Montenegro – Black Mountains to the Adriatic Guided Bike Tour

Today is your arrival day, and your Tirana Airport pickup or city centre is included. From there, you’ll be transferred to Shkodër—the largest city in northern Albania, beautifully situated between Lake Shkodër and the foothills of the Albanian Alps, along the Buna, Drin, and Kir rivers. Once the capital of the Illyrian kingdom, Shkodër was among the most important cities in the ancient Balkans. Known as the cultural heart of northern Albania (Gegëria), it’s celebrated for its rich traditions, arts, and vibrant heritage. The city’s architecture reflects its religious diversity, with striking mosques and churches side by side. Shkodër also played a key role in the Albanian Renaissance, producing many influential figures who helped lead the country to independence in 1912.

Note: We highly recommend arriving a day earlier, so that you have time to explore this magical city and allow for any airline mishaps/flight delays!

Meals: dinner
Overnight: Shkodër

After breakfast, we kick off with a scenic van transfer to Rrapshë, where an exhilarating descent down jaw-dropping switchbacks awaits. Ride through remote villages, awe-inspiring gorges, and sweeping high plateaus that will leave you breathless. At Vermosh, Albania’s northernmost point, we cross the border and cycle into the wild beauty of Montenegro. We wrap up this unforgettable day with a transfer to our hotel.

Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Distance: 48 km / 30 mi, +1060 m
Overnight: Andrijevica

We begin by cycling a scenic two-lane road north of Andrijevica, then veer onto a peaceful forest route that winds upward through the majestic Komovi Mountains, climbing to the breathtaking Tresnjevik Pass at 1,565 meters. From the summit, a thrilling descent carries us into the lush Tara River Valley, where we reconnect with a quiet country road leading into Kolasin, our home for the night. Nestled between the Bjelasica and Sinjajevina mountains, Kolasin is a beloved base for hiking, skiing, and soaking in Montenegro’s alpine charm.

Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Distance: 46 km / 28 mi, +1040 m
Overnight: Kolasin

We begin with a short transfer to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the dramatic Tara River Canyon, where our ride kicks off. The Tara River, Montenegro’s second longest, carves through a canyon plunging 1,300 meters at its deepest—Europe’s deepest gorge. We ride through this awe-inspiring landscape to the iconic Tara Bridge, soaring 165 meters above the turquoise river. After lunch, a rewarding 9 km climb leads us into Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. At the summit, we’re greeted by a serene plateau dotted with open pastures and rustic farms. Before reaching Žabljak, we detour onto a scenic secondary road toward another UNESCO treasure—the Stećci Tombstones, famed for their medieval carvings and timeless mystery.

Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Distance: 74 km / 46 mi, +1350 m
Overnight: Zabljak

We begin with a short transfer to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the dramatic Tara River Canyon, where our ride kicks off. The Tara River, Montenegro’s second longest, carves through a canyon plunging 1,300 meters at its deepest—Europe’s deepest gorge. We ride through this awe-inspiring landscape to the iconic Tara Bridge, soaring 165 meters above the turquoise river. After lunch, a rewarding 9 km climb leads us into Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. At the summit, we’re greeted by a serene plateau dotted with open pastures and rustic farms. Before reaching Žabljak, we detour onto a scenic secondary road toward another UNESCO treasure—the Stećci Tombstones, famed for their medieval carvings and timeless mystery.

Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Distance: 44 km / 27 mi, +750 m
Overnight: Pluzine

Today’s ride plunges deeper into Durmitor National Park, beginning with a dramatic 8 km climb to Prevoj Sedlo Pass—Montenegro’s highest paved road at 1,905 meters and one of the tour’s most jaw-dropping viewpoints. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts 23 peaks soaring above 2,300 meters. As we ascend, we ride near Bobotov Kuk (2,522 m) and the imposing north face of Sedlena Greda (2,225 m).

The descent unveils a surreal limestone landscape, opening into sweeping alpine meadows with vast panoramic views. More thrilling downhill awaits as we twist through hairpin turns and dart through short tunnels en route to Lake Plužine, a shimmering reservoir fed by the Piva River. We overnight near its tranquil shores in the town of Plužine.

Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Distance: 48 km / 30 mi, +860 m
Overnight: Cetinje

Today delivers stunning contrasts as we journey from Montenegro’s rugged highlands to the shimmering blue of the Adriatic Sea. We begin with a climb through the alpine forests of Lovćen National Park, then launch into a breathtaking descent featuring dramatic serpentine switchbacks with sweeping views over the Bay of Kotor—one of the most spectacular rides in all of Europe.

We finish with a guided walking tour through the medieval streets of Kotor’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in history and coastal charm. (City tour included).

Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Distance: 50 km / 31 mi, +800 m
Overnight: Kotor

Today is a day off from big rides and an opportunity to better explore and enjoy Kotor on your own! Nestled along Montenegro’s coast, Kotor is a gem of the Adriatic and one of the country’s most beloved destinations, famed for its dramatic scenery and beautifully preserved medieval architecture. The Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), often mistaken for Europe’s southernmost fjord, is actually a ria—a submerged river canyon—framed by towering limestone cliffs from Orjen and Lovćen mountains.

Kotor’s enchanting Old Town is part of the UNESCO Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor, and is encircled by another UNESCO site: the Venetian Works of Defence, built between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Optional activities for your free day:
– Hike to the panoramic Kotor Fortress
– Explore the lively food market just outside the Old Town
– Unwind on the beach, surrounded by cafés and bars
– Take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks or the magical Blue Cave
– Try kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay
– Hop on your bike and cruise the scenic shoreline

Meals: breakfast
Overnight: Kotor

After breakfast, we transfer by van to Bar. Our last day of cycling winds through forested terrain near the Albanian border. The road rolls gently—like a “roller coaster”—with no major climbs or descents, eventually leading to the flat plains and the main road just a few kilometers from the Muriqan border crossing. The final 15 km in Albania is nearly flat, ending at the River Buna, where we pause for lunch. Afterward, a transfer takes us to Tirana for our farewell dinner.

Tirana is a vibrant blend of finance, culture, and entertainment, shaped by two distinct architectural legacies: the Fascist regime of Mussolini during WWII and the Communist era that followed. The National Museum and Bunk’art offer powerful insights into Albania’s complex history and are well worth visiting.

Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Distance: 42 km / 26 mi, +150 m
Overnight: Tirana

After breakfast, your journey through the Balkans comes to an end. Today is departure day, and you are free to make your way onward at your own pace. Taxis are readily available for transfers to Tirana Airport or the train/bus station, depending on your travel plans. We hope this adventure has left you with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the landscapes and cultures of Albania and Montenegro!

Meals: breakfast