The Central Dinaric Alps have been a natural border between the coastal towns of the Adriatic and highland trading cities and settlements along the Ottoman caravan routes to Istanbul. Few have been to the region and even fewer have cycled the old Roman, Ottoman and Austro Hungarian narrow gauge railway routes connecting the Bosnian highlands with the Croatian coast. This is a challenging guided and fully supported cycling trip on mainly paved and secondary roads with few dirt roads. This trip is for those interested in finding out more about the diverse cultures in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Western Balkans. Immersing themselves with their bikes into the rich history of the region, while treating themselves to a great workout and lots of authentic food and drink. Your rides take you deep into the mountains, passing small isolated settlements where the way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. Both on and off the bikes you have an opportunity to explore the unique cultural heritage bestowed on this small ancient mountain kingdom. Starting in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital and host of the 1984 Winter Olympics games, there is all within arms reach during this unforgettable three days of riding and exploring. Medieval tombstones scattered around the side of the road tell of a time long past. Charming Mostar with its famous bridge a symbol connecting East and West. The trail also follows the old Narrow-gauge railway connecting Herzegovina regions with Dubrovnik. The narrow-gauge railway was built in the early 20th century by Austro Hungarians and connected Mostar with Dubrovnik and Konavle in Croatia. The first ‘’Ćiro’’ passed this railway on 15th July 1901. As the railway was abolished in the 70s idea for revitalising it as a biking trail that connects two different cross border regions as a unique tourism offer showed as a clear historical and cultural identity decision. Opened in 2017, this spectacular route takes you across the border and through some beautiful tourist attractions from both regions (B&H and Croatia) following karst field, wineries, old Monasteries and pilgrimage places, bridges, tunnels, rivers, fields, etc. and these trails will connect all the attractions together. Patch together the tumultuous history of Sarajevo, the European Jerusalem Ride over Bjelasnica, the 1984 Olympic mountain range Swim in Boracko Glacial Lake Walk over the Mostar Old Bridge Explore the wine routes of Herzegovina Ride the Ciro Austro Hungarian narrow-gauge railway Zavala Orthodox monastery Vjetrenica Cave Cross the rugged Dinaric Alps Dubrovnik Old Town Swim in the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea
