Self-Guided Dubrovnik to Mostar Ciro Trail Bike Tour

The Ciro Trail is a fascinating cycling journey that links the historic city of Dubrovnik with Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Once a narrow-gauge railway built during the Austro-Hungarian era in 1903 and closed in 1976, the route was transformed into a scenic bike trail in 2017, giving travelers a unique way to explore the region’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage. Since some sections of the original railway, particularly between Čapljina and Mostar, are still active, the tour takes you along charming alternative roads that run parallel to the tracks.

This multi-day adventure weaves together smooth paved roads and gentle gravel paths, with gradual climbs that make the rides enjoyable yet rewarding. Cyclists pass through the vast plains of Popovo Polje, alongside the Trebišnjica and Neretva rivers, and through quaint Herzegovinian villages as well as historic towns like Počitelj and Mostar. Along the way, you will stay in carefully restored old train stations, experience authentic local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the region. Starting from Dubrovnik, the six-day tour follows the historic railway route up to Mostar before returning to the scenic Croatian coast, offering an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and countryside adventure.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Dubrovnik

Finish

Dubrovnik

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

52 km / 32 mi

Cycling Days

4

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Fly-Out

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Highlights

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Cycle the Scenic Ciro Trail

Follow the historic railway route through rolling hills, peaceful villages, and the wide plains of Popovo Polje. Experience a mix of paved and gravel roads, gentle climbs, and stunning riverside views along the Trebišnjica and Neretva rivers.

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Explore Dubrovnik’s Historic Streets

Wander through the charming alleys of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, discover medieval walls, palaces, and monasteries, and soak in the rich culture and vibrant local life. Enjoy cafés, craft shops, and scenic viewpoints that make the city truly unforgettable.

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Mostar Magic: Iconic Bridges and Timeless Beauty

Cross dramatic bridges like the Eiffel Bridge over the Neretva River and soak in the charm of Mostar’s historic streets and Ottoman architecture. The combination of iconic landmarks and scenic landscapes makes this a truly unforgettable experience.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Konavle

After arriving at Dubrovnik Airport, you’ll be whisked away to the serene Konavle countryside, a place where rolling vineyards and quaint stone villages create a picture-perfect welcome.

Our local team will greet you, provide a tour briefing, and ensure your bike is perfectly fitted. Later, enjoy a relaxed ride through the charming Konavle Valley, exploring orchards, vineyards, and timeless villages as you settle into the rhythm of your adventure.

Meals:
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Day 2: Konavle

Experience the charm of Konavle as you cycle through gently rolling hills and open fields. The route takes you along quiet paved backroads and scenic gravel paths, weaving past historic railway traces, the sparkling river Ljuta, traditional mills, and local farms.

Every turn offers peaceful panoramas, making it a gentle yet rewarding day as you immerse yourself in the countryside before venturing toward Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Today’s ride stretches 63 km with a challenging 1000 m of elevation, taking you along 95% paved surfaces for a steady climb.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 63 km / 39 mi
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Day 3: Ravno / Zavala

After a morning shuttle to Dubac near the Bosnia-Herzegovina border, set off on a scenic ride through the rural heart of Herzegovina. The Ciro Trail guides you across Popovo Polje, a striking karst valley framed by rugged mountains, offering a blend of quiet countryside, abandoned railway stations, and expansive agricultural fields.

Arrive in Ravno, a village rich in railway history and serene landscapes, where the charm of rural life unfolds around every corner.

Cycle 48 km with 550 m of elevation gain, enjoying a comfortable ride on 95% paved roads throughout the route.

Important Note – Start of Self-Supported Section (Days 3–5) From today, the tour becomes self-supported. You will cycle with panniers, carrying only essentials for three days. Any extra luggage can be securely stored at our Dubrovnik office until your return transfer from Mostar.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 48 km / 30 mi
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Day 4: Čapljina

Continue your journey along the Ciro Trail. This is one of the most scenic sections, passing through small rural towns, the Hutovo Blato nature and wetland area, old tunnels and bridges, and offering views of the Popovo Polje plateau. Cross the dramatic Eiffel Bridge over the Neretva River before arriving in Čapljina, where history and nature come together in a serene setting.

This 62 km stage includes 450 m of elevation, combining scenic landscapes and 85% paved sections for a mixed-terrain experience.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 62 km / 39 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Storia (4-star)
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Day 5: Mostar

Cycle at a leisurely pace along the Neretva River, soaking in the serene landscapes. This is one of the most scenic sections, passing through vineyards, orchards, and riverside villages before reaching Mostar, renowned for its UNESCO-listed Old Bridge and stunning Ottoman architecture. Spend the afternoon wandering through Mostar’s oriental-style streets, stopping at charming coffee houses and craft shops, and immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant history and culture.

A pleasant 35 km ride with 290 m of elevation, entirely on 100% paved roads for a smooth finish.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 35 km / 22 mi
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Day 6: Dubrovnik

Take a private transfer from Mostar back to Dubrovnik, a scenic drive of around three hours. Once in the city, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace or join an optional guided tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Wander through historic streets lined with palaces, monasteries, and charming cafes, and marvel at the impressive medieval city walls that have stood for centuries.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, your cycling adventure comes to a close. You can avail of a shuttle transfer to Dubrovnik Airport, leaving you with wonderful memories of scenic rides, charming villages, and unforgettable landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Hotel Epidaurus (4-star)

The simple and elegant design of the rooms provides a unique marine ambience, ideal for rest and relaxation of the highest level. Enjoy perfect moments!

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Hotel Stanica Ravno (4-star)

At the dawn of the twentieth century, Stanica Ravno welcomed passengers of Dubrovnik – Vienna railway. One century later, you are invited to spend a memorable stay in Ravno at this former train station! Amid the beautiful Herzegovinian countryside, at an arms’ reach from Cave Vjetrenica, Popovo Field karst phenomenon, town of Slano and two UNESCO gems, Mostar and Dubrovnik, this boutique hotel with a restaurant and wine bar captivates all seeking to explore this wondrous region.

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Hotel Storia (4-star)

Hotel Storia in Čapljina welcomes you with a warm and comfortable atmosphere where modern rooms and friendly service make you feel right at home.

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Hotel Villa Milas (4-star)

Villa Milas is a hotel just a short 5-minute walk from Mostar’s UNESCO-listed Old Bridge and historic Old Town, offering free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, and breakfast each morning.

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Hotel Splendid

The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms with balconies, direct beach access, on-site dining options, and convenient transport links to Dubrovnik’s Old Town

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

Airport pickup

Enjoy a hassle-free group airport pickup to start your journey. Available only on the tour start date.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

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Trek FX 1 Stagger or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

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Trek Marlin 7 or similar

mountain

Included in your trip price

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Trek FX+ or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Travelers can reach Dubrovnik via Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), which offers connections to many major European cities. From the airport, taxis, shuttles, and local buses provide convenient options to reach either the Konavle countryside or Dubrovnik city center. Those arriving early can explore the nearby villages, enjoy the scenic countryside, or take a short ride through vineyards and orchards to get familiar with the terrain. Local representatives are available to assist with bike fitting, route guidance, and any questions about the region. The Konavle area offers charming stone villages, quiet backroads, and peaceful surroundings, giving travelers a relaxing start before the main cycling adventure begins.

Departure

At the end of the tour, travelers return to Dubrovnik, with options to take taxis, shuttles, or buses to Dubrovnik Airport or other city locations. Depending on flight schedules, there is often time to enjoy a final stroll through the Old Town, visit cafés, or shop for local souvenirs. Dubrovnik offers historic streets, coastal views, and cultural landmarks to explore before leaving. Travelers can plan their onward journey with confidence, knowing transport options are flexible and convenient. The final day provides a calm and organized conclusion to the cycling adventure, allowing everyone to relax and reflect on the journey before heading home.

Weather

Dubrovnik experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. January and February are cool and rainy, with temperatures around 8–12 °C, making them off‑season for cycling.

March is slightly milder at 12–15 °C but still unpredictable and mixed for outdoor activities. April brings milder weather around 16–18 °C with occasional sun and showers, making it a good month for early-season rides.

May is one of the best months for cycling, with comfortable temperatures of 20–23 °C and mostly sunny days. June is also ideal, warm and sunny at 25–28 °C, perfect for long rides and sightseeing.

July and August are hot, with temperatures reaching 28–30 °C, excellent for beach activities but mixed for inland cycling due to the heat. September is another ideal month, with warm weather around 22–26 °C, fewer tourists, and great conditions for outdoor adventures.

October is mild at 18–22 °C, slightly wetter, making it a good month for scenic rides with fewer crowds.

November is cooler and rainy (12–16 °C), while December is cold and wet (8–12 °C), both off‑season for cycling but fine for city exploration.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Good

May

Best

June

Best

July

Mixed

August

Mixed

September

Best

October

Good

November

Mixed

December

Mixed

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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