Balkans – Romania: 12-Days Motorcycle Tour 16.08. – 28.08.26

Planning a motorcycle adventure through the Balkans sounds enticing, but this particular 12-day tour from MotoGS WorldTours truly offers something special. It’s a carefully curated journey that combines scenic riding, cultural highlights, and well-organized logistics—perfect for those craving more than just a quick ride through pretty landscapes.

What we love most about this tour? First, it’s the small group size—no crowded buses or chaotic tour buses here, just a maximum of 6 motorcycles plus a dedicated guide. Second, the variety of roads, from the twists of Romania’s Transfagarasan and Transalpina to the coastal beauty of Croatia and the mountainous routes of Montenegro—each day feels fresh and invigorating. Third, the focus on experiencing the countries’ most stunning vistas rather than just rushing through makes this a genuinely immersive trip.

One thing to consider is that the tour is quite intense, covering approximately 2,200 miles over 12 days. The riding schedule might be demanding for those with less experience or lower endurance. It’s ideal for confident riders who enjoy long stretches on the bike, not for those seeking a more relaxed pace.

This tour is best suited for seasoned motorcyclists who love adventure, appreciate detailed planning, and want to see the Balkans beyond the typical tourist trails. If you’re looking for a mix of culture, landscapes, and high-quality riding on a well-led, intimate group trip, this could be your perfect match.

Good To Know

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more social experience
• Diverse landscapes from coastal Croatia to the Carpathian mountains of Romania
• Expert guides bring local knowledge and safety, making the experience seamless
• Quality BMW motorcycles with models from F750GS to R1300GS, all new and well-maintained
• Incredible routes along the Transfagarasan and Transalpina roads—some of the most scenic in Europe
• Comprehensive itinerary covering five countries, with about 2200 miles of riding

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the 12-Day Motorcycle Tour

Starting Point: Split and Trogir

The adventure begins with a warm welcome at Split’s Resnik Airport. From there, you’re whisked to Trogir, a charming seaside town just minutes from the hotel. This initial setup is smart—allowing you to settle in, get familiar with your bike, and meet your guide before the riding frenzy begins.

The hotel, just a five-minute walk from the motorcycle parking area, offers a comfortable base. In the evening, you’ll inspect your BMW motorcycle, which is part of the tour package—models that are all new, ranging from the F750GS to the R1300GS, ensuring reliability and rider confidence. The guide conducts a briefing, and you’ll have time to store your luggage securely for the days ahead.

Day 0: Prep and Orientation

Here, the emphasis is on safety and comfort. The guide makes sure all bikes are set up for each rider’s height and preferences. This attention to detail sets the tone for the entire trip—professional, thorough, and friendly.

Day 1-2: Coastal Croatia and Bosnia

The first days focus on scenic coastal roads, with highlights like the Bay of Kotor ferry connection. The ride along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast offers striking sea views, charming villages, and winding roads that thrill motorcyclists. The group size keeps things intimate, ensuring your guide can tailor the experience if needed.

Traveling into Bosnia and Herzegovina, you’ll cross borders smoothly, experiencing the blend of cultures and landscapes. The reviews note that the group’s pace is well-managed, balancing riding with sightseeing.

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Day 3-4: Serbia and Montenegro

The tour continues inland, exploring Serbia’s diverse terrains and historic cities. Montenegro’s rugged mountains and the chance to ride along scenic routes like the scenic roads of the Durmitor National Park are standouts. Enthusiasts will love the variety—mountain passes one day, coastal vistas the next.

Day 5-7: The Transfagarasan and Transalpina

Romania’s famous roads steal the show here. The Transfagarasan and Transalpina roads are renowned for their hairpin bends, breathtaking views, and sheer fun factor. We’ve seen reviews describing these as “some of the most exhilarating rides in Europe,” with the group often stopping for photos and to soak in the scenery.

Because these roads are winding and elevation-changing, they demand attention but reward riders with unforgettable vistas of the Carpathians and surrounding valleys. The guide’s local knowledge helps navigate any tricky sections smoothly.

Day 8-10: Transylvania and the Carpathians

In Transylvania, the tour explores its most stunning sides—medieval towns, castles, and forests. It’s a chance to breathe in the rural charm and feel immersed in local culture. The roads here wind through mountains and lush landscapes, offering both challenge and serenity.

Final Days: Return to Croatia

The last stretch takes you back along scenic routes to Trogir, with optional sightseeing tours included, without entrance fees. The group often mentions the feeling of accomplishment after covering so much ground and experiencing a true cross-section of Balkan landscapes.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Expert Guidance: Multiple reviewers praise the guides—knowledgeable, approachable, and safety-conscious. They ensure each rider is comfortable and that the group stays together, making the long miles feel manageable and fun.

Quality Motorcycles: Using only new BMW models, the fleet is reliable and a joy to ride. You’re assured of performance, and the bikes are set up for comfort, whether for long highway stretches or mountain switchbacks.

Scenic Roads and Routes: The riding is designed to maximize visual impact. Roads like the Transfagarasan and Transalpina are rightly famous for their beauty and challenge, giving riders a sense of achievement along with the thrill.

Authentic Experience: The trip isn’t just about riding; it’s about experiencing the countries’ landscapes, culture, and history. The tour includes sightseeing and city tours, adding depth to the adventure.

Intimate Group Size: With a maximum of six bikes, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience. The small group fosters camaraderie but also flexibility—your guide can adapt to weather, pace, or specific interests.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $3,164 per person, the tour offers a lot. The price covers 11 guided rides, all accommodation, some ferry crossings, a tour jacket, and the expertise of a professional guide. The inclusion of high-quality bikes, breakfast, and some sightseeing makes it a competitive package for a 12-day adventure through multiple countries.

Traveling through five countries on the same trip is a rare opportunity, especially with such a curated route. The experience is as much about the memories and vistas as it is about the riding itself. For motorcycle enthusiasts eager to combine scenic roads with culture, the value is compelling.

Price Breakdown Insights

• The motorcycle rental, including insurance and taxes, is factored in, so no surprises there.
• Additional expenses like flights, meals outside of breakfast, entrance fees, and personal expenses are separate, but that’s typical for tours.
• The optional upgrade to a single room at EUR 695 is a good option for those wanting more privacy.

Practical Tips for Participants

Riders need a valid motorcycle license, with at least three years of experience, and be physically fit. Having an international driver’s license is recommended for non-EU residents. The tour is not suitable for those over 75 or people with mobility restrictions.

Luggage considerations are straightforward—use the provided storage to keep essentials, as all luggage not needed on the road can be stored safely at the hotel.

Weather can vary, especially in the mountains, so pack layers and rain gear just in case. The guide is prepared to adapt to conditions, but riders should be ready for changeable weather.

Final Thoughts

This motorcycle tour offers an impressive combination of scenic riding, cultural exploration, and expert guidance—all in an intimate group setting. It’s carefully designed for riders who want to see the Balkans beyond the usual highlights and are ready for a physically demanding, yet richly rewarding, experience.

The focus on iconic roads like the Transfagarasan and Transalpina makes this trip stand out. The attention to detail, from motorcycle setup to route planning, ensures comfort and safety. The opportunity to see five countries in 12 days is a rare and exciting proposition for seasoned riders.

If you’re someone who values good value for money, enjoys challenging roads, and appreciates authentic encounters, this tour could be your next great adventure. It’s a well-balanced mix of thrill, scenery, and cultural discovery, led by guides who genuinely care about making your experience memorable.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers 11 guided full-day rides totaling approximately 2200 miles, 12 overnight stays with breakfast, a professional tour guide, a tour jacket, ferry crossings, and some sightseeing tours without entrance fees.

Can I bring my own motorcycle?
No, the tour includes a motorcycle rental from MotoGS’s fleet, which features only new BMW models. You can choose from several models, all insured and taxed.

What kind of bikes will I ride?
You’ll be riding BMW models ranging from F750GS to R1300GS, all new and well-maintained, chosen for comfort and performance on varied terrains.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, riders need to have at least three years of motorcycle riding experience, a valid driver’s license, and be physically fit for long days of riding. The tour is better suited for confident, experienced motorcyclists.

How many people typically join the tour?
The group size is limited to 6 motorcycles plus a guide, ensuring a personalized experience and avoiding crowded conditions.

What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay in comfortable hotels with shared rooms, with the option to upgrade to a single room for EUR 695. Most accommodations are centrally located, providing easy access to the starting points and local sights.

What should I bring?
A valid passport, driver’s license, credit card, international driver’s license if applicable, and weather-appropriate riding gear. Packing layers and rain protection is recommended.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included in the tour price. Lunch and dinner are not, so you’ll have opportunities to explore local cuisine along the route.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility for changing plans.

This 12-day motorcycle journey through the Balkans isn’t just a ride—it’s a comprehensive experience that combines scenic roads, cultural insights, and expert guidance for an adventure that’s both challenging and rewarding. For those ready to cover a lot of ground and see the best of Romania, Croatia, and neighboring countries, it’s an opportunity worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: