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

Planning a motorcycle adventure that crosses borders and landscapes sounds like an exciting way to explore the Balkans. This 12-day guided motorcycle tour offered by MotoGS WorldTours promises an immersive experience through some of Southeast Europe’s most striking scenery, from coastal Croatia to the mountains of Romania. If you’re a rider craving diverse terrains, vibrant cultures, and a small-group vibe, this trip might be just what you’re looking for.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its careful itinerary designed for scenery lovers—from the legendary Transfagarasan and Transalpina highways to the enchanting region of Transylvania. Plus, the small group size (max 6 motorcycles) ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, giving plenty of room for personalized attention. On the flip side, the tour’s price of over $3,100 per person might seem steep at first glance—especially when considering additional costs like motorcycle rentals and fuel. But for seasoned riders seeking a well-organized, multi-country route with expert guidance, the experience could be a worthwhile investment.

This tour is best suited for experienced riders who are comfortable on longer days and diverse roads, and who appreciate detailed planning and expert guides. If you love the idea of covering over 2200 miles in a relatively short period, with a comfortable mix of riding and sightseeing, this could be a perfect fit. It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, slow-paced trip or traveling with very young children—since the focus is on riding and exploring.

Key Points:

• Small group setting enhances a personalized experience and safety.
• Includes guided rides across 5 countries, covering diverse landscapes.
• Focus on scenic routes, especially the famous Transfagarasan and Transalpina highways.
• Price reflects premium motorcycle models and guided service, offering good value for serious riders.
• Long riding days mean good physical and mental preparation is needed.
• Limited availability as the tour runs only once a year, from July 14 to 26.

You can check availability for your dates here:

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

Starting the Adventure in Split and Trogir

The journey begins with your arrival at Split’s Resnik Airport, where your transfer to the charming town of Trogir sets a relaxed tone. Trogir, with its historic core and seaside vibe, makes for a lovely first impression before hitting the road. The hotel is just a short walk from the motorcycle parking, which is super convenient.

Before departure, there’s a detailed motorcycle inspection and briefing—crucial steps to ensure everyone’s comfortable with their ride. You’ll get to choose from a fleet of brand-new BMW GS models, such as the F750GS, F850GS, F900GSA, R1250GS, or R1300GS, each offering a different riding experience but all high-quality machines. This personalized setup, especially for rider height, adds to the comfort and safety.

Covering Multiple Countries and Iconic Roads

The core of the tour is in its route. You’ll ride through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Romania, with a total mileage of about 2200 miles. These are long days on the bike, but the scenery makes every mile worthwhile. The guided nature of the tour means you’re following experienced guides who know the roads and can navigate the logistics, so you can focus on the views.

A highlight is the chance to experience the famous scenic roads, particularly the Transfagarasan and Transalpina highways in Romania. These routes are often called some of the best mountain roads in the world, winding through the Carpathians with hairpin turns and breathtaking vistas. Riding these roads is a highlight for many motorcyclists, offering a mix of adrenaline and awe.

The Journey Through the Balkans’ Most Beautiful Landscapes

The tour emphasizes showcasing the “dreamy landscapes” of each country, which is evident in the itinerary. It balances riding with opportunities for sightseeing, including city tours and cultural stops. The group size (max 6 bikes) allows a personalized experience, and the professional guides are praised for their knowledge.

Based on reviews, riders especially enjoy the stunning views along the mountain highways and the sense of camaraderie shared with fellow motorcyclists. The guide’s expertise means you’ll learn interesting tidbits about each region, making the experience more enriching than just riding alone.

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Accommodation and Daily Routine

You’ll stay in comfortable hotels with breakfast included each morning—giving you a good start for the days ahead. The tour offers an upgrade for single rooms if you prefer privacy, which is handy if you’re traveling solo but want some personal space.

The daily schedule involves full-day rides, often covering several hundred miles, with plenty of scenic stops. The group size means you’ll stick together but also have time to soak in the views or take photos. Some riders mention that the long riding days demand good physical fitness and mental stamina, especially in variable weather conditions.

