Ciro Trail: Mostar – Dubrovnik (7 days)

Day 1. Arrival: Mostar, Capital of Herzegovina 

City of Mostar
Visit this city built by the Ottomans along the Neretva River, without forgetting its Old Bridge connecting the two shores of the city. Unique for all of its dwellings and monuments, united in a harmonious town planning, the city preserving its character, while being a place of artisanal production and an important center of commercial exchanges.
Profesional guide included in tour.

Accommodation/Hotel: BikeFriendly hotel in Mostar**** 
Dinner: local cousine (on request)

Day 2. cycling Ćiro Trail: Alongside of Neretva river

DISTANCE: 65km;  ELEVATION: 258m

By bike: Mostar – Čapljina
– Check-out at the reception and start cycling from Mostar
– Suitable for MTB, Gravel, e-bikes and Road bikes
– Difficulty: Easy

Railroad of Ciro, an old railway line started from Mostar, along the Neretva river, before crossing the hinterland, until Dubrovnik, today, is the name “Ciro Trail” given to a path for cyclotourist on this old railway line, built between 1898 and 1901, at the time of the steam engines.

Mostar is our city of departure
We cycle through the city of Mostar passing by Old bridge. Then, we will be passing near a wine route, before reaching the medieval village of Blagaj, at the source of the Buna river, famous for its tekke. After visiting Blagaj, we continue cycling through local villages with stunning views along the Neretva River all the way to the town of Čapljina.
– Picnic: Rest stop by the Neretva River (on request)

Ottoman city of Pocitelj
After an amazing ride along the river Neretva to the town of Čapljina, we cycle further through the city center, and start with a short climb to the Ottoman town of Počitelj. Počitelj is a historic town of oriental-Mediterranean character, also known as the “City of Stone” as Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić called it. It is located in the Neretva Valley, only 3km from Čapljina. This quiet unusual town was first mentioned in 1444 in the charters of King Alfonso V, as a fortified town on the Neretva.

Accomodation/Dinner: BikeFriendly hotel in Čapljina****

Day 3. Cycling Herzegovina hinterland 

DISTANCE: 60km;  ELEVATION: 610m

By bike: Čapljina – Hutovo – Neum 
– Check-out at the reception and start cycling from Čapljina
– Suitable for MTB, Gravel, e-bikes and Road bikes
– Difficulty: Moderate

Cycling to the Herzegovinian hinterland, we will first visit Mogorjelo – Roman Villa Rustica, which is located at the exit from the town of Čapljina. After the tour, we cycle through local villages, over three Ćiro bridges, passing by Hutovo blato. In village Dračevo we take macadam trail and in its length of 18km provides some amazing views, and includes 10 Ćiro tunnels and a bridge designed by the Eiffel. This path is located in the heart of the Herzegovian karst, stopping, on the way, at various observation points and rest areas, until the old Hutovo railway station.
– Picnic: willage Hutovo caffe shop (on request)

Further from the village of Hutovo, as we continue cycling towards Neum, it’s important to know that we are using the old road from Mostar to Neum, passing through local villages. This road used to be the only way to reach the sea. Nowadays, there is a fast road from Neum to Stolac that cars use, while the old road is preserved for the enjoyment of cyclists. From the village of Hutovo to Neum, there are approximately 25 kilometers of cycling, with a few ascents before the descent to Neum, where we will see the sea and check into our hotel.

Accomodation/Dinner: BikeFriendly hotel in Neum****

Day 4. Cycling Cycling along the Adriatic coastline

DISTANCE: 59km;  ELEVATION: 961m

By bike: Neum – Ston – Neum
– Check-out at the reception and start cycling from Neum
– Suitable for MTB, Gravel, e-bikes and Road bikes
– Difficulty: Moderate

The “Cycling along the Adriatic Coastline” route begins in Neum, with a scenic 10-kilometer ride before crossing the border into Croatia. Following the stunning coastline, you’ll enjoy breathtaking sea views before heading inland into the rustic charm of ancient villages. The path winds through the hinterland, showcasing the traditional lifestyle amidst stone houses and olive groves. The journey then descends back to the Adriatic, reaching the historic town of Ston. Here, you’ll experience an organized oyster tasting, a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and local flavors.
Lunch: local cousine (on request)

Note: For larger groups, a boat tour can be arranged, including tastings of local wines, anchovies, and oysters.

Accomodation/Dinner: BikeFriendly hotel in Neum****

Day 5. Cycling in the hinterland of Neum

DISTANCE: 50km;  ELEVATION: 500m

By bike: Neum – Hutovo – Ravno 
– Check-out at the reception and start cycling from Neum
– Suitable for MTB, Gravel, e-bikes and Road bikes
– Difficulty: Moderate

On the third day of your journey, you’ll travel from Neum to the village of Ravno. The first 25 kilometers of cycling will follow the same route you took the previous day, but in the opposite direction, all the way to the village of Hutovo, where you had coffee. From there, you’ll continue on the Ćiro Trail route towards Ravno, a mostly flat path that offers stunning views of Popovo Polje. Before the war, during the time of Yugoslavia, the entire Popovo Polje was cultivated, and farmers provided food for all of Herzegovina. Today, this area is much less farmed.
– Picnic: Village Hutovo café (on request)

Along this route, you’ll pass many former Ćiro railway stations that have been privatized. When the Ćiro railway was discontinued, the stations were given to their workers and are now privately owned, with many serving as homes. Your hotel, Stanica Ravno, was once a Ćiro station but has since been beautifully restored into a renowned restaurant and hotel.

You will also pass numerous abandoned villages and empty houses along the way. In my opinion, this is the most beautiful segment of the journey, still carrying the spirit of a bygone era and evoking a deep sense of history. It’s a route that leaves a lasting impression of earlier times.

Accommodation/Dinner: Bike-friendly hotel in Ravno****

Day 6. Cycling on Ćiro Trail – Trebinje and Herzegovinian vineyards

DISTANCE: 50km;  ELEVATION: 380m 

By bike: Ravno – Zavala – Hum – Trebinje
– Check-out at the reception and start cycling from Ravno
– Suitable for MTB, Gravel, e-bikes and Road bikes
– Difficulty: Easy 

On the fourth day of your journey, you’ll cycle a mostly flat route to Trebinje, with the exception of a slight incline during the first 5 kilometers to the village of Zavala. In Zavala, you can visit the world-famous Vjetrenica Cave.

After Zavala, you’ll continue along the Ćiro route, passing through Popovo Polje and several mostly abandoned villages and former Ćiro stations. At the 32-kilometer mark, you’ll pass the Hum station, once the largest and most strategically important Ćiro station, offering routes to Trebinje, Dubrovnik, and Nikšić in Montenegro.
– Picnic: Hum station (on request)

From Hum, you have 20 kilometers left to Trebinje, and it’s entirely flat. At the 39-kilometer mark, you’ll join the main road from Dubrovnik to Trebinje, which has minimal traffic. At the 46-kilometer mark, you’ll turn off the main road and cycle through local villages into Trebinje. The route will lead you to the preserved Ćiro steam locomotive, where you can take some photos before heading to your hotel.

Your hotel is just 1 kilometer from the locomotive, located in the city center. After resting and dinner, I recommend visiting Trebinje’s Old Town, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and numerous cafés, or sample the local cuisine.

Accommodation/Dinner: Bike-friendly hotel in Trebinje****

Day 7. Cycling on Ćiro Trail – Dubrovnik Hinterland

DISTANCE: 42km;  ELEVATION: 200m

By bike: Trebinje – Tvrdoš Monastery – Ivanica – Dubrovnik
– Check-out at the reception and start cycling from Trebinje 
–Suitable for MTB, Gravel, e-bikes and Road bikes
– Difficulty: Easy 

On the fifth day, you’ll enjoy another flat route from Trebinje to the Ivanica border, followed by a downhill ride into Dubrovnik. After departing from the hotel in Trebinje, you’ll cycle through the city streets to the Tvrdoš Monastery.

The Tvrdoš Monastery is worth a visit, especially for wine enthusiasts. Its underground cellars have preserved the tradition of Serbian winemaking since the collapse of medieval Serbia. Built on the foundations of a 4th-century church along the Trebišnjica River, the monastery has witnessed Herzegovina’s rich history. If you have the time, be sure to arrange a visit to explore its heritage and wines.
– Picnic: Ivanica border, El Passo café (on request)

After a break at El Passo café, you’ll cross the border into Croatia. The descent to Dubrovnik takes you through local villages on a quiet road, even during peak season. As you cycle downhill, the Adriatic Sea will gradually come into view. You’ll soon reach the coastline and arrive in Dubrovnik, ending your journey at the bus station. Here, you can enjoy a well-deserved beer at a nearby brewery. The DBAS bike shop is also close if you need any assistance with your bike.

SELF-GUIDED OPTION: After you arrive in Dubrovnik, our driver will meet you at this location (link) to collect the bikes and hand over your luggage if you opted for the “Storage and luggage safeguarding” service. This marks the end of the self-guided Ćiro Trail adventure.

We hope you had a memorable experience cycling with us. We would appreciate it if you could leave a review on Google or TripAdvisor, as your feedback is invaluable.

Warm regards from the ERO Travel team!

• The itinerary is subject to change in terms of accommodation, lunch, picnics, locations we visit  👉 Contact us and together we will make an offer that best suits your requirements.
• Want to transfer luggage and personal belongings from hotel to hotel on a daily basis? Not a problem!
• Are you a vegetarian and want a special kind of food? No problem. We will contact accommodation facilities and restaurants to make meals that suit your requirements.
• You want your peace and a single room in the accommodation facilities. Not a problem!
• Do you want a professional guide during your trip? Not a problem!
• Important: During the trip, all our employees are at your service through assistance and suggestions, all in order to give you the best possible vacation.

In case of any ambiguities or the need for changes, please do not hesitate to contact us – info@ero-travel.com