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Detailed itinerary
Beautiful Balkans Adventure
15 days
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| DAY 1: Ljubljana |
Dobrodosli! |
| DAY 2: Ljubljana - Plitvice lakes national park |
| From Ljubljana we head south through wine growing area of Bela Krajina, "White March" of south-eastern Slovenia, which takes its name from the endless stands of birch trees. Riding around here is pure joy. Our destination for today is Plitvice National Park, the most known Croatian national park, which is listed in the UNESCO Register of World Natural Heritage. Sixteen little lakes interconnected with waterfalls created by deposition of travertine, a special kind of limestone, constitute the main attraction of this unique park. We'll spend the afternoon strolling wooden footbridges that follow the lakes and streams over, under and across the rumbling water for an exhilaratingly damp 18km. |
| DAY 3: Plitvice national park - Sarajevo |
| Today we cross into Bosnia and Hercegovina, beautiful country, sandwiched between northern and southern Croatia. It's been 12 years since all the aggression stopped and travellers have long ago returned to that scenic country, especially the gorgeous Sarajevo. And Sarajevo is where we are headed today. We'll also ride past Jajce, medieval walled city of cobbled streets and old houses, which played an important role in the history of ex Yugoslavia. |
| DAY 4: Rest day in Sarajevo |
| Before the war, Sarajevo was the most Oriental city in Europe, retaining the essence of its rich history with its mosques, markets and picturesque old Turkish bazar. The city's riverfront remained largely unchanged since that fateful day in 1914 when Archduke Francis Ferdinand lost his life here. And from 70 years later, when Sarajevo again captured the world's attention by hosting the 1984 Winter Olympic Games, you could visit the arenas of competition. We'll spend the day in and around Sarajevo. |
| DAY 5: Sarajevo - Mostar |
| From Sarajevo we'll ride to Mostar via Sutjeska national park, which is home to the last primeval forest in Europe. A medium-sized city among the vineyards between Sarajevo and Croatia's Dubrovnik, Mostar is the main city of Hercegovina. Founded by the Turks in the 15th century at a strategic river crossing, Kujundziluk, the old quarter once greeted thousands of daily visitors from the coastal resorts who came in search of instant Islamic culture. Mostar's famous Turkish Bridge, which had arched 20m (60ft) above the green waters of the Neretva since 1566, was smashed by Croat artilleryin 1993, and successfully rebuilt in 2004. |
| DAY 6: Mostar - Zabljak |
| From Mostar you can visit Medjugorje, second largest pilgrimage site in the world and than refresh in the waters of massive Kravica waterfalls. Today our direction is again east as we ride towards Montenegro and it's Durmitor national park. Durmitor spreads from mountain massive of Durmitor with canyons of the rivers Tara, Susica and Draga to the canyon valley of the river Komarnica. Giant Durmitor abounds in imposing mountaintops and numerous glacier lakes surrounded by rich evergreen forests. Fast and clear rivers gifted Durmitor with magnificent canyons among them is exceptional the Tara River canyon as one of the most beautiful in the world. Plentiful flora and fauna of Durmitor attracts many nature lovers. |
| DAY 7: Resta day in Zabljak |
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We stay in and around Durmitor national park for a full day with Tara canyon being our main destination. Canyon of the wild and untamed Tara River is one of the largest in the world, second in size only to Colorado River canyon. During centuries this “Tear of Europe” got this art masterpiece of priceless value, creating numerous breathless gorges and river sinks. Waterfalls and calm parts of the River Tara give impression of fairytale scenery. Banks are full with vegetation and special are forests of black pine trees four hundred years old. This restless river challenge visitors of adventurous spirit to let it grow and pass unforgettable moments in rafting its white waters. |
| DAY 8: Zabljak - Petrovac |
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From mountainous Durmitor we now ride south towards the Adriatic coast. On the way we'll ride a part of Tara canyon and have a chance of visiting monastery of Ostrog. This glorious monastery located above the valley is carved in rocks as though keeping centenarian secrets of this shrine. Following scenic road on the shores of Skadar Lake, Balkan's largest lake, we'll reach the coast in the afternoon and have the chance of relaxing on one of many beaches around hotel. |
| DAY 9: Petrovac - Dubrovnik |
| After breakfast we'll follow Adriatic coast further west, visiting peninsula Sveti Stefan on the way, which with it's hotel used to attract a celebrity clientele. We'll ride on twisty mountain roads again and conquer Lovcen Mountain and Njegos mausoleum on top of it. In the afternoon we'll reach Dubrovnik, the city of world-famous cultural heritage and beauty. Dubrovnik is situated in Southern Dalmatia, the most beautiful part of the Adriatic coast. Rich vegetation, beautiful lakes, rare islands, white pebble beaches and the crystal clean sea, all make this region to an unforgettable experience for every visitor. |
| DAY 10: Rest day in Dubrovnik |
| Take a walk on top of Dubrovnik's thick stone walls, watch the street action from a café on Placa, or stroll marble-paved squares and steep cobbled streets. Also very interesting is a full day boat trip to Mljet island, which of all Adriatic islands may be the most seductive. The highlight of the island is a lake with an islet on which there is a Benedictine monastery. If you feel like riding, some great mountain riding is within easy reach. So whether you stay around town for the whole day or you just have dinner in one of excellent restaurants, remember, you are in Dubrovnik! |
| DAY 11: Dubrovnik - Hvar Island |
| In the morning we leave Dubrovnik and ride scenic costal road up north-west. You can stop in Ston, famous for its defensive wall, the longest fortification in Europe, and the best seafood in Croatia. Short ferry will get us to Hvar island, where we'll ride the most twisting road of the whole trip. Called the "Croatian Medeira", Hvar receives a total of 2724 hours of sunshine each year, more than anywhere else in the country. Yet the island is luxuriantly green, with brilliant patches of lavender, rosemary and heather. |
| DAY 12: Rest day on Hvar Island |
| Today is all about relaxing. Explore numerous sandy beaches on the island and swim in the crystal clear sea, do some water sports or take a boat trip to spectacular Blue Grotto - underwater opening in a coastal cave that fills with unearthly blue light every noon. The experience is unforgettable. Also worth exploring is medieval Hvar town with its marble streets and beautifully ornamented buildings, mostly built under Venetian rule. Restaurants and taverns in the town of Hvar offer excellent fish specialities, with exquisite local wines. |
| DAY 13: Hvar Island - Pag Island |
| After late breakfast we go for a ferry ride. Passing scenic islands of Brac and Solta we'll get to Split, famous for its Diocletian's Palace. On the way further up north you can stop in historical towns of Trogir, Primosten or Sibenik. Finally we reach Pag island by the big bridge. A barren, rocky island with no trees, little vegetation, no rivers or streams, Pag nonetheless has a stark, ethereal beauty enhanced by a highly original culture. The sharp-flavoured cheese and intricate lace from Pag is renowned throughout Croatia. |
| DAY 14: Pag Island - Ljubljana |
| Our seaside roller coaster ride continues along a narrow strip of land bound by imposing mountains and rugged coastline. The scenery here is truly remarkable when you have the Adriatic Sea on one hand and the steep hillsides of Velebit mountain range on the other. Winding through pristine forests of Lika we'll ride back to Slovenia, visit a couple of picturesque castles on the way, and reach Ljubljana in the afternoon. There you will spend your last night to muse and remember all that you've witnessed on the adventure. |
| DAY 15: Ljubljana, flight home |
| In the morning you can stroll the old part of the city, including
the colourful food market. The quaint, narrow streets along the
right bank of the Ljubljanica River, with its medieval bridges,
are reminiscent of Prague - without the crowds. Depending on the time of the flight back home, you may have time to climb up the staircase to 16th century fortification of Ljubljana Castle that dominates the town before heading out to the airport. |