The Ćiro Trail: Self-Guided Cycling

Cycling holiday from Dubrovnik to Mostar through Southern Herzegovina.

Summary

The Ciro Trail is a cycle path that begins in Dubrovnik and travels through southern Croatia into Herzegovina and on to the majestic town of Mostar.

START / FINISH - Dubrovnik

Activity code: BOCY01

Difficulty: Moderate (approx. 45 – 85 km cycling per day).

Duration: 7 Days

This self-guided cycling journey follows the historic Ćiro Trail from Dubrovnik to Mostar, tracing the route of a narrow-gauge steam railway built in 1903 during the Austro-Hungarian period. Closed in the 1970s and carefully reimagined as a cycling trail, the route offers a fascinating blend of industrial heritage, dramatic landscapes, and quietly compelling history as you travel from the Adriatic coast into the heart of Herzegovina.

Leaving Dubrovnik behind, the route climbs gently inland through limestone hills and rural hinterland, soon crossing into Bosnia & Herzegovina. Much of the journey follows the original railway alignment, using a mix of quiet tarmac roads and well-graded gravel sections. Where the historic line is still in use, carefully chosen alternative roads keep you close to the original route while maintaining a peaceful cycling experience. Gradients are generally manageable, with occasional short climbs that reward you with sweeping views across valleys, rivers, and farmland.

The landscapes change subtly day by day: from the fertile Popovo Polje plain and the winding Trebišnjica River, to the wide green corridor of the Neretva Valley. Along the way you pass small villages, former station buildings, and rural settlements where traditional life continues at an unhurried pace. Highlights include the evocative Ottoman town of Počitelj, dramatically set above the river, before the route culminates in Mostar.

Arriving by bicycle gives a particularly rewarding perspective on Mostar’s historic centre and its famous Old Bridge, rebuilt as a symbol of resilience and reconciliation. Accommodation is arranged throughout, with luggage transfers allowing you to cycle lightly and at your own pace. For those with additional time and energy, the journey can be extended northwards towards Sarajevo, following the historic rail corridors deeper into Bosnia & Herzegovina.

This is a distinctive and thought-provoking cycling holiday, combining gentle adventure with history, scenery, and a strong sense of place — ideal for travellers seeking a quieter, more meaningful way to explore this lesser-known corner of Europe.

Tour details:

  • Tour length: 7 days / 6 nights
  • Departures: between April 1st and October 31st.
  • Level of activity: moderate (approx. 45 – 85 km cycling per day)
  • Terrain: variety, flat with a few hilly parts

Type of accommodation

  • B&B and family run hotels - all rooms will have a private bathroom.

Bike Rental

  • MTB or hybrid bike or similar approx. € 25 per person / per day
  • E-bike approx. € 35 per bike / per day

Bike rental includes: fully equipped rental bike with helmet, patch kit, spare tube, pump, lock, rack and water bottle cage.

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Gallery

Based upon 2 persons travelling.

Prices from £998 per person

  • Single supplement (from): £ 229 per person

What's included on your cycling holiday ?

  • 6 nights accommodation on B&B basis
  • Airport transfers
  • All transport according to itinerary
  • 5 days cycling routes with full information pack - orientation, riding routes, maps, sightseeing suggestions, dining, local shops & services.
  • GPX Maps & route notes
  • Luggage transfers throughout
  • Services for orientation in Dubrovnik, co-ordination of transfers & support during travelling between locations.
  • Emergency support & assistance
  • Bike delivery & collection
  • All local taxes
  • 24hr local representative services

Itinerary

Arrive into Dubrovnik airport. Our representative will meet you at the airport and arrange transfer to Konavle and your accommodation in a beautiful rural setting. Balance of day for fitting up your choice of bikes and a warm up ride in the valley.

  • Overnight: Konavle countryside.

 

Today's cycle ride is along a path that follows the old railway through the villages above the valley of Konavle. The route explores the rural area of the Konavle hills and returns to Gruda town in the centre of the region.

  • Distance: approx. 45 km
  • Climb: approx. 300 m
  • Overnight: Konavle.

Check out of your guest house and take the included morning shuttle from Konavle to Dubac (a small town close to the border crossing with Herzegovina). Cycle up to the border, once you have passed through the frontier join the "Railroad Ciro" through Herzegovina and on to the valley of Popovo Polje, an area marked by quiet countryside, abandoned railway stations and vast agricultural fields.

(NB. this is the start of the self-supported stage, days 3 - 5; you will cycle with panniers carrying your essential luggage - all extra luggage can be stored in Dubrovnik until your return on Day 6)

  • Distance: approx. 43 km
  • Climb: approx. 200 m
  • Overnight: Zavala/Ravno.

This morning you will continue cycling on the Ciro Trail towards Popovo Polje (a valley that spreads below the former railway line), passing by small towns and through very rural area. Today you will also visit Hutovo town and its lake in a stunnily picturesque valley, cross the river Neretva and cycle over the old railway bridge, constructed by the famous Gustav Eiffel. The end point for the trail and today’s ride is at Capljina town.

  • Distance: approx. 60 km
  • Climb: approx. 350 m
  • Overnight: Capljina town.

This section of the route follows Neretva River, along small roads as the railway is still working here. At one stage you will cross the river and reach a beautiful old town called Blagaj, located at the spring of Buna River. This day ends with time to discover Mostar town, where you spend the night - exploring its famous cobbled streets, the Old Bridge and the fascinating Ottoman architecture.

  • Distance: approx. 34 km
  • Climb: approx. 100 m
  • Overnight: Mostar.

Your final full day begins with a transfer back to Dubrovnik (allow approx. 3 hours, including border crossing). Balance of day to explore the historic city of Dubrovnik on foot and by bus and cable car.

  • Overnight: Dubrovnik.

Transfer to Dubrovnik airport for your flight home.

Flexible Tailor-Made Holidays

  • We believe passionately that no two holidays should be the same.
  • With our flexible tailor-made holiday options you can travel at your own pace.
  • Rediscover a city, a resort or an island in a weekend or longer.
  • Take a small group tour or embark upon a more adventurous trip.

Travel Knowledge

  • We have all travelled extensively and will be happy to share our experiences.
  • Personally-chosen hotels, riads, guest houses & apartments in places we know and love.
  • Individual sightseeing recommendations and route planning.
  • Add excursions, activities and food & wine experiences (one of our passions).

Trusted Service

  • ATOL cover for flight inclusive holidays.
  • One of us at Rediscover the World is very likely to have visited the hotels and travelled along the routes on your itinerary.
  • Dynamic, comprehensive travel app with all your documents, maps and much more.
  • Full financial protection for your holiday (TTA).