THE GRAND BALKANS

Plitvice to Sarajevo

Ride to Metropolitan city of Sarajevo – Riding wise, not a demanding day. Long, but touring style. A lot of open roads, vast barren spaces, post war abandoned towns and first glimpses into Turkish (Ottoman) influence. Border crossing is just 15 kms out of Plitvice Park, so have papers ready. From there on, we’ll enjoy the serenity of BiH. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a showcase of beautiful mountains and rivers and the scenery most certainly does not disappoint. Our destination is capital Sarajevo, a metropolitan city, which is a hub between the East and the West, Europe and Asia. Meeting point of trades and diplomacy for 500 years. And it shows. We spend two nights here for a good reason!

Sarajevo – Exploration Day 

In the morning a local guide will pick us up and take us on a 4 hour guided tour of the city. A melting pot of religions, cultures and history, Sarajevo will show us how it was during these historic times, but most importantly, the recent Balkan war that the city endured. We will finish in Turkish old town with many options to explore further on in your free afternoon.

Sarajevo to Durmitor NP

Today we say goodbye to Sarajevo and make our way towards Montenegro. Another ex-Yugoslavian country, mainly known for majestic mountains and canyons, pristine nature with little development and a jaw-dropping coastline where tourism is bustling recently. As we ride out of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the nice winding canyon of the Bistrica river shows us the way to Foča. Border is next. Amazing canyon of Pliva takes us to a starting point from where we start climbing up Durmitor Mountains. Huge treasure of Montenegro, the National park of Durmitor offers a truly rugged and magical experience. Time stands still here. Over 40 peaks at 2000m, amazing erosion sculptures and breathtaking views. Besides Žabljak, and a few key tourist points, you will only notice shepherds and their dogs guarding the sheep. Old traditions still live around here, life is quiet, slow and peaceful. We’re here to see countless stars visible at night, quiet our mind and disconnect from the ever growing tempo of our lives.

Durmitor NP to Dubrovnik

Descend to the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Change of scenery. First, we’re riding two major canyons. River Tara carved the biggest one. Superb ride. We pass Podgorica, capital city of Montenegro and stop at Skadar, a huge lake bordering Albania. Multiple options to continue, weather permitting, we will turn up to Cetinje and climb Mount Lovčen. Small windy roads zig-zags up to 1800 meters, where 500 stairs lead to King Njegoš mausoleum. Spectacular sight. On the other side lies Kotor, another UNESCO walled up city, with lots of history and surrounded by a huge bay. Summer vibe here is full on. After Kotor we reach for the border and soon get off the main road to visit the enchanting Dubrovnik.

Day 7: Dubrovnik – Exploration Day

Relax! Guided 1 hour tour will be held in the old town in the morning, very recommended. Today our main goal is to enjoy the vibe of Dubrovnik. You will have many options to choose from, even riding for those relentless :) Grab a taxi boat to near islands, park yourself on the beach and enjoy the sun, walk the tiny streets of the old town, take a gondola above the city for a splendid view or just relax in the hotel and head to town for dinner in the evening, when everything lights up and comes to life. Dubrovnik truly is romantic and mundane, today a global tourist attraction. Recently even more due to filming of Game of thrones (King’s Landing) and Star Wars. Dubrovnik holds an unprecedented history and is under UNESCO.

Dubrovnik to Hvar Island

We start riding a coastal road called “Magistrala”, a true gem for riders. We’ll follow the coast towards the ferry for the Island of Hvar, but first we need to stop at Ston, a small town at the foot of Peljašac peninsula. This is where the “Chinese wall of Europe” was built in 14 th century and is worth having a quick stop. After Ston we cross the newly built bridge, connecting Croatia as a whole, bypassing 14 kms of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s an eye soaring construction. Ferry is a short ride on the island; it is beautiful. Lavender fields, vineyards, stone walls and quaint villages follow the ride up north, to the city of Hvar, where nightlife rarely sleeps, huge yachts searching for a free dock and taxi boats bringing sun seeking guests around the island.

Hvar Island to Zadar

The real fun starts now, entering the road Magistrala, the coastal gem for riders in Europe. We’ll follow the road to Zadar, another coastal town that has been getting recognition in recent years. But first, we stop at Ston, a small town at the foot of the Peljašac peninsula. This is where the “Chinese Wall of Europe” lies, as they call it, and it is worth having a quick stop. After Ston, we cross the newly built bridge, connecting Croatia as a whole. The construction connecting the Pelješac peninsula to the coast is huge. We pass Split, the second biggest city in Croatia, continuing the scenic ride up north. We’ll spend the night in Zadar with one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Zadar to Zagreb

Wrap up your Croatian memories and make space for just a little more. On our final day, we bid farewell to the coast — but not before riding one of the most spectacular stretches of the Magistrala road. Sweeping curves and endless Adriatic views carry us all the way to Senj, a final love letter to the sea. Don’t worry about the distractions — we’ll stop often to soak it in and capture the moments.

From Senj, the road climbs into the Velebit mountains, carving through dramatic gorges high above the coastline before turning inland. We then connect to the main route towards Zagreb, cruising the highway at an easy, comfortable pace for a safe and relaxed return to our hotel.

As evening falls, the journey comes full circle at our final farewell dinner — a celebration of the roads ridden, memories made, and friendships forged along the way.

Depart from Zagreb

It’s time to bid adieu to the Balkans as our epic journey comes to an end. Depart from Zagreb, taking with you memories of picturesque landscapes, captivating cities, and the exhilaration of riding through this stunning region. Until we meet again on the next great adventure! Safe travels!