Balkans – Italy: 17-Days Motorcycle Tour 14.05.26 – 31.05.26

Thinking about combining your love for riding with a journey through some of Europe’s most captivating landscapes? This 17-day motorcycle tour from MotoGS WorldTours promises an adventure that spans the Balkans and Italy, taking you through five countries on a well-organized, small-group guided trip. It’s designed for those who want more than just a scenic ride—they want an experience that’s rich in variety, cultural contrasts, and memorable vistas.

What immediately caught our eye is the way this tour balances long days of riding with opportunities to enjoy local scenery and culture, all with a professional guide leading the way. Two things we really appreciate are the carefully curated route that offers both coastlines and countryside, and the fact that the fleet includes new BMW GS models, meaning you’re on reliable, well-maintained machines.

One thing to keep in mind is that this trip involves a lot of miles—around 2340 miles total—and riders should be comfortable with extended days on the bike. It’s not a casual ride, but if you’re seasoned, this kind of tour offers a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground with support and camaraderie. It’s probably best suited for riders comfortable with longer distances and with at least three years of riding experience.

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a combination of adventure, exploration, and scenic riding through diverse terrains. It’ll appeal most to those who want an organized, guided experience with a small group, rather than a solo or self-guided trip. If you love riding on new bikes and want to see the Balkans and Italy in one go, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Unique route crossing 5 countries with detailed planning.
• Guided small group (max 6 bikes), offering personalized attention.
• Reliable BMW GS models included, ensuring comfort and performance.
• Long-distance riding covering over 2300 miles, suited for experienced riders.
• Includes ferry crossings and overnight stays in cabins, adding to the adventure.
• Rich breakfast every morning, plus various sightseeing tours without entrance fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 17-Day Motorcycle Tour

Let’s walk through what you can expect on this trip, day by day, and what makes it such an appealing yet demanding experience.

Starting Point: Trogir near Split, Croatia

You’ll arrive at Split’s Resnik Airport, with easy flights from many European cities—Germany being especially convenient. The tour begins in Trogir, a charming town with a historic core, just a short ride from the airport, making for a smooth start. Your first evening involves a motorcycle inspection and briefing—think of it as a warm-up before the adventure begins.

First Days: Exploring Croatia and Bosnia

The initial rides take you along Croatia’s coast, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The roads are a mix of winding coastal routes and inland highways, giving you a taste of the terrain to come. The pace is comfortable, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and local snacks.

Crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina introduces a different vibe—less touristy, with rugged landscapes and small towns. The route is carefully designed to maximize scenic value while managing riding fatigue. The support vehicle and guide team are there to help, ensuring you’re comfortable and on schedule.

Montenegro and Albania: The Balkan Charm

Moving into Montenegro, you’ll encounter some of the most spectacular mountain scenery, with roads hugging cliffs and winding through lush valleys. Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor is often a highlight—imagine riding along fjord-like waters surrounded by dramatic mountains.

Albania then opens up new horizons. While lesser-known compared to its neighbors, its roads are often quiet and filled with wild beauty. The tour emphasizes enjoying the landscapes without rushing, allowing you to soak in the contrasts.

More Great Tours Nearby

Italy: The Final Stretch

After crossing the border into Italy, the scenery shifts to Mediterranean charm, with coastal roads, historic towns, and inviting vistas. The ferry rides from Croatia to Italy are included, adding a touch of adventure and variety to the journey. Two overnight stays in cabins on the ferry provide restful points amid the miles.

Riding Experience & Group Dynamics

Guided by a professional tour guide, you’ll appreciate the small group size—maximum of six bikes plus support. This setup fosters camaraderie but also allows for personalized attention. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, pointing out hidden gems and sharing cultural insights.

Riders generally praise the well-maintained, modern BMW bikes. The fleet includes models like the F750GS, F850GS, and R1250GS, which are reliable across long distances and varied terrains. The bikes come with insurance and taxes included, simplifying costs.

The Landscapes & Road Quality

You’ll ride on a mixture of coastal roads, mountain passes, and inland highways. The route aims to balance exhilarating rides with scenic breaks. The landscapes are diverse—sea views, rugged mountains, colorful villages, and historic sites.

Though the total distance is considerable, the tour duration and support structure help manage fatigue. Expect about 14 full days of riding, with some days covering substantial miles—so physical and mental readiness is key.

Accommodation & Amenities

Every night, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels with breakfast included, making mornings easy. The two ferry crossings include overnight stays in cabins, which is a bonus for rest and privacy. The tour also provides a stylish black jacket, adding a bit of gear for sharp-looking rides.

The Value & Cost

At around $4,576 per person, the price includes guided rides, new motorcycles, ferry trips, overnight stays, breakfast, and support. When you consider the scope—covering five countries, covering over 2300 miles, and the level of organization—it offers a good balance of value.

However, extras like motorcycle rental, which ranges from approximately EUR 1,650 for the F750GS to EUR 2,625 for the R1300GS, are additional. Travel costs such as flights, meals besides breakfast, and personal expenses are not included, so you’ll need to budget accordingly.

Considerations & Who Will Enjoy This

This tour suits experienced riders comfortable with long days on the bike. It’s not designed for beginners or those with back problems or mobility issues, given the physical demands and long hours. The group size and guided nature make it ideal for solo travelers or friends wanting a structured adventure.

The tour’s focus on scenic riding, cultural exploration, and arriving at iconic spots makes it perfect for adventure-seekers who want a comprehensive Balkan and Italian experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a well-organized, scenic, multi-country motorcycle adventure, this tour hits most marks. The route offers a good mix of coastlines, mountains, and historic sites, all while providing the safety net of a guide and support vehicle. The bikes are modern, reliable, and suited for the long haul, giving you peace of mind on those 2340 miles.

The inclusion of ferry trips and multiple overnight stays in cabins adds a layer of comfort and variety that many shorter tours can’t match. You’ll get a balance of riding, sightseeing, and rest—though be prepared for the physical effort involved.

This tour seems best suited for experienced riders who want to maximize scenery and cultural variety in a structured format. It’s a chance to tick off five countries in one go, riding some of the best roads the Balkans and Italy have to offer.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, it’s designed for riders with at least 3 years of experience and comfortable riding long distances, as the tour covers over 2300 miles in 17 days.

What’s included in the price?
Guided rides on new BMW GS models, ferry crossings with overnight cabins, 15 overnight stays with breakfast, a tour guide, support vehicle, tour jacket, and daily briefings.

Are the motorcycles insured?
Yes, the rental price includes motorcycle insurance and all taxes.

Do I need to bring my own riding gear?
While the tour provides a jacket, you’ll need to bring your own helmet, protective clothing, and personal riding gear.

What are the main crossing points?
The tour includes two ferry connections between Croatia and Italy, with overnight stays in cabins on the ferries.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s not specifically tailored for families or children, as the long riding days and physical demands are better suited for experienced riders.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 6 motorcycles, including rider and passenger, plus the tour guide.

Can I join the tour from outside Europe?
Yes, but you might find it easiest to arrive at Zagreb Airport or Split Airport, depending on your travel plans.

What should I prepare before the trip?
Valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement, international driver’s license if needed, passport with 6 months validity, credit card, and travel insurance.

Is there an option for a single room?
Yes, you can upgrade to a single room for an additional EUR 630.

If you’re looking for a challenging, scenic, multi-country motorcycle adventure with a guide you can trust, this 17-day Balkan and Italy tour could be just what you’ve been dreaming of. Just make sure you’re ready for the miles, the scenery, and the adventure that awaits.

You can check availability for your dates here: