Balkan Grand Tour: 11-Day Motorcycle Trip, 5 Countries

The route: five countries in eleven riding days

The tour starts in Bled, Slovenia. From there the route crosses the Alpine passes down to the Adriatic, follows the coast south to Montenegro, heads inland to Serbia and returns north through Bosnia and Herzegovina. The highlights by country:

• Slovenia: the Vršič Pass with its 50 hairpins, Triglav National Park, the emerald Soča Valley and the Mangart saddle road
• Croatia: the Adriatic Highway (Jadranska Magistrala), the source of the Cetina, the summit road up Sveti Jure on Biokovo, the panorama over Dubrovnik and the Plitvice Lakes
• Montenegro: the 25 switchbacks above the Bay of Kotor, the Lovćen road, Durmitor and the deep Tara Canyon
• Serbia: the Uvac meanders with their griffon vultures, the Zlatibor plateau and Tara National Park
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mostar and its Old Bridge, Lake Rama, Lake Prokoško and the Una Valley
• Željava: a visit to the abandoned underground airbase on the Croatia–Bosnia border

Stages of 330 to 450 km: what the riding is like

Daily stages range from 330 to 450 km – almost always on winding mountain and coastal roads rather than motorways. That makes for a full day in the saddle. The tarmac is very good on most sections, and away from the coast there is surprisingly little traffic.

A few simple habits make the long days enjoyable: set off early, take regular short breaks, drink plenty and fill up whenever your range starts to get tight. Your bike should manage at least 200 km on a tank, because fuel stations in the mountains of Bosnia, Montenegro and Serbia can be far apart. Make sure your tyres have enough tread for 3,500 km and get the bike serviced before you leave.

Who is the Balkan Grand Tour for?

The tour is designed for road and touring riders who love corners and enjoy covering big distances. You don't need any off-road experience – there's no gravel on this tour. If you'd rather ride enduro, the Bosnia Marathon is the better fit. For the Grand Tour you should bring:

• A touring motorcycle, adventure bike, sport tourer or cruiser with at least 200 km of range
• The stamina for stages of 330 to 450 km of twisty roads, several days in a row
• Confident control of your bike in tight hairpins and on climbs – think Vršič or the Kotor switchbacks
• A valid passport, your driving licence and a Green Card

Crossing borders on a motorcycle

Slovenia and Croatia are in the EU and the Schengen Area. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia are outside the EU – there are checks at these borders, and in the busy season you may have to queue. On the Grand Tour you'll cross several of them, so keep your papers within easy reach, for example in an inside jacket pocket:

• Passport and driving licence
• The motorcycle's registration document
• A signed letter of authorisation from the owner if the bike isn't registered in your name
• Green Card: ask your insurer which countries require it and whether your comprehensive cover applies outside the EU
• Travel health insurance that includes repatriation

Hotels, group and organisation

You stay in hand-picked 3- and 4-star hotels along the route, all with breakfast and secure motorcycle parking. You can book a single or double room, and pillion passengers are welcome. In the evenings you get to try the regional cooking of five very different countries.

Your tour guide is Mato, who knows the roads well. The group is deliberately kept small so the pace stays fluid and everyone gets personal support. For more on seasons, currencies and mobile roaming across the five countries, read our guide to planning a Balkan motorcycle trip, and for a taste of Serbia see our article on Tara, Zlatibor and the Uvac Canyon.

Frequently asked questions