Balkans Cycling Tour: Dubrovnik to Istanbul
Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, North Macedonia, Turkiye & Montenegro
20 days (Bike: 17 days)
1600 km (~94km per day)
Or join either of 2 stages
Avid
Hilly, On-road
Guided
Supported
2027 booked up quickly so they've added another date in September.
A 20-day road cycling journey through seven countries, from Croatia's Adriatic coast to the gateway of the East in Istanbul.
This supported road tour links Dubrovnik and Istanbul across seven countries: Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. The route covers around 1,600 km over 17 cycling days, mixing coastal roads, mountain climbs and vibrant cities through a part of Europe that has retained much of its rural charm.
The first six days to Ohrid are the toughest. Riders circle the vast Kotor Bay, tackle the 26-switchback Serpentine climb, pass through Shkoder, Albania's "Cycle City", and cross remote northern Albania to Kukes, before a rest day on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The second half heads east through Bitola's winery, Veles and over the Bulgarian border to the ski town of Bansko.
From there the route freewheels down the Nestos valley into Greece, with a lap of Thassos Island and a ride through the wetlands of Thrace National Park. After crossing into Turkey, riders visit the ancient city of Troy, then finish with a ride along the Dardanelles and a ferry across the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul.
They also offer shorter options: 8 days (Dubrovnik to Ohrid) or 13 days (Ohrid to Istanbul). Riders bring their own road bike and are supported by a van, luggage transfers and daily briefings.
Highlights:
- Kotor Bay and the 26-switchback Serpentine climb in Montenegro
- Shkoder, Albania's "Cycle City", and the remote ride to Kukes
- Two nights on the shores of Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
- Bansko in Bulgaria's Pirin Mountains and the Nestos river freewheel into Greece
- A lap of Thassos Island and the ancient city of Troy
- Finish with a ferry crossing to Istanbul and a hotel terrace overlooking Topkapi Palace
Surface and terrain:
Road bike tour on mostly paved roads, including quiet traffic-free sections in northern Albania. Terrain is hilly to mountainous, with the toughest climbing in the first six days. Road bikes with 28 mm+ tyres are recommended. Bus and ferry transfers are used in Turkey.
Suitable for:
Their "Avid" riders: fit, experienced cyclists comfortable with 97 km average days and over 1,300 m of daily climbing, using their own road bike.
Tour Information
From
Dubrovnik, Croatia
To
Istanbul, Turkey
Cost From
Guided £ 2990
Departure(s)
- 2026: October 09-28
- 2027: September 24 - October 13, September 25 - October 14
Single Supplement
£680
Elevation Gain
20502 m
Inclusions
- Accommodation and breakfast in hotels
- Lunch on four days (otherwise excluded)
- Luggage transfer
- Water, soft drinks, fruit, cakes and bars en route
- Van and basic mechanical support
- GPX route files and daily briefings
- Free tour jersey if booked 8+ weeks ahead
Exclusions
- Most lunches and all dinners
- Airport transfers (they don't provide these on this tour)
- Alcohol and extra beverages
- Costs from unforeseen circumstances (landslides, road blocks, weather)
- Travel and bike insurance
- Bike hire (not available, riders bring their own)
Options
- Bike packing at the finish and delivery to the airport: £70 (the Key Points section says £65, so the page conflicts)
- Extra nights at the start and finish hotels
- Shorter sections: 8 days or 13 days
- Dubrovnik arrival transfer of rider and bike to the hotel, and an Istanbul airport transfer, are offered on request (price not stated)
Additional
- Bikes must be brought in a cardboard-style disposable box
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