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Croatia Bosnia and Slovenia self guided motorcycle holiday

Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour. A journey along the Adriatic Coast to the lands where West meets East.

Our Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour is a ‘don’t miss’ opportunity to visit Eastern Europe’s heart. It is always a popular holiday choice.

Perhaps we might come across as a bit biased because we come from this part of the world. During our years of touring, we have ridden through many beautiful countries. However, very few other places offer such a blend of natural beauty as well as cultural diversity as the Balkans.

This self guided motorcycle holiday might feel like reading a good book. As you turn the pages, as the riding days pass, the tour gets better and better.

The Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour starts with a comfortable introduction ride across Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. These three countries are similar in terms of welcoming hospitality and fantastic biking roads. However, they all offer a remarkable variety of culture, food as well as history. This chapter is all about eye-pleasing landscapes, far-reaching views, and relaxing riding.

The following chapter is where the story of your Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour begins to pick up the pace. As you approach the Alps’ fringes, the roads will become less straight and riding more involved. Your journey will take you via Innsbruck in Austria to Ljubljana in Slovenia during the next several days. Finally, an exhilarating ride over several stunning mountain passes will nicely spice up this part of the trip.

Just as you might start thinking, how can the rest of this self guided motorcycle holiday get better than this? It will. Now you’ll enter Eastern Europe proper.

Slovenia may be one of the smallest countries in Europe, but it is definitely a constant source of surprise. This stunning Alpine country is also considered one of the most beautiful places to relax, enjoy pristine nature and ride your motorcycle. For generations, the Slovenians proudly safeguarded their customs, traditions and history. This is reflected in delicious cuisine, friendly atmosphere and welcoming people. During your stay in Slovenia, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Ljubljana, the capital city.

Various migrations, invading forces, and empires influenced Croatia and Bosnia throughout their history.

In Croatia, around Pula, Rovinj, and Porec, it is very much Roman, Celtic, and Venetian. However, it also has a definite Tuscan tinge to it. While around Zadar, Split, as well as Dubrovnik, has a strong Roman and Slavonic heritage. However, what connects these three fantastic regions for us is the spectacular Adriatic coast road.

On the other hand, despite being just next door, Bosnia has been moulded by both the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires. It is evident in its buildings, religion, food as well as customs. More often than not, you’ll come across a mosque next to the Christian church.

Bosnia might be a new destination on the motorcycle touring scene. But in terms of what it offers to the culture-hungry visitors, it is on par with its neighbours. So often the perception of the Balkans is seen as raw, rustic, and even a bit secretive. However, at the same time, it is charming, beautiful, and above all, most welcoming towards motorcyclists.

The Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour includes big names such as Dubrovnik, Mostar, and Porec, as well as Plitvice National Park. It also contains sidekicks like the Grossglockner, Innsbruck, Ljubljana, and Zadar, as well as Bihac, Pula, and Rovinj.

If you could grade a tour as ‘good,’ ‘very good,’ and ‘fantastic.’ Then, on that scale, this self-guided motorcycle holiday would score as ‘magnificent.’ So when you close the book and reflect on the past two weeks, you’ll realize what a great journey it has been.

Please spend some time reading the day-by-day itinerary about the Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour / self guided motorcycle holiday. You will find out more details about the destinations and understand the vastness of this journey.

PLEASE NOTE: On rare occasions, the itinerary might slightly change depending on hotel availability.

For an alternative to the Bosnia, Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour, please use this link: Grand Europe self guided motorcycle holiday.

If you require a motorcycle rental for the Bosnia, Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour / self guided motorcycle holiday, please get in touch with our partner, RoadTrip.

Please visit our Facebook page for up-to-date information regarding Bosnia, Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour / self guided motorcycle holiday.

PLEASE NOTE: before booking this tour please make sure that your roadside recovery policy covers you for Bosnia.

