Dalmatian Coast

This final section of the Balkan Odyssey begins in Sarajevo, beautifully set on the Miljacka River and ringed by the Dinaric Alps. Devastated during the Balkan war of the 1990s, the city has almost completely recovered and is often called the "Jerusalem of Europe" for its cultural and religious variety. From here riders head for the Adriatic, passing through Mostar and its famous old bridge before joining the scenic Ćiro Rail Trail. In Austro-Hungarian times this now-abandoned railway ran all the way to Vienna; today it leads cyclists to Dubrovnik.

After exploring Dubrovnik's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, riders spend the next week happily island-hopping along Croatia's gorgeous coastline. Stops include the island of Korčula, where riders can sample Grk, a rare local white wine, and Split, home to Diocletian's Palace, an ancient Roman fortress.

A couple of stages then lead to the port city of Zadar, known for its ancient ruins and modern art installations. From there, ferries carry the group to the scenic islands of Cres and Krk before a final climb into Zagreb to finish the section and, for those riding both sections, the full Balkan Odyssey from Athens. With three rest days and two travel days across a fortnight, the pace leaves plenty of time to enjoy the coast.

Highlights:

• Sarajevo, the "Jerusalem of Europe"
• Mostar's famous Stari Most bridge
• The Ćiro Rail Trail into Dubrovnik and its UNESCO-listed Old Town
• Island-hopping via Korčula, with its rare Grk white wine
• Diocletian's Palace in Split and the port city of Zadar
• Finish in Zagreb, home of the Museum of Broken Relationships

Surface and terrain:
1–5% unpaved, including sections of the Ćiro Rail Trail. Hilly from Sarajevo through the Dinaric Alps to the coast, then rolling island and coastal riding, with a final climb into Zagreb.

Likely weather:
Typically warm and mostly sunny from late May to mid-June, around 22–28°C on the Adriatic coast and islands. Sarajevo and inland Bosnia are a little cooler, with showers possible, and Zagreb is usually in the mid-20s.

Suitable for:
Reasonably fit riders comfortable with daily distances averaging around 74km on rolling to hilly terrain, who want coastal scenery, islands, food and history. Touring category, 2.5/5 difficulty.