Balkans Unpaved Tour

 

Embark on a guided motorcycle off-road adventure from Pula to Split and uncover the hidden treasures of Croatia. Brace yourself for a transformative journey as you traverse diverse terrains, experience breath-taking landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Croatian culture. We will start of in Pula, steeped in ancient history, and ride through the rugged beauty of the Istrian Peninsula. Wind through enchanting hilltop villages and vineyards, relishing awe-inspiring
vistas. Further down the trip we will captivate your senses along the Croatian Coastline, with cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes. Explore nature‘s grandeur and find tranquillity in this natural masterpiece. Discover the mix of Roman ruins and medieval charm in the countless towns we´ll pass through. Marvel at Šibenik‘s UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, a testament to rich heritage. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and savor Mediterranean flavors. Conclude your expedition in Split, wandering the timeless beauty of Diocletian‘s Palace. Stroll along the waterfront, savoring street performances and waterfront cafes. This guided motorcycle off-road tour through Croatia is an adventures experience that uncovers raw beauty, rich history, delectable cuisine, and lifelong connections. Embark on this thrilling journey from Pula to Split and let Croatia‘s enchantment awaken your spirit of exploration.

The tour has been designed for solo riders. However, a skilled rider-passenger team can do the tour with two-up as well.

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DAY 1.  Welcome to Croatia!

Upon arrival in Pula, meet at the designated hotel for check-in. Spend your free time relaxing or exploring the City before our safety briefing.

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DAY 2.  Pula - Opatija

The official starting point of the ACT (Adventure Country Tracks) as well as our tour is at the famous Cape Kamenjak, the southernmost tip of the peninsula known as Istria. It is protected as a landscape reserve due to its exceptional variety of plants and offers endless trails for hikers and bikers and secluded bays and beaches for swimmers and lazybones. We try to get there as early as possible because the day ahead is long.

Throughout the day, the route to the Ucka Nature Park offers spectacular views of the hinterland, the coastline, and the sea. In the second half of the day, winding gravel roads will go hand in hand with curvy tarmac bits and ever-changing elevation. Although some gravel paths are a bit washed out, the first day doesn’t pose too much of a technical challenge.

Apart from the riding pleasure and all the beautiful scenery, our highlights also include the ultra-picturesque hilltop town of Motovun and our destination, Opatija, a gem of a city where the long-gone Dual Monarchy still seems to be alive and well.

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DAY 3.  Opatija - Gospić (Smiljan)

On the second day, we leave the coast, even if we don't initially venture very far from it. Crossing Rijeka means increased traffic, but shortly afterward, we head up into the rugged mountain world, which is practically uninhabited despite its proximity to the coast. After the first ascent, the sight of the destroyed bunkers starkly contrasts the magnificent panorama. Even though the war in the former Yugoslavia was 30 years ago, the ruins and warning signs are a constant reminder of those terrible times.
In the afternoon, we journey deeper into the hinterland, where the peaks of the northern Velebit massif reach considerable heights. Here we often ride through dense forests, and towards the end of the day through a surreal lunar landscape.
To spend the night, we take a well-maintained asphalt road to Gospić, the small, cosy regional capital.

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DAY 4.  Gospić (Smiljan) - Šibenik

Today we are heading into the Wild West. At least some of you will recognize the landscape we cross from the famous (at least in German-speaking countries) Winnetou films.
First we drive along the northern edge of the Velebit massif and then cross it on the Mali Alan Pass, where there is surprisingly heavy traffic despite the challenging, often deeply gravelled road. Shortly after the pass, we visit a
Winnetou memorial and then have to decide whether to take the demanding but beautiful track over to Rovanjska or the shortcut down to Obrovac. In both cases, we then reach a deep gorge with a refreshingly cool river in it. Depending on the route we choose, we can spend more or less time here.
The afternoon is then less strenuous, we cycle more on asphalt and finally reach the beautiful town of Šibenik with its winding little alleyways. You don't want to arrive here too late

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DAY 5. Šibenik - Split

Despite their size (600 km long) and elevation (up to 2600 m), the Dinaric Alps are largely unknown, but they feature beautiful and often challenging trails.
We start our day by riding through Krka National Park, a true highlight of this region, and look at the beautiful river from up close and high up. Past the small town of Knin, the tiny gravel we're on follows the Krka River closely and eventually reaches the Peruća Reservoir, also a filming site for Winnetou movies.
Then, a demanding gravel trail takes us high up to almost 1300 m and very close to the Bosnian border. Don't get lost here; crossing the border illegally could have severe consequences.
Upon returning to civilization, we head towards the city of Sinj and from there follow the main road down to the ancient metropolis of Split.

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DAY 6.  Split - Makarska

We head to the ferry port early in the morning, as we want to get to the island of Hvar as quickly as possible. The journey takes about an hour, then the ferry drops us off at the port of Stari Grad.
Despite its relatively compact size, the island offers a rich variety of landscapes, including lush vineyards, olive groves, pine forests, and a picturesque coastline.
On this route, you will see it all. The sudden vistas that open up along the way will often invite you to stop, and if
you're looking for a higher perspective, don't miss the climb to Fort Napoleon, which overlooks the coastline and the old port of Hvar town. The entire island is crisscrossed by dry stone walls and the scent of lavender fills the air.
The gravel here is more predictable and hard-packed than the days before, so you'll be able to share some of your attention and enjoy the scenery around you.
The original ACT ends at the lighthouse on the easternmost tip of Hvar Island. We first take a picture and then a short ferry back to the mainland to find our hotel in Makarska.

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DAY 7: Makarska - Split

This riding day takes us up to the summit of Sveti Jure in the morning, which is (unfortunately) not accessible by a challenging gravel road but only by a winding toll road, but the view from the road and the summit more than makes up for it.
Generally speaking, this day is more about relaxing and enjoying the scenery rather than trying to challenge yourself on difficult trails.
We then ride along the coast and through the wild and romantic Cetina Gorge before the traffic starts to get heavier and heavier and the city of Split slowly but surely swallows us up.

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DAY 8.  Airport transfer and check-out

After breakfast, transfer to Split airport. Goodbye, and safe travels home!

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 6

If the minimum number of participants isn’t reached, the tour may be cancelled or run with a different format.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED:​

• All overnight stays (comfortable middle-class hotels) during entire tour

• Breakfast every day

• 7 dinners

• Motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage

• Third party liability insurance for motorcycles

• Comprehensive vehicle insurance for motorcycles with deductible according to the booked motorcycle model

• Tour information package including safety tips, details about hotels, route and sights, in English or German

• English and german speaking tour guide on motorcycle

• Support van for luggage transportation (1 piece per person) and space for passengers (limited) on entire tour

• Edelweiss riding tips

 

IS NOT INCLUDED:

• All services not mentioned as included and all items of a personal nature

 

TERMS OF PAYMENT:

• With the registration, at the earliest, however, eleven months before the agreed end of the tour a down payment of EUR 500.00 shall be made.

• The remaining payment shall be paid without any further request 42 days before the journey starts concurrently against delivery of the travel documents.

• In case of procured journeys, the payment conditions of the respective organiser or, respectively, service provider shall apply.

• We expressly reserves the right to cancel the booking for the traveller at his/her own expense if payment deadlines are not complied with.​

CANCELLATION POLICY:
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following compensation lump sums shall be laid down:

• until 60 days before the beginning of the journey EUR 200,00

• until 42 days before the beginning of the journey EUR 350,00

• until 31 days before the beginning of the journey 30 %

• from 30 days before the beginning of the journey 100 %

• No-show 100 % from the respective travel price. It is recommended taking out a travel cancellation insurance.

• A one-time rebooking at the latest 60 days before the start of the tour shall be possible free of charge.

• After having realized a rebooking, the cancellation charge amounts to at least EUR 350,00 per person.