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

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Exploring the Balkans on Two Wheels: A 12-Day Motorcycle Tour Review

Planning a motorcycle trip through the Balkans? This 12-day guided adventure from MotoGS WorldTours promises an unforgettable route packed with scenic vistas, cultural highlights, and thrilling rides across five countries. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions give us a vivid picture of what you can expect.

What really draws us to this tour are the small group size—limited to just 12 riders—ensuring personalized attention. The focus on riding new BMW GS models makes it accessible for a range of skill levels, and the itinerary’s blend of mountain passes, coastal roads, and sightseeing offers a well-rounded Balkan experience. A possible drawback? The tour’s intensity and long mileage might be a challenge for less experienced riders or those seeking a slower pace. But if you’re craving adventure, stunning landscapes, and culture on a motorcycle, this could be a perfect fit.

This tour is especially suited for seasoned riders or enthusiasts who thrive on structured guided trips and want to explore the Balkans with a supportive crew. If you’re after authentic landscapes, top-notch guides, and a good value for the miles covered, read on for every detail you need to decide if this journey is right for you.

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Key Points

Limited group size guarantees personalized support and camaraderie
Diverse riding routes through mountain passes and coastal roads
Experienced guides enhance safety and local insights
Stunning landscapes including Transfagarasan and Transalpina
Cultural immersion across five Balkan countries
Quality motorcycles from a trusted fleet, including BMW R1250GS and R1300GS

Looking for more options in Trogir? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Introduction to the Adventure

This comprehensive motorcycle tour offers a unique way to traverse the Balkans, combining scenic landscapes with authentic cultural experiences. The organizers have meticulously planned a route that balances adventure riding with sightseeing, making it ideal for those who want more than just a scenic drive.

What we love about this experience is the way it blends mountain thrills, coastal rides, and historic towns—all within 12 days. The small group size (max 6 motorcycles plus a guide) creates a friendly atmosphere, perfect for sharing stories after a day of fantastic riding. Plus, the inclusion of new BMW GS models ensures a comfortable, reliable ride.

However, an important consideration is the rough mileage—about 2200 miles over the span of the trip—so you should be comfortable with long hours on the bike. Also, the trip’s intensity might not suit absolute beginners or those seeking a purely leisure-focused holiday.

In essence, this tour suits adventure riders who want a well-organized, culturally rich journey that covers a lot of ground, with plenty of opportunities to take in the spectacular scenery.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 0: Arrival in Split & Trogir

Arriving at Split’s Resnik Airport, travelers are greeted and transferred to a charming hotel in Trogir, just a five-minute walk from the bike parking. This calm start allows everyone to settle in, inspect the bikes, and participate in a briefing. Riders can also store non-essentials safely in the hotel before hitting the road the next morning.

More Great Tours Nearby

Days 1-2: Coastal Croatia and Transition to Bosnia & Herzegovina

Starting with scenic coastal roads, you’ll experience the Mediterranean charm of Croatia. An early highlight is the ferry crossing from Trogir to the Bay of Kotor, a beautiful gateway into Montenegro. Reviews praise the smooth ferry connection, which adds a touch of adventure to the journey. Expect stunning seaside views, winding roads along rugged coastlines, and a sense of freedom riding on open roads.

There's plenty more to explore in Trogir

Days 3-4: Exploring Montenegro and Serbia

The route continues inland through Montenegro, