Trip Notes CYCLING BOSNIA & MONTENEGRO

Transcription

1 Trip Notes Trip Code: MVM Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro Amended: Sep 2012 Edition No: TW Valid from: 01 Jan Dec 2013 CYCLING BOSNIA & MONTENEGRO HIGHLIGHTS Discover the natural and cultural beauty of Bosnia and Montenegro Wild and rugged landscapes Explore fascinating Sarajevo SUMMARY Countries of the former Yugoslavia often conjure up images related to the old regime, or more recently the conflict of the early 1990s. The reality today is very different. Both Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are countries of huge natural beauty steeped in cultural heritage that bear the marks of an intriguing mix of influences from the Ottoman to the Austro Hungarian empires. Large swathes of this part of the Balkan Peninsula are sparsely populated, rugged landscapes of raw beauty. This trip ventures from the Olympic Mountains around Sarajevo to the wild Durmitor National Park, taking in the magnificent Drina and Tara Rivers, and the traditional rural way of life is on show in many of the small villages and towns we encounter. Much of the trip is spent on asphalt roads, occasionally talking to gravel on less developed areas of the road network. This intriguing ride represents one of the few new experiences to be had in modern day Europe, and will take you on a two-wheeled adventure to remember. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? Average daily distance is 60km (37 miles), 80% is on asphalt roads with the rest on gravel tracks. There is 100% vehicle support. We ride through mountainous terrain, as such there are some climbs and fast descents, as well as some flatter sections, see the individual daily descriptions for further details. Good fitness is essential for this trip. Grade C - Challenging LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 Start at our hotel in Sarajevo. (D) Day 2 Today's route takes us to Bjelasnica 'Olympic' and Treskavica mountains. We set off early morning from the hotel using the same route once used by the steam trains heading for Visegrad and Serbia. After a short climb we head to Bjelasnica. We'll be using a busy road for about 20 minutes, before we start our climb up Bjelasnica. The climb is strenuous, but once up we're treated to beautiful views of Bjelasnica and Treskavica mountains. 2 hours into the trip we descend fast to the foothills of Treskavica mountains with the beautiful emerald source of the Zeljeznica river. An ideal place for our lunch break in the shade of the many beech trees and the cooling breeze created by the various small waterfalls. After lunch we follow the river back through narrow canyons to Sarajevo. This is a well-paced ride through a mixture of towns and countryside. Approx riding 77km/ 5 hours. Ascent 1158m, descent 1121m. (B L) Day 3 This trip takes you along the former front lines of the recent war up and along the Olympic bobsledding and downhill skiing venues. It's a day of endless views and gentle climbs on the edge of the Sarajevo Valley and Miljacka Canyon. We'll break for lunch at the ski resort of Jahorina, before setting off down to the small city of Pale and up to our final destination of Ecofutura. At Ecofutura we'll be treated to some excellent vegetarian and organic food and a quiet night in modern straw bale chalets. Approx riding 60km/ 5 hours. Ascent 1802m, descent 1162m. (B L D) Day 4 We ride the old Ottoman caravan route connecting Sarajevo with Istanbul Many years ago the Hajduk bandits staked out this area as their own, harassing the caravans laden with their silver and gold on their way to Istanbul. The caravan route is endless and as the green forested countryside rolls by we slowly edge closer to the blue waters of the Drina river and the beautifully placed town of Gorazde. Tonight we sleep in quaint bungalows where the Drina and Tara rivers collide. Exodus Travels Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: (44) Fax: (44) sales@exodus.co.uk

2 ACCOMMODATION We stay in a mix of pensions, hotels and chalets. Our accommodation in Sarajevo, Zabljak and Kolasin is in more standard hotels, where we use twin rooms with en suite facilities. In the Ecofutura camp, and in Izlazak we use small 'chalet' style accommodation. Here there are usually 2 rooms per chalet, that share a bathroom. As such single rooms are not available here. Single Accommodation: Please note singles are not available on days 3 and 8. Single rooms are available for a supplement of 100. NB: only for 7 nights, does not apply to the accommodation on day 3 and day 8 FOOD & TRANSPORT Food In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which day. All breakfasts, 7 picnic lunches and 5 dinners are included on this trip. Approx riding 76km/ 5-6 hours. Ascent 1870m, descent 2746m. (B L D) Day 5 This is a day of extremes with the deep Piva canyon, highland villages and Durmitor National Park's highest peaks. The road has recently been paved and significantly shortens this once huge trek. Be prepared for long steady winding inclines taking us ever higher and higher. We end the day with a fast descent down into Zabljak, Durmitor's ski and tourism centre Approx riding 50km/ 5 hours. (B L) Day 6 A relaxing half day ride among the various lakes in the National Park and on the edge of the Tara Canyon with breathtaking views of 800m drops below. We can then spend the rest of the day exploring and or swimming in the Black Lake. Approx riding 35km/ 3-4 hours. (B L) Day 7 Sinjajevina mountain is more like a plateau, an elevated plain at an average height of 1600m above sea level. This area was once well known for its numerous sheep: a pasture on top of the mountain. Indeed the biggest pasture in Montenegro. The area will enchant you with its grey-green colour, a thin layer of grass covering the big karst boulders hidden beneath the grass. This "sea of grass" will follow us for hours while we inch forward in this isolated corner of Montenegro to Kolasin, our final destination for today. The road to Kolasin descends steadily leaving behind the wilderness of Sinjajevina. Typical Meals: Breakfast will often be a choice between hot and cold buffet, or cheese, eggs and bread in the mountains. Lunches will be picnic type including bread, cheese, sausage, meat and vegetarian pate, salad, chocolate bars, cookies, trail mix, and coffee/tea. Evening meals will usually consist of at least two courses, including a main course of traditionally prepared meat or fish and vegetables, plus a soup or dessert. Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for, but options are limited throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro - please inform the office of any specific requirements upon booking. Transport On the journey we travel by Air-Conditioned minibus, with a separate vehicle for the bikes. The main roads are in principle good. It is on the various mountain roads that you will at times experience a bumpy and slow ride. WEATHER AND SEASONALITY Approx riding 70KM/ 6-7 hours. (B L D) Day 8 After a 30 minute transfer to Moskra we start our trip along the old regional road connecting the many villages around the Piva Canyon. Our final destination of the trip is the luxuriously decorated cottages "Izlazak" ("The Rise"), built in the village of Rudinice located at the edge of the beautiful Piva. An ideal end to this enchanting road trip that takes us well and truly off the beaten path to see Bosnia's and Montenegro's highest peaks, wildest rivers and deepest canyons. Approx riding 70km/ 6-7 hours. (B L D) Day 9 We transfer to Sarajevo (3 hours) where we have time to relax before taking a late afternoon city tour. Sarajevo is an intriguing cultural mix, having spent over 400 years under Turkish rule before falling to the Austro-Hungarians. It was here that Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated, a key trigger in the outbreak of the First World War. The city's more recent history is of course much fresher in the mind, including the Winter Olympics of 1984 and the 4 year siege of the recent conflict. Today Sarajevo is again an inviting place to explore and enjoy. (B) Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro enjoy a similar climate to most of Central Europe - hot summers, cool springs and autumns and cold winters with considerable snowfall. We visit from June to September, when temperatures will be generally warm (25-30ºC), however these temperatures will be a little cooler in the mountains. Rain can fall at any time of the year, although in mid-summer it is more likely to come as short, sharp thunderstorms. Day 10 End Sarajevo. (B) For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day. 2

3 If you arrive at a different time to our group flight, you will need to make your own way to the start hotel which is located in central Sarajevo. It can be reached easily by taxi and will cost around 8 to 10 Euros/20 KM Taxis can be found directly outside the airport, please agree the rate with your driver in advance. The journey will take approximately 20 minutes. On arrival at the hotel please make the reception staff aware that you are part of the Exodus group and they will give you details on meeting with your group. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 10 days, normally depart London Fri, return Sun Itinerary Start The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of Croatia Airlines (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. We have an excellent long-term relationship with the local operator who employ and train all leaders. We provide refresher training with a focus on Responsible Tourism, so our local leaders can educate our clients locally on helping to preserve the way of life in their area. Tourism is extremely new here and we are helping to create a new possible career path for active individuals here. Throughout our visit we support the economy of small villages and communities that we pass through, using their smaller restaurants, traders and shops. We will also be visiting an isolated mountain community where we enjoy a traditional lunch, directly benefitting the villagers themselves. All picnic lunches are sourced locally from small privately owned shops. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office. JOINING THE TRIP IN SARAJEVO 10 days, normally start Sarajevo Fri, end Sarajevo Sun Itinerary Start Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Sarajevo in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Airport Transfers If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. If you would like us to organise a private transfer, please ask your sales consultant for a quote. Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure. 3

