Ciro Trail: Mostar & Imperial vineyards

The tour begins in Mostar, where participants will meet at a local bike shop to pick up their bikes for the journey. Capriolo Bike Shop, known for its high-quality service and friendly staff, will provide each cyclist with a well-maintained, comfortable bike suited to their needs. The staff at Capriolo are welcoming and professional, taking the time to adjust and fine-tune the bikes according to each rider’s preferences, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride ahead. Whether it’s adjusting the seat, setting up the gears, or providing helpful advice on the best gear for the route, the staff ensures that each rider is prepared for the adventure that lies ahead. The shop’s atmosphere is warm and accommodating, making it the perfect starting point for your cycling tour in Mostar.

Our team will welcome the group, provide a detailed explanation of the travel itinerary, and go over all the necessary details for the trip. This personalized preparation ensures an enjoyable and hassle-free start to the adventure.

On request: We provide hotel pick-up and drop-off as well, you just need to arrange with our staff in advance.

This cycling route takes you on an exhilarating journey through some of the most scenic landscapes in Herzegovina, offering a blend of nature, culture, and history. Starting in Mostar, the ride follows the banks of the Neretva River, offering stunning views of the emerald-green waters that flow through the city. As you pedal along, you’ll pass through local and rural villages such as Rodoča, Jasenice, Baćevići, and Buna, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and traditional Herzegovinian life. The route takes you through tranquil sections of the river, surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty.

Continuing along the route, you’ll reach Blagaj, a charming village known for its picturesque setting beneath the cliffs and the stunning Blagaj Tekke (a Dervish monastery). The area is rich in history, with the Buna River feeding into the Neretva here, creating a peaceful and scenic spot ideal for a break or a quick visit to the local attractions.

The cycling route then takes you to the Imperial Vineyards, where you’ll ride through rolling hills lined with vineyards producing some of the finest wines in the region. The cool, shaded roads and panoramic views of the vineyards make this part of the ride a memorable experience. After exploring the vineyards, you’ll head back to Mostar, completing a loop that combines scenic cycling with a taste of Herzegovina’s natural and cultural wonders.

This route is perfect for cycling enthusiasts and those wanting to explore the beauty of Herzegovina from a unique perspective. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a casual rider, this journey provides an unforgettable experience of Herzegovina’s landscapes, rivers, and local culture.

Just 12 km from Mostar, on the river Buna, lies the enchanting town of Blagaj, a medieval city from which today’s Herzegovina emerged. The ruins of the old city or Herceg Stjepan’s Tower offer a breathtaking panorama of the Neretva valley. Nearby attractions include the Velagić House, Sulejman’s Mosque, Karađozbeg’s Bridge, and the Tekija—a 16th-century house of prayer and meditation. Blagaj, with its picturesque scenery and the spectacular Buna River spring, is a treasure not to be missed.

In Blagaj, you can enjoy a traditional Herzegovinian lunch that highlights the region’s rich culinary heritage. Local delicacies include fresh grilled fish from the Buna River, ćevapi (small grilled minced meat sausages), and sogan-dolma (stuffed onions). Herzegovinian specialties like pita (savory pastries filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables) and sarma (cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice) are often served, offering a taste of home-style cooking that has been passed down through generations. You can also enjoy ajvar, a roasted red pepper spread, alongside freshly baked bread. Many of the local restaurants in Blagaj use homegrown ingredients, ensuring the meals are as authentic and fresh as possible. Whether you’re dining in a riverside restaurant or a traditional konoba, the food in Blagaj offers an intimate experience of the region’s gastronomic culture.

Nestled in an idyllic setting near Mostar, the breathtaking estate of Emporia, featuring a hotel, winery, restaurant, and outdoor pool, offers visitors a special experience of the taste, colors, and scents of Herzegovina.

The hotel’s impressive architecture design, a blend of traditional dry stone walls and modern materials, provides accommodation in 12 uniquely decorated rooms. The modern retro interior in pastel colors exudes relaxation, as do the magnificent views of orchards, olive groves, and vineyards planted with local indigenous varieties Žilavka and Blatina. The intoxicating scents of lavender, rosemary, and fennel make this place an oasis of peace and relaxation.

Your holiday will be complete with activities such as cycling through vineyards and olive groves or walking along the long paths. The restaurant offers a top gastronomic experience through exceptionally tasty and original combinations prepared from the highest quality ingredients, with our domestic wines of premium varieties as the perfect accompaniment.

The Imperial Vineyards Mostar winery produces wines of a new generation, relying on recipes dating back 100 years and the latest modern technology. 40 hectares of vineyards are mainly planted with local indigenous varieties Žilavka and Blatina, as well as Pošip, Trnjak, Chanin Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay. Vineyard is one of the few in Europe where Chanin Blanc grows, a world-renowned noble white grape variety.

During the winery tour, you can learn about the history of Imperial Vineyards dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the creative approach to winemaking, nurturing indigenous varieties in combination with popular international white and red grape varieties, and taste 9 exceptionally unique and premium wines created by the Emporia wine team.

Wines are a combination of natural beauty, elegance, prestige, style, and taste whose quality surely satisfies the finest and most demanding wine lovers.

The winery, like a museum, possesses barrique wooden barrels for aging made of Bosnian and Slavonian oak, amphorae, and concrete eggs.

Throughout the year, the wine cellar, along with the terraces surrounding the pool and those with views of the vineyard, hosts a plethora of events, such as, gatherings, intimate concerts, and promotional activities.