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Tour highlights:

3*** and 4**** hotels with leisure facilities
Ljubljana the greenest city
Plitvice National Park
Adriatic coastal road
Historic town of Dubrovnik
Medieval citadel town of Rovinj
Charming medieval town of Porec
Pula amphitheatre
Historic town of Bihac
Old bridge in Mostar

When to go:

May to September - during June, July and August, a high-season supplement is applicable

Countries:

Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Luxembourg, France, Austria

Motorcycle rental:

Not available

Day by day tour itinerary

Day 1 – Folkestone to Luxembourg (Approx. 250 miles)

The main aim of the first three days of Bosnia, Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour / self guided motorcycle holiday is to provide you with a speedy transit to Eastern Europe. However, it certainly does not mean that you’ll have to spend three days riding only on the motorways. So let’s try to make it more attractive and see how we get on.

Starting with an earlyish morning crossing from the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, you’ll arrive at Calais. The first part of the ride will be on motorways. It is the quickest way to get to nicer roads and get the real flavour of your holiday. As you enter Belgium, you’ll begin to ride some fabulous country roads towards Luxembourg.

Your onward journey will take you to Bastogne in the Ardennes region. It is a small town with a big tank parked in the centre square. This small provincial town also played a significant role in WW2. If you had a chance to watch the TV series ‘Band of Brothers’, then it’ll click, and you’ll remember it. If you have time, take a break here to stretch your legs and have a look around.

Your comfortable hotel in Vianden is just up the road on the other side of the border. It has a fantastic beer garden with stunning views of the castle.

"Luxembourg cuisine is a fusion of French and German"

Day 2 – Luxembourg to Munster (France) (Approx. 230 miles)

Today’s mileage will allow you to stay mainly on the back-roads and faster N routes. However, to bypass some bigger towns like Trier and Saarbrücken, it’ll be easier to use motorways. The first part of the ride will take you over the border into Germany.

The early several hours, up to Trier, is all about meandering through the beautiful German countryside. After Trier, there is still another good few hours of zig-zagging through the pleasant rolling scenery to come. As you start seeing the signs for Zweibrücken (Two Bridges), it’ll be a good time to hop on a motorway and head towards France.

En-route you can stop at Bitche in the Moselle region. It has an impressive citadel worth visiting, and it is also an excellent place to have lunch. You’ll round up your ride with a little warm-up climb over the first mountain pass on this tour. Col de la Schlucht in the Vosges Mountains is a beautiful pass that provides a beautiful end to a beautiful ride.

Your hotel in Munster will welcome you with a comfortable room and a gourmet evening meal.

"The French consume around 30,000 tonnes of snails a year"

Day 3 – Munster to Innsbruck (Austria) (Approx. 290 miles)

Today is one of the longer days on this fantsatic Bosnia, Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour / self guided motorcycle holiday. But again, it does not mean it has to be a monotonous motorway ride. There are several options you can choose from.

The fastest route would be to head towards Basel and Liechtenstein and enter Austria that way. You can also cross straight from Switzerland into Austria. However, both of these routes will require you to buy a vignette for Switzerland.

The second option would be to stay on the German side and follow the shores of Bodensee and then pick up a motorway to Innsbruck.

And finally, the third and most popular option would be to have a bit of a ‘double-decker sandwich’ type of ride. Have an early breakfast and aim towards the Black Forest in Germany. Then do a bit of a motorway until you get to Bodensee. After the lake, hop on a motorway again and cross into Austria. Continue and head for the ski resorts of Warth, Lech and Zürs and the Arlberg mountain pass. Any of these places is convenient to stop for a break and take some lovely Alpine photos.

On our guided tours, we usually stop at the Jägeralpe hotel just before Warth. It serves the best strudel and has the best terrace overlooking the surrounding ski slopes. After the pass, it will be a straight motorway ‘home run’ to your hotel in Innsbruck. We would highly recommend this option.

"The most popular attraction in Innsbruck is "building with a golden roof" (Goldenes Dachl). Emperor Maximilian built it in the year 1500"

Day 4 – Innsbruck to Ljubljana (Slovenia) (Approx. 250 miles)

This day is the third and the last day of your ‘transit ride’ of the Bosnia, Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour / self guided motorcycle holiday. And what a ride it promises to be.

Your first destination today will be a ride over the enjoyable yet not demanding Gerlos pass and stop to see the highest waterfalls in Europe at Krimml. Look out for a Fiat 500 painted in Italian flag colours parked on the roof of a restaurant. The restaurant has a great menu and easy motorcycle parking access.

From here, your journey continues towards the Großglockner – High Alpine Road. It is one of the most famous passes in the Alps and weather permitting. Please make sure you do not bypass it. You will also ride through some renowned ski resorts such as Mittersill, Kaprun and Sankt Johan im Pongau.

A ride over a short, steep and bumpy Wurtzen pass will mark your passage to Slovenia. If you still have some spare time on your hands, before arriving at Ljubljana, you can pop to Bled to see the famous church in the middle of the lake.

"There are 46 different dialects in Slovenia"

Day 5 – Free day

This is your first day off on the Bosnia, Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour / self guided motorcycle holiday, so you are free to do whatever you wish. As this is a motorcycle touring holiday at first, this suggestion might not make much sense. But by opting to go for a ride, you actually might lose out.

Ljubljana is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in Europe. Its image has been marked by different periods of history. And it is most evident through its tourist attractions. Standing on a hill above the city is Ljubljana Castle. It is an excellent start for your city tour.

Prešernov Square is the heart of the historic city centre. From there, you can venture to the famous Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, City Museum and baroque city cathedral of St Nicholas.

If you are more interested in people-watching, then you can find a table at one of the many pavement cafes or even visit the central market.

PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to spend more time at another destination, this free day can be moved accordingly.

"It is said that the wheel was invented in Slovenia"

Day 6 – Ljubljana to Bihac (Bosnia & Hercegovina) (Approx. 140 miles)

Today is when your Eastern European part of the Bosnia, Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour / self guided motorcycle holiday truly begins. From Ljubljana, you will head south through the vineyards, fields and forests of Slovenia towards Croatia.

Your first destination on this day is the stunning Plitvice National Park. It is set in thick lush woodland featuring numerous lakes that are connected by hundreds of fast-flowing streams and noisy waterfalls. Allow some time and spend it strolling along the wooden bridges and pathways that follow and criss-cross countless lakes and streams.

The national park is the World Heritage site and one of the top tourist attractions in Croatia. It is certainly worth visiting. From here, within a short ride, you’ll cross the Bosnian border and arrive at your hotel in Bihac.

Enjoy your walk around the Plitvice National Park. But make sure that you do not get pushed into the lake by a pensioner. Desperate for a toilet or something even more urgent…cup of tea.

"Sarajevo's Sahat Kula, or old clock tower, is thought to be the only public clock in the world which keeps lunar time"

Day 7 – Bihac to Mostar (Approx. 200 miles)

Today you’ll continue Bosnia, Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour / self guided motorcycle holiday and journey deeper into the Balkans. One of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most alluring aspects is when it comes to food, not much of it comes from the supermarkets. Along your route, many roadside cafes and restaurants are offering an array of traditional dishes. We have a rather long list of personal favourites and recommendations. And it goes something like this:

– Ćevapi (Bosnian kebab)

– Somun (a type of Bosnian flatbread resembling pita bread)

– Begova Čorba (slow-cooked chicken mixed with vegetables)

– Burek (pastry with minced meat, spinach, cheese or potato fillings)

– Grah Čorba (Bosnian bean soup)

– Bosanski Lonac (delicious stew-based dish)

– Baklava (sweet dessert filled with nuts and honey)

– Kava (Bosnian coffee)

Your route will also take you through the town of Jajce (Small Egg in English). This beautiful town nests at a junction where the river Pliva meets the river Vrbas. The city is also the place where you’ll find the only waterfall in the world located in the city centre. Your final destination on this fantastic day is the historic city of Mostar. It is long known for its old Turkish houses and Old Bridge (Stari Most in Bosnian).

The town’s name, Mostar, also means a bridge. If you are fortunate enough to see any cliff divers jumping off the bridge, please be generous with tips.

They work very hard to provide this spectacular but extremely dangerous entertainment to visitors.

"The town of Mostar, in the south of Bosnia, is home to a 1.68-meter tall statue of... Bruce Lee"

Day 8 – Mostar to Dubrovnik (Croatia) (Approx. 120 miles)

Most of today’s route is classified as a motorway. Well, if this is a motorway, then we’ll take it any day.

As you depart from the hotel in Mostar, your route will take you through an area of rough and rugged but outstanding beauty. As you wind your way through the hills and mountains, you’ll pass one of the largest man-made lakes in the Balkans. Alongside its natural beauty, the real treasure of the Bileća Lake lies hidden below its shimmering surface. Underwater, it hides the ancient secrets of entire villages that have been submerged to create the lake.

Even if it is not a huge mileage day, it would still be worth having an early breakfast and covering some distance before the heat builds up. It would also be worth arriving early at your next hotel just outside Dubrovnik.

It is situated in a beautiful sheltered bay surrounded by fragrant Leander and conifer trees. Here you can explore the old town’s narrow streets and get a first feel of the magical Adriatic.

"Dubrovnik, being an independent state, was the first country to recognize the United States as a sovereign state when it declared independence from the British"

Day 9 – Free day

This day is your free day so spend it any way you fancy. But most people take a taxi boat to Dubrovnik for a morning stroll around the Old Town to explore the narrow streets before the heat builds up.

Some of the main tourist attractions are the Old City Walls, Stradun, Cathedral and Treasury, the City Gates and Loggia Square. Lately, the Game of Thrones walking tour of Dubrovnik is one of the most popular things to do here. It takes in many of the key locations used in the filming of the show.

Then when they had enough, they retire to the beach or the pool and return to the town again in the evening. There are many restaurants, bars and shops to keep you entertained.

"According to the legend Richard the Lionheart returning from the third Crusade in 1192 shipwrecked just down the coast from Dubrovnik. The locals kindly pulled him out of the sea, fed and watered him, made him build a new cathedral to say "thank you" and sent him home"

Day 10 – Dubrovnik to Zadar (Approx. 230 miles)

Today just sit back and enjoy the ride. It is a longish day, but please don’t see it as a chore! Just ride and marvel at the unforgettable landscapes you’re about to pass through.

From Dubrovnik, you will ride along the fantastic Dalmatian coast to the beautiful coastal resort near Zadar. The Dalmatian coast is perhaps still one of the best-preserved coastal regions of Europe.

It is full of history, and you will see the Roman ruins, Venetian towns, traditional fishing villages, azure Riviera vistas and hundreds of islands dotted along the coast. So take your time and savour this journey.

"English poet Lord Byron was the first that described Dubrovnik as the
pearl of the Adriatic"

Day 11 – Zadar to Porec (Approx. 200 miles)

Today is one of the best riding days of Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia self-guided motorcycle tour. The roller-coaster ride includes the second half of the stunning coastal road. This exhilarating road hugs the coast most of the way to the historic town of Porec on the other side of the Istrian Peninsula.

Beautiful landscapes and a breathtaking coastal panorama as far as the eye can see will follow you during the entire ride. You will pass through picturesque seaside towns and authentic fishing villages with many restaurants and cafés dotted along the seafront. You’ll even get to see the massive Velebit mountain range right next to the road.

Senj is a convenient town to stop to stretch your legs and have lunch. However, if you fancy making more frequent breaks, there are many other places worth exploring. Watch out for the restaurant “Jure”. This restaurant is one of our regular stops situated in a beautiful little cove about 40 miles from Sibenik.

In the old days, Baba (grandma in Croatian) used to make pancakes to die for. Unfortunately, Baba is no longer with us (God bless her soul… and her frying pan), but fortunately, the pancakes are still delicious!!!

"Croatian money is named Kuna (ferret) because trappers used to trade their furs"

Day 12 – Free day

An excellent way to make the most of your free day is to take a morning ride and visit the Roman amphitheatre in Pula, Citadel in Rovinj and Hum, the smallest town in Croatia.

Most people probably have never heard about it, but Istria is the home to one of the world’s smallest cities. Hum is only 10 metres long and 30 metres wide. Only seventeen people live there, and yet it has its city major, post office, church and tavern with million-dollar views.

On the other hand, if you prefer to park your bike (there is nothing wrong with that), Porec has everything to keep you entertained for a day. The old town has many excellent restaurants, eateries and shops. The jewellery shops appear to be particularly popular. On guided tours, we usually have a mid-day meal at the Marconi Restaurant and Pizzeria. It is located at the Basilica courtyard and has a traditional menu, enticing setting and pleasant atmosphere.

If you prefer to spend a day on a beach, then the Blue and Green Laguna are good options.

"Croatian Slavoljub Penkala invented a mechanical pencil, called the Penkala in 1906. Today we call it "pen." "

Day 13 – Porec to Innsbruck (Approx. 300 miles)

Today you’ll begin your ‘transit ride’ of the return leg of this fantastic Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia self-guided motorcycle tour. It is a long day, but again it does not have to be a mundane and monotonous ride back to Innsbruck. Weather permitting, the best way would be to swing it via the Dolomites.

As you leave Croatia, you’ll transit a bit of Slovenia, brush the Gulf of Venice and head towards the Dolomites. On your way, you’ll ride some stunning mountain passes. Passo Mauria is an enjoyable little number. It has everything you want from the mountain pass. It has many well-cumbered bends, many places to stop for photos and all-around breathtaking scenery.

You’ll continue your journey towards crystal clear azure blue Lago Misurina. Misurina is also a perfect spot to have a bite to eat. From here, it will be easy to pick up a faster route that’ll take you to a motorway.

Alternatively, if you wish to continue with mountain passes, then you can head towards the famous ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. This option will include Passo Valparola and Passo Falzarego. From here, you can join the same motorway that will eventually take you to Austria.

Please note that this is a long day even though we recommend this option. Therefore, please consider your preferences carefully beforehand.

"Austria has 13 mountain peaks above 3,000 metres, and 34 above 2,000 metres"

Day 14 – Innsbruck to Mulhouse (France) (Approx. 270 miles)

As usual, today, you will have several options to choose from. You can simply partly reverse the day three route. This ride will include the Arlberg pass, the ski resorts of Zürs, Lech and Warth and the enjoyable Bregenzerwaldstraße. You’ll continue towards the Black Forest, ride a short section of the legendary B500 (Schwarzwaldhochstrasse) and cross into France.

If you prefer the faster route, it will take you via Switzerland and, if desired, Liechtenstein as well. But remember, you’ll have to purchase the vignette if you already haven’t done so during your outbound journey. If you have, then you are good to go.

"The Millau Bridge in southern France is the world's tallest bridge and France's tallest structure"

Day 15 – Mulhouse to Sedan (Approx. 230 miles)

Today, your Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia self-guided motorcycle tour continues. You’ll leave the Germanic part of Europe behind and continue towards your next destination in the Ardennes region of France. It is not surprising that the Vosges Mountains are such an attractive area for motorcyclists.

It offers miles of occasionally challenging but mostly traffic-free roads and mountain passes always accompanied by spectacular scenery. If everything goes according to the plan and your GPS doesn’t decide to go into a strop, you shouldn’t end up on any motorways what so ever. The en-route scenery is characterized mainly by rolling hills and green pastures.

This day is the day to meander, stop at a boulangerie or patisserie and have a freshly made jambon and fromage baguette with a steaming cup of coffee. Your converted medieval fort hotel in Sedan will welcome you with a comfortable room and evening feast fit for a knight in shining armour.

"The Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world"

Day 16 – Sedan to Folkestone (Approx. 220 miles)

So, folks, this is almost the end of the party. And what a gig it has been!

Today you’ll cross Ardennes, join the motorway and head towards Calais for your afternoon Eurotunnel or ferry crossing. Bouillon and Givet are both nice places to stop for one last drink or lunch.

We hope you enjoyed this fantastic Bosnia, Croatia-Bosnia-Slovenia self-guided motorcycle-tour / self guided motorcycle holiday as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Thank you for RidingWithUs, and we hope to do another one together soon.

"Never let your travel memories be greater than your travel dreams"

What's included?

Price

Includes

15 nights b&b accommodation
7 Evening meals
Return Eurotunnel crossing
GPX routes
Trip check list
Daily itinerary
Suggested tourist attractions
Emergency services numbers

Excludes

What our customers say

"Wendy and I had a most wonderful time, great organisation for this vacation made it that much more special."

Wendy & John Smith

California, USA, 2018

Let's go touring…

Croatia Bosnia and Slovenia self guided motorcycle holiday

Tour highlights:

Countries:

Motorcycle rental:

Day by day tour itinerary

What's included?

Price

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Excludes

What our customers say

Croatia Bosnia and Slovenia self guided motorcycle holiday

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