4 Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 8 and 16 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM), with an exchange rate of 2.42 to the UK and 1.52 to the US$. The national currency of Montenegro is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate of 1.2 to the UK and 0.75 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. You will need mainly Bosnian currency on this trip (usually displayed locally as KM) and a small amount of euros for the time in Montenegro, for drinks and snacks and any meals not included. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques ATMs and banks are available in the towns and cities we visit. You can use credit cards in many shops and restaurants in Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Extra Expenses and Spending Money We recommend that you allow up to 10 for lunch and 15 for dinner in Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro, this amount will obviously vary according to where and what you choose to eat. Although not customary in Bosnia you can leave a 10% tip as a sign of your appreciation. you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Bosnia and Herzegovina No visa required for British passport holders. Montenegro No visa required for British passport holders. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no specific health risks on this trip. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. WHAT TO TAKE Local Bike Hire: GT Avalanche or Specialized Rockhopper mountain bikes with front suspension 105, paid on booking. Bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Very occasionally a bike of your size may not be available. We may be able to offer you a bike of a different but acceptable size, or otherwise you must bring your own bike. Bringing Your Own Bike: Many people choose to bring their own bikes on our trips. If you wish to bring your own bike, please note that we cannot guarantee against small scratches and paintwork damage involved in the loading and unloading from support vehicles. For more detailed information on bringing a bike from the UK, Information Sheet MBX will be sent to you on booking. This can also be found on our website at: www. exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/mbx.pdf Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure that they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under either their travel or home contents insurance policy. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. Local Time GMT + 1 Electricity In Bosnia & Herzegovina and in Montenegro they use the two-pin Type C (Europlug) electrical plug. Voltage is Volts. You will be able to charge a phone/camera etc. on most nights during this trip. 4

5 Bike Carriage - Airline Rules: Croatia Airlines have introduced a fee for the carriage of bikes on their flights, to be paid at check in. Please contact us for up to date information and so that we can arrange this with the airline in advance. Otherwise your bike carriage will be charged at the standard excess baggage rate and will be much more expensive! Extra Bike Bits You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind. Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets Helmets and safety: Exodus believes that all cyclists should wear helmets in the interests of personal safety, and our leaders are required to do so at all times on all trips. Customers must wear helmets at all times on any 'off-road' cycling holiday and certain 'road' cycling trip (where this is applicable it is clearly stated in these Trip Notes). On most road cycling holidays, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended, but we accept that some customers will want to exercise their own choice in this matter. Please note that not wearing a helmet may affect the validity of your insurance. Those who decide not to wear a helmet do so entirely at their own risk, and in the knowledge that some 'road' trips may include some 'off-road' sections. If wishing to use a helmet you must bring your own with you as they are not available for hire. Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake. Essential Equipment and Clothing Personal Equipment On all Exodus cycling holidays you are required to bring the following personal items, which we view as crucial for the health and safety of our clients: A helmet, eye-protection (sunglasses), cycling gloves and waterbottles or hydration system (e.g. camelbak). Recommended Cycling Clothing Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over-shorts' where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum-bag or small closefitting daysack. Long trousers Waterproof jacket A couple of warm layers Sunglasses Sun cream Sunhat Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling Please bring water bottles. Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. Reading List: Bradt guide to Bosnia & Herzegovina. The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO EXODUS CYCLING JERSEYS These high-tech professional level jerseys are made with 100% SpeedPro advanced moisture transfer fabric, perfect for keeping cool. Raglan cut, the jerseys have ¾ length hidden zippers and 3 rear pockets so they re ideal for serious cyclists. Designed by Primal in both men s and women s cut, so you can get an expertly tailored fit. Order yours now! Just 45 each. For more details visit 5

6 HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay by cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 6