The Experience Beyond Riding

While the main activity is motorcycle touring, the tour also includes city tours and sightseeing, mostly without entrance fees, so you have a chance to explore local attractions. For example, the tour covers the Bay of Kotor, a must-see in Montenegro, with a ferry connection integrated into the plan.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $3,164 per person covers guided rides, accommodation, breakfast, and some transportation like ferry connections and airport shuttles. The motorcycle rental is included in the cost, with models starting from EUR 1,250 for the F750GS up to EUR 2,030 for the R1300GS.

Additional costs include fuel, meals beyond breakfast, and personal expenses. It’s worth noting that motorcycle insurance and taxes are included, and the tour jacket is provided. For those wanting a more comfortable experience, a single room upgrade is available for an extra EUR 695.

The Value Proposition

When looking at the value, consider that you’re paying for not just the motorcycle rental and guide, but also the convenience of a well-planned route through five countries and expert navigation. The chance to ride iconic roads like the Transfagarasan on a new BMW GS adds to the overall appeal.

Many reviews highlight the professionalism of guides and the quality of bikes, making the experience feel safe and enjoyable. The inclusion of sightseeing and city tours adds variety beyond just riding.

Potential Downsides

The main consideration is the cost—it’s an investment, especially when adding extras like single-room upgrades or personal expenses. The long riding days may not suit everyone, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are not used to back-to-back long miles.

On top of that, the tour runs only once a year, so booking well in advance is essential if you want to secure a spot. It’s also not suitable for beginners or those with limited riding experience—you need at least 3 years of motorcycle riding and to be 23 or older.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re an experienced rider craving a well-organized adventure across diverse landscapes, this tour could be a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for those who want to explore the Balkans on a motorcycle, challenge themselves with mountain roads, and enjoy the company of a small, knowledgeable group.

It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a slow-paced, relaxed holiday or traveling with very young children, since the focus is on riding and covering considerable ground.

Final Thoughts

This Balkans – Romania motorcycle tour offers a unique way to see some of Southeast Europe’s most picturesque regions. With expert guides, high-quality bikes, and a thoughtfully designed route, it provides an experience that balances adventure, scenery, and cultural insights. The small-group setting adds a personal touch, making it feel more like riding with friends than part of a large tour.

While the price might seem high at first glance, it reflects the quality of the experience—top-tier motorcycles, guided support, and the opportunity to conquer legendary mountain roads. For riders who have the skills and time to enjoy this kind of adventure, it’s a memorable way to see the Balkans and Romania in a way that few other trips can match.

If you’re craving a challenge, love scenic mountain roads, and want to explore multiple countries on two wheels, this tour is worth considering. Just make sure you’re prepared for long days on the bike and have the necessary motorcycle experience.

FAQ About the Balkan Motorcycle Tour

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, you should have at least 3 years of motorcycle riding experience and be comfortable on long, varied roads. The tour is designed for experienced riders.

What is included in the price?
The price covers guided full-day rides, about 2200 miles of travel, accommodation with breakfast, motorcycle rental, a tour guide, and some transportation like ferry connections and airport shuttles.

Are the motorcycles new?
Yes, all bikes are new BMW GS models, including the F750GS, F850GS, F900GSA, R1250GS, and R1300GS, ensuring good performance and reliability.

What are the main scenic highlights?
The standout sights are the mountain roads of Transfagarasan and Transalpina, along with the beautiful landscapes of the Balkans, including the Bay of Kotor and Transylvania.

Can I upgrade to a single room?
Yes, for an additional EUR 695, you can opt for a single room for more privacy.

How long are the riding days?
Most days involve long rides, often several hundred miles, so be prepared physically and mentally.

What should I bring?
A valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement, passport, credit card, international driver’s license (if outside the EU), and suitable riding gear.

Is there a detailed itinerary available?
Yes, the tour is carefully planned with specific routes, mountain passes, city tours, and sightseeing stops, all detailed on the tour website.

When does the tour run?
The tour takes place once a year, from July 14th to 26th. Early booking is recommended due to limited availability.

If you’re a seasoned rider looking for a well-organized, scenic adventure through the Balkans and Romania, this tour could be the highlight of your riding life. Just go prepared for the miles, and you’ll come back with stories to tell for years.

You can check availability for your dates here: