BALKAN ODYSSEY!

Off The Beaten Path Balkans

By Irud

Countries: Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Slovenia

Duration: 12 days / 9 riding days

Length: 2 250 km (1 400 mi)

Price: 7 490 EUR for rider (double room, BMW F750GS), pillion 5 890 EUR, single room supplement 1 500 EUR

Road conditions: 100% asphalt

Accommodation: 4* and 5* hotels with a character

Tour starts: Zagreb, Croatia

Fly in: Zagreb International Airport (ZAG)

Tour ends: Zagreb, Croatia

Fly out: Zagreb International Airport (ZAG)

General description:

Venture into the heart of Europe’s most enigmatic region on our exclusive 12-day motorcycle journey through the hidden corners of the Balkans. This carefully crafted adventure takes you through four captivating countries – Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Slovenia – following secret mountain roads and forgotten paths where mass tourism hasn’t yet ventured.

Picture yourself riding through mystical forests of Petrova Gora, where partisan trails wind past forgotten medieval ruins, then ascending through Bosnia’s remote mountain villages where time seems to stand still. Feel the thrill as you navigate Montenegro’s serpentine roads around Durmitor National Park, and discover Slovenia’s alpine secrets in the pristine valleys of Zgornje Jezersko. This isn’t just a motorcycle tour – it’s an exploration of the Balkans’ soul, where each turn reveals a new story waiting to be told.

Why Choose This Balkan Adventure?

Undiscovered Routes: Leave the tourist buses behind as you explore roads known only to locals. Our route takes you through hidden mountain passes, secluded valleys, and along pristine coastlines that most travelers never see.

Cultural Immersion: Experience the authentic Balkans through its people, customs, and cuisine. Share meals with locals in traditional Konobas, explore Ottoman-era bazaars, and discover the legendary hospitality of the region.

Natural Wonders: From the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic to the rugged peaks of Durmitor National Park, witness the stunning diversity of Balkan landscapes. Ride through pristine national parks, along dramatic coastlines, and into remote mountain ranges.

Historical Journey: Traverse regions where ancient Roman roads meet Ottoman bridges, and medieval fortresses stand guard over modern cities. Experience the layers of history that make the Balkans uniquely fascinating.

Day by Day:

Day 1, Zagreb, Croatia – arrival day

Your Balkan adventure begins in Zagreb, where you’ll meet the crew and your fellow riders. After checking in, the day is all about getting familiar with your motorcycles and going over important tour details. We’ll be taking care of the paperwork and ensuring everything is ready for the journey ahead. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where you can relax, savor local cuisine, and connect with the group. Tomorrow, the ride begins!

Day 2, Zagreb – Bihać, Bosnia & Herzegovina

We start our adventure leaving capital behind and rolling South. Avoiding main roads, we will immerse ourselves into the rolling hills of central Croatia, rarely inhabited, almost forgotten part of Croatia and then climb the mountain to visit a bikers must go Monument to the Uprising. Explore the mystical forests and partisan trails of Petrova Gora, where medieval ruins whisper stories of the region’s turbulent past. After traditional lunch, we continue towards border to Bosnia & Herzegovina and then follow the Una River canyon that’ll guide us to the gem on the water – City of Bihać, where Ottoman heritage meets natural beauty.

Distance: 250 km / 160 mi

Riding notes: This opening day is designed to help you find your rhythm and adjust to the Balkan riding style and road infrastructure. The route features sweeping curves and light technical sections, it won’t be too demanding nor too long, preparing you for the thrilling days ahead.

Highlights:

‘Easy riders’ morning ride via South
Visit to the memorial monument
Entering exotic Bosnia and Una canyon ride (Una National Park)

Day 3, Bihać – Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Ride along the emerald waters of the Una River, pausing to admire the Ottoman architecture, old bridges and beautiful sceneries. A day of dramatic landscapes and historical significance. Wind through the mountainous heart of Bosnia, experiencing tight switchbacks and panoramic views. The route takes you from mosques to old, historical buildings in famous towns, such as Jajce, featuring a spectacular 20-meter waterfall in the city center. After fulfilled day we’ll arrive to nest of Bosnia, Sarajevo, where East meets West.

Distance: 300 km / 185 mi

Highlights:

Vast areas of intact nature of west Bosnia
Jajce Fortress
Sarajevo’s Baščaršija

Day 4, Sarajevo – Žabljak, Montenegro

After leaving Sarajevo, an old winding road will take us East. Beautiful Drina bridge, standing for lot of local history, is the symbol of town of Višegrad. Leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina will give us chance to conquer the serpentine roads around Montenegro’s Durmitor National Park, where towering peaks and glacial lakes create a dramatic backdrop for your journey. Arrive to Žabljak, Montenegro’s highest town, but also the highest town in whole ex-Yugoslavia territory.

Distance: 270 km / 170 mi

Riding notes: The road to Žabljak is the centerpiece of today’s route, challenging your skills and patience with narrow roads and unlit tunnels dug in the rocks of the mountain. Even though the climb is demanding it is also very rewarding with beautiful canyon vistas and picturesque villages on the way. The Saddle Pass that follows offers a chance to catch your breath.

Highlights:

Višegrad, famous Drina River bridge
Durmitor National Park
Syncing with nature and enjoying the breathtaking mountain panoramas that surround town of Žabljak

Day 5, Žabljak, Montenegro – rest day

Take a break from riding to explore Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site; a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate both you and your motorcycle.

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Žabljak, beautiful alpine town. For the more adventurous, there are endless opportunities to explore the surrounding peaks and valleys. Enjoy the activities such as hiking, walking, zip-lining or off-roading, whatever suits your mood of the day.

As the sun sets, gather with your fellow riders to swap stories, share a few laughs, and taste a traditional Montenegrin dinner experience.

Distance: 0 km / 0 mi

Highlights:

Hiking to Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
Zip-lining over Tara Canyon
Traditional Montenegrin dinner experience
Jeep safari through the national park

Day 6, Žabljak – Ulcinj, Montenegro

Refreshed after our rest day in Žabljak, we set out today on a stunning ride through inland Montenegro all the way to its southernmost point, Ulcinj, where river Bojana creates beautiful delta which kisses the Adriatic Sea. Descend all the way from the highest mountains to the Adriatic coast. Experience Montenegro’s diverse landscape as you ride from the highest town to the southernmost city. The route offers a mix of mountain passes and coastal roads with spectacular sea views.

Distance: 210 km / 130 mi

Highlights:

Ostrog Monastery
Skadar Lake
Old Town Ulcinj

Day 7, Ulcinj – Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Experience the contrast between Montenegro’s coastal roads and Herzegovina’s inland routes. Depart the Adriatic coast through Montenegro’s most dramatic coastal region, the Bay of Kotor – a UNESCO World Heritage site resembling a fjord with medieval towns clinging to steep mountainsides. Navigate the famous serpentine road with 25 hairpin turns ascending from sea level, offering breathtaking views of the triangular bay and historic fortifications. The day culminates at Mostar’s famous Old Bridge. This 16th-century Ottoman bridge, meticulously reconstructed after war damage, represents more than architecture – it’s a testament to Bosnia’s complex history and hope for unity.

Distance: 300 km / 190 mi

Highlights:

Lovćen National Park
Bay of Kotor
Mostar Old Bridge

Day 8, Mostar – Zadar, Croatia

Return to Croatia via a scenic route that combines inland mountains and coastal roads. Experience the dramatic transition from Herzegovina’s rocky landscape to Dalmatia’s Mediterranean atmosphere. Ride through the Dalmatian hinterland, passing traditional stone villages and agricultural landscapes unchanged for centuries. End the day in historic Zadar, known for its unique peninsula and Roman ruins. Don’t miss a chance to experience Sea Organ, an architectural sound installation where sea waves create musical notes through underwater pipes

Distance: 270 km / 165 mi

Highlights:

Crveno and Modro Lakes
Krka National Park
Zadar’s Sea Organ

Day 9, Zadar – Postojna, Slovenia

Ride north along the epic Croatian coastal road before turning inland toward Slovenia. Experience the changing landscape as Mediterranean scenery gives way to Alpine views. Arrive in Postojna, home to one of the world’s most extensive cave systems. The evening offers an optional underground train tour of Postojna Cave, a 24-kilometer network of passages, chambers, and incredible underground formations.

Distance: 300 km / 190 mi

Riding notes: This is a ‘long riding day’ not necessarily defined by total mileage. Coastal road is thrilling with sweepers, twisties and fast sections, but takes its toll on the fatigue side. After lunch break, still a lot of work awaits, so be ready for it!

Highlights:

Epic Coastal Ride
Slovenian Karst Landscapes
Postojna Cave System

Day 10, Postojna – Zgornje jezersko, Slovenia

A riding day focused on Slovenia’s most breathtaking Alpine regions. Morning begins with an optional visit to the adjacent Predjama Castle, a Renaissance castle dramatically built into a mountainside cave. The riding route passes Lake Bled, often considered Slovenia’s most picturesque location. The lake features a tiny island with a baroque church, overlooked by a cliff-top medieval castle. Continue towards Kamnik-Savinja Alps, admiring beautiful alpine glacial valleys surrounded by tremendous mountain peaks. Arrive in Zgornje Jezersko, a remote mountain settlement where traditional pastoral life continues much as it has for centuries.

Distance: 200 km / 125 mi

Highlights:

Soča Valley
Lake Bled
Kamnik-Savinja Alps panoramas

Day 11, Zgornje jezersko – Zagreb, Croatia

Complete your circular journey back to Zagreb through Slovenia’s and Croatia’s picturesque countryside. Logar Valley, a pristine Alpine glacial valley surrounded by peaks of the Alps. The valley is a botanical paradise, home to numerous endemic plant species and traditional Alpine farms. A fitting finale featuring smooth roads and beautiful landscapes showing you minor, but notable differences between West and East as we slide through changing environment.

At last, we’ll arrive in the heart of the Croatian capital, where a warm welcome and well-deserved celebration awaits. To close the great journey in style, together we’ll toast to the memories, roads, thrills and special things we’ll be keeping in our hearts and minds for long time once the tour is behind us.

Distance: 210 km / 130 mi

Highlights:

Logar Valley
Cruising the valley of Savinja River

Day 12, Zagreb – departure day

Now, it’s time to return home, carrying with us the memories, skills, and spirit of adventure that have transformed us throughout this journey. We’ll share one last breakfast together, exchanging contact information and making plans to reconnect in the future – whether it’s for another tour or simply to relive the stories we’ve created.

As you depart for the airport or your onward travels, take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve accomplished. The twists and turns of the open road have tested your skills, the awe-inspiring vistas have stirred your soul, and the friendships you’ve made will endure long after your tires leave the pavement.

Departure transfers can be arranged to Zagreb Airport or other locations upon request.

Included in the price:

Airport transfers upon your arrival and departure (only on arrival and departure days)
An experienced tour leader on a motorcycle
BMW F750 motorcycle or similar, with 3 hard/lockable cases including a Third-party liability insurance
Fuel for your bike during the tour
Support vehicle for your luggage and support necessities, it can accommodate two passengers (for guided tours with a minimum of 6 participants). If less participants, can be supplied for a supplement.
Accommodation during the tour (11 nights) in high-rated (4*) hotels or countryside villas, boutique where available
Breakfasts (11) during the tour
Lunches (9) light lunch during riding days in authentic local restaurants and eateries whenever possible
Dinners (10) (except on rest/departure days) in authentic local restaurants whenever possible
Still and sparkling water at included dinners
Tolls and parking fees
Welcome package