31 mi. on average traverse hilly and mountainous terrain. Some steeper and longer ascents must also be tackled, but it is perfectly acceptable to push the bike if necessary. Most of the roads are asphalt and mainly traffic-free.
Helmet use is mandatory on this tour, and you are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet.
In principle, we believe that only children with sufficient stamina and a minimum age of 10 are capable of tackling the bike tours. Please note that the minimum height for rental bikes is 4'7." Under Croatian law, children aged 16 and under must wear a helmet while on a bike.
This tour is rated moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.
Tour starts and ends at Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Arrival via plane to Dubrovnik
Arriving by plane is the fastest, cheapest and most comfortable way to reach Dubrovnik, as the airport (Dubrovnik Airport, "DBV") is situated at a distance of about 12 mi from the town.
Flights to Dubrovnik
If there is no direct flight connection between your local airport and the Dubrovnik Airport it would probably be best to fly to an airport in Germany or Switzerland first (e.g. Frankfurt Airport, "FRA"). Hundreds of international flights are offered from most countries to Frankfurt Airport every day. From the following German and Swiss airports you can fly directly to Split with cheap flights that can be easily booked through the internet by your own:
As the ship will stay in Dubrovnik for the first night, there is no need to be on board at a special time. If you would like to take part in the guided city tour you should be on board at 3 pm.
Transfers between the airport and the boat
For the transfer from Dubrovnik airport to the boat we recommend to take a taxi (destination: harbor Gruz, approx. 20 km/40 euro).
Tour starts and ends at Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Arrival via plane to Dubrovnik
Arriving by plane is the fastest, cheapest and most comfortable way to reach Dubrovnik, as the airport (Dubrovnik Airport, "DBV") is situated at a distance of about 12 mi from the town.
Flights to Dubrovnik
If there is no direct flight connection between your local airport and the Dubrovnik Airport it would probably be best to fly to an airport in Germany or Switzerland first (e.g. Frankfurt Airport, "FRA"). Hundreds of international flights are offered from most countries to Frankfurt Airport every day. From the following German and Swiss airports you can fly directly to Split with cheap flights that can be easily booked through the internet by your own:
As the ship will stay in Dubrovnik for the first night, there is no need to be on board at a special time. If you would like to take part in the guided city tour you should be on board at 3 pm.
Transfers between the airport and the boat
For the transfer from Dubrovnik airport to the boat we recommend to take a taxi (destination: harbor Gruz, approx. 20 km/40 euro).
Montenegro is often called the "jewel of the Mediterranean." Montenegro emerged from years of economic difficulty and political unrest and has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe because of the diverse natural landscape and the stunning beaches. The country’s compact size allows for tourists to experience the various appeals of Montenegro, including its mountains, glacial lakes, natural parks, rivers, and beaches.
A particularly appealing part of Montenegro is its charming coastal harbors and beaches. The Adriatic coast is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Europe, drawing visitors to bask in the Mediterranean sun and dine on the exquisite seafood. Montenegro's coast is home to some of the country’s most beautiful ancient towns, rising dramatically from the Adriatic and welcoming visitors to come explore.
More on bicycling in Montenegro >
View all Montenegro bike tours >
Montenegro is often called the "jewel of the Mediterranean." Montenegro emerged from years of economic difficulty and political unrest and has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe because of the diverse natural landscape and the stunning beaches. The country’s compact size allows for tourists to experience the various appeals of Montenegro, including its mountains, glacial lakes, natural parks, rivers, and beaches.
A particularly appealing part of Montenegro is its charming coastal harbors and beaches. The Adriatic coast is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Europe, drawing visitors to bask in the Mediterranean sun and dine on the exquisite seafood. Montenegro's coast is home to some of the country’s most beautiful ancient towns, rising dramatically from the Adriatic and welcoming visitors to come explore.
More on bicycling in Montenegro >
View all Montenegro bike tours >
Island Hopping by bike and boat has been organized by Radurlaub Zeitreisen GmbH since 1998. Since then we have been expanding our program continuously. In Croatia we are meanwhile organizing tours in Istria, the Kvarner Bay as well as Central and South Dalmatia. Since 2002 tours in Greece and Turkey have also been part of our program.
We look forward to seeing you on our ships!
Island Hopping by bike and boat has been organized by Radurlaub Zeitreisen GmbH since 1998. Since then we have been expanding our program continuously. In Croatia we are meanwhile organizing tours in Istria, the Kvarner Bay as well as Central and South Dalmatia. Since 2002 tours in Greece and Turkey have also been part of our program.
We look forward to seeing you on our ships!
Not included in the tour price:
Discounts:
Not included in the tour price:
Discounts:
