Balkanika Adventure
Highlights
Sofia, Bitola, Ohrid, Valbona, Lezha, Žabljak, Ulcinj, Vlora, Saranda, Thessaloniki
Duration
13 nights, 14 days, 10 riding days
Total Distance
2400 km(1491miles)
from
4500€
Tour Overview
14-day adventure motorcycle tour takes you through five countries and about 2400 km along the Balkans, passing through mountains, rivers, canyons, national parks, two seas, and Europe's most beautiful lake - Ohrid. You'll ride on the scenic roads of Eastern Europe, and discover local attractions, cultural and historical inspirations and tasty food along the way.
Open date tour
Guided / Self-guided
- Start/Finish: Sofia or Thessaloniki
- Accomodation: 4 Star Hotels, 5 Star Hotels
- Highlights: Sofia, Bitola, Ohrid, Valbona, Lezha, Žabljak, Ulcinj, Vlora, Saranda, Thessaloniki
- Duration: 14 days, 13 nights, 10 riding days
- Guide language: English, Bulgarian, Russian,
- Group: 6 - 8 members
- Terrain character: Mountains, Panoramic Roads, Sea Cost
Day by day schedule:
Day 1. Sofia - arrival.
Upon arrival in Sofia, the largest city and capital of Bulgaria, transfer from the airport to the hotel. During dinner there will be a brief meeting to introduce the route and applicable rules of our tour.
Day 2. Sofia - Bitola about 380 km.
Our adventure begins! The route goes through small towns and villages in Bulgaria, soft mountains and beautiful sceneries. Then we cross the border and the road flows into Northern Macedonia and the town of Bitola.
Day 3. Bitola - Ohrid about 100 km.
From Bitola we will enjoy the ride around the lakes of Prepasko and Ohrid. The Ohrid lake is the oldest freshwater lake in Europe and it lies flat and calm with its clearwaters. On the lake shores we will visit the Monastery of St. Naum - magnificently massive complex build in year 904. Overnight we spent in a complex looking over the lake.
Day 4. Ohrid - Valbona about 290km.
In the morning, we set off to Northern Macedonia and Debar Lake. After crossing the border with Albania we continue our route to the Korab Mountain and spend the night in the beautiful valey of Valbona in the Albanian Alps.
Day 5. Rest day in Valbona
Time to enjoy the view of the mountains, go for a hike and relax and unwind in the SPA.
Day 6. Valbona – Lezha about 180km.
Time for the famous mountain roads of Albania. The region of Shkoder , the lakes of Drina and lza – the real riding experience along curly roads and views. Overnight rest in Lezha at the seaside.
Day 7. Lezha – Zabljak about 250 km.
On this day we pass by the lake of Shkoder and after checking at the border with Montenegro we point towards the mountain of Dormitor. For the night we stay in the resort of Zabljak.
Day 8. Zabljak – Ulcinj about 250km.
It's time to enjoy the beauty of the azure Adriatic seaside near the city of Ulcinj – called the little Dubrovnik, because of the citadelle and the beautiful coats. You can choose to explore the ancient city or simply relax by the seaside. It will be terribly difficult to leave such beauty … so we stay for one more day!
Day 9. Ulcinj
Rest day! We will enjoy the purity of the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic sea!
Day 10. Ulcinj - Vlora about 260 km.
Today, our ride will take us alongside the coats of Montenegro and after that Albania - through the city of Durres towards Vlora – panoramic view over the sea and warm weather along. Our final destination for the day is the city of Vlora, where we will stay in a fantastic place looking over the coast.
Day 11. Vlora - Saranda about 200 km.
In the morning, we will alongside the costs again and them immerge trough the mountain road of the mountain of Girocaster, where the Roman Bridge, small Albanian villages and beautiful views are waiting for us. For the night we stay again in Saranda - the Albanian Riviera. It has some of the best beaches of the Mediterranean. Albania’s Ionian coast has calm and crystal clear, turquoise waters and lots of green unspoiled areas. Some beaches are busy and full of entertainment, but there are also many quiet, and more secluded beaches.
Day 12. Saranda – Thessaloniki 380 km.
We say farewell to Albania and head towards Greece and its mountains – Pindos National Park and Kozani. We will also pass by the dominating rock massif, Mount Olympus. It stretches skyward in the Greek azure, higher than any other mountain in the country. It is a paradigm of the uppermost respect the people bore for all things glorious. Also mountain is know as the home of the Ancient Greek Gods.
Day 13. Thessaloniki
Rest day – for shopping and walking the city trough. The metropolis of Thessaloniki has a population of over a million and is the biggest city in the northern part of Greece. Its famous with its bouzouki places (live music) and cozy cafeterias, where people sit, have good coffee, chat and watch others passing by. We can also have nice beach time as our hotel borders the sea coast or visit the SPA center in Khalkidhiki. As this is the last day before departure, we will have a final dinner and share impressions and photos of the trip.
Day 14. Departure day
This is the last day of our amazing motorcycle trip around the Balkans. We will head back to Sofia or you can fly from Thessaloniki directly. Our Balkan adventures end here, and it's time to fly back home!
What is included in the tour
- Transfer to and from the airport
- Accommodation in first class 4-5* Hotels
- Breakfast and dinner
- Lunches while driving
- Escort car
- Motorcycle rental
- Professional guide on a motorcycle
- Tours along the route
- Souvenirs
- Ferry tickets
- Road taxes
- Petrol
Include:
- Airplane tickets
- Personal expenses
- Alcohol and drinks
- Lunches on rest days
Not included:
Tour pricing:
- BMW F 850 GS: 6000 €
- BMW R 1250 GS: 6300 €
- BMW R 1250 GS Adventure: 6500 €
- Own motorcycle: 4500€
- Self-guided tour: Price on request
Price per rider:
- Passenger: 4500€
- Single room: 800€
- Deposit motorcycle: 2000€
- (The deposit is refundable at 100% upon return of the bike without damage after the end of the tour)