Croatia & The Balkans – Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina

BOOK NOW TO RIDE EUROPEAN SUMMER IN 2024

Riding The Balkans is a truly amazing cultural experience from the minute you arrive in Zagreb. We’ll cross the border to Slovenia, ride the Croatian coastline, and witness the beautiful Bosnia Herzegovina countryside. Experience the wonderful people, the historic buildings, the food and so much more! It’s all on offer during this fantastic 14-Day bike ride.

2024 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED | 14 DAY | EASY RIDE | CUSTOMISED GROUPS

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THE BALKANS ITINERARY

PRE-TOUR

Fly into Zagreb. Arrive 25th April or any time prior to tour start. Taxi pickup at airport will transfer you to your accommodation. Enjoy a day of relaxing walks through this beautiful city, the largest in Croatia. Visit 13th century churches and take advantage of many restaurants lining the cobblestone streets.

DAY 1

We ride out of Zagreb and head for the border with Slovenia. Slovenia has been likened to the Switzerland of the Balkans and it’s not hard to see why as we wind our way through rolling green hills and forests. Our destination is a home-style hotel in a beautiful small village surrounded by water. The local pub is next door and Slovenian hospitality, beer and cuisine is a joy.

DAY 2

After a wonderful breakfast we spend some time exploring the village and then it’s time to ride again. This is a great day to take in the local lifestyle as we pass through villages and many more country roads lined with forests. Our destination today is another small village tucked away in the hills overlooking the small coastal city of Koper and our first sight of the Gulf of Venice. Local wine and beer is served with farm style cooking for us to enjoy on the vine covered patio and once again take in the magnificent countryside leading to the coast.

DAY 3

After breakfast we ride down to the coast and into Koper to explore its medieval old town with many Venetian influences. After leaving Koper we ride the coast to Izola and Piran where we lunch in a waterfront restaurant and indulge ourselves in the local mussels which are a specialty. Crossing the border again but this time back into Croatia and head to the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the city of Pula

DAY 4

Rest day Pula. Exploring the city and visiting Pula’s 1st century arena built by the Romans.

DAY 5

Today is one of our longest days as we ride into small coastal towns and traverse high above the Adriatic Sea. This is a day of fantastic mountain to sea scenery. Riding through the busy port town of Rijeka and head to our coastal accommodation for a taste of true Croatian coastal village life. Seafood in a waterside restaurant as the sun goes down is a highlight.

Day 6

This day we ride high into the mountains and experience the magnificent landscapes. We also will be witness to the casualties of the recent war. Abandoned villages and bullet riddled houses are a stark reminder. The lovely coastal town of Starigrad awaits and a cool refreshing swim.

DAY 7

After leaving Starigrad it’s time to explore the small mountain village roads that lead to the wonderful city of Split. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the winding narrow streets along with fantastic bars and restaurants.

DAY 8

Rest day with city exploring.

DAY 9

The coastal road we take from Split is one of the most beautiful rides of the tour with many stops for photo opportunities. We take secondary roads and ride our way through sparsely populated forests and hills to Mostar. Mostar is our stop for the night and of course a walk across one of the world most famous bridges. Mostar was one of the most heavily bombed cities during the Bosnian conflict and still today has many ethnic groups.

DAY 10

After breakfast we head into the mountains and Blidinje Nature Park. We ride around Blidinje Lake and have some light gravel roads to negotiate for a few kilometres but the breathtaking views off this road are awesome. This is a truly memorable ride. After lunch in the picturesque small town of Konjic (one of Bosnia’s most beautiful towns) we ride to Sarajevo.

DAY 11

Rest and city tour of Sarajevo and of course the cable ride to have a panoramic view of this great city.

DAY 12

What a great days riding this will be to the small town of Jajce. Most of our riding today follows the river and it’s a rider’s dream road with lots of easy bends cut away from the sides of hillsides. Lunch is in the lovely town of Travnik where we spend some time visiting the 14th-15th century castle which is a national monument. There are numerous mosques to visit also. An easy ride to Jajce with cold beers waiting will make the perfect days ride.

DAY 13

We cross the border back into Croatia and ride to Jezerce. Here we visit the Plitvice Lakes a UNESCO World Heritage site. We can explore by foot, boat or bus these beautiful lakes.

DAY 14

Ride back to Zagreb where the tour finishes.

INCLUDED

• Taxi pickup from airport;
• Bike BMW F800 GT ABS and fuel;
• Accommodation – twin share basis, single rooms are an extra cost upon request;
• Breakfast and lunch;
• Road tolls, entry to National Parks.

NOT INCLUDED

• First and last night accommodation in Zagreb not included, accommodation pre and post tour can be organised upon request;
• Excursions or sightseeing tours on rest days;
• Dinner and alcohol.