Adriatic Dreamin': My Unforgettable Balkan Motorcycle Tour!

There are some trips that just get under your skin, and my recent Adriatic Riviera Motorcycle Tour was definitely one of them. As someone who loves bikes more than cars, the chance to ride the gorgeous, winding coast of the Adriatic Sea through the stunning Balkan countries was a dream come true – again! This was an incredibly well-organized experience, from the fantastic team leader and support staff to the supportive and experienced fellow riders.

9/8/20257 min read

Day 1: Ljubljana - A Slovenian Welcome

After arriving in Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia, I settled into my hotel, eager for the adventure to begin. We had a great tour briefing and a short introductory ride to get accustomed to our bikes. It was a perfect way to ease into the journey and get to know the team before a special welcome dinner. Slovenia's countryside is truly lovely, and even that first day gave us a taste of the beauty to come.

Day 2: Into the Slovenian Countryside

I’ve always loved bikes more than cars, so riding along the Adriatic coast in the Balkan countries felt like a dream come true once again. The entire experience was well-organized, with a great team leader, excellent support staff, and fellow riders who were not only highly experienced but also incredibly supportive. We started the day with a friendly introduction session and then rode out into the beautiful Slovenian countryside—an amazing start to the journey.

Day 3: Through the White March to Plitvice's Wonders

From Ljubljana, we headed south through the picturesque wine-growing region of Bela Krajina, or "White March," in southeastern Slovenia. This area, named for its endless birch trees, offered pure joy for riding. Our destination was the breathtaking Plitvice National Park in Croatia, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

The sixteen interconnected lakes and countless waterfalls, formed by travertine deposits, are truly magnificent. We spent the afternoon strolling along wooden footbridges, completely immersed in the exhilaratingly damp, rumbling beauty of the park. What a fantastic start to our Croatian leg!

Day 4: Historical Echoes and Mostar's Iconic Bridge

Our journey southeast continued as we rode past the historical town of Knin and on to Imotski, famous for its phenomenal Blue and Red Lakes. The roads were incredible, taking us through the heart of Croatia. We even passed an old Yugoslavian airstrip – a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.

In the afternoon, we reached Mostar, a city founded by the Turks in the 15th century. Its most famous landmark, the Old Bridge, is a truly iconic World Heritage site. Before dinner, we strolled through the Old Ottoman quarter, soaking in the atmosphere and meeting local artists and craftsmen. The blend of history and vibrant culture was captivating.

Day 5: Mountains, Tunnels, and the Jewel of Dubrovnik

Today was a rider's paradise! From Plitvice to Mostar in Herzegovina, the journey was a symphony of mountains, tunnels, and winding roads. What a lovely journey through such dramatic landscapes – truly a bike rider's dream!

We then turned east towards the beautifully preserved walled city of Dubrovnik. The typical Bosnian landscape offered a nice stop for lunch to taste some popular local dishes before we continued our ride to the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Dubrovnik, with its rich vegetation, beautiful lakes, rare islands, white pebble beaches, and crystal-clear sea, is truly an unforgettable experience.

Day 6: Dubrovnik - A Day of Exploration

Dubrovnik lived up to all its hype! We spent a rest day exploring this incredible city. A walk along the thick stone walls provided stunning views, and watching the street action from a café on Placa was wonderfully relaxing. The marble-paved squares and steep cobbled streets of the Old Town were a joy to wander through.

The old town and port are even more beautiful at night. We even visited some of the famous Game of Thrones shooting spots and took a trip to the lovely Lokrum Island. It was a perfect day to soak in Croatian cuisine and culture.

Coastal Roads to Sunny Hvar Island

Leaving Dubrovnik, we rode the stunning scenic coastal road northwest. We passed through Mali Ston, famous for its incredible defensive wall and some of the best seafood in Croatia – a definite highlight! A short ferry ride took us to Hvar Island, where we tackled some of the twistiest roads of the entire trip.

Dubbed the "Croatian Madeira," Hvar is luxuriantly green with brilliant patches of lavender, rosemary, and heather, enjoying more sunshine than anywhere else in the country. Hvar town, with its marble streets and Venetian-influenced buildings, offered excellent fish specialties and exquisite local wines. Truly a "wow" day!

Day 7: Island Hopping to Zadar and a Solo Journey Back

After a delicious breakfast, we enjoyed another ferry ride, passing the scenic islands of Brac and Solta, before reaching Split, famous for Diocletian's Palace. Continuing north, we had the option to stop in historical towns like Trogir, Primosten, or Sibenik before finally arriving in the ancient city of Zadar, a preserved monument of various historical times and cultures.

This day also marked my personal challenge: the journey from Hvar Island back to Ljubljana, Slovenia. I decided to do the last day on my own. I loaded up the tank, confidently navigated border crossings, and completed the 390 km journey back to Slovenia. This solo ride taught me so much about riding in Europe – the road rules, pacing, signs, timing, rest, and overtaking. I feel so much better and more well-versed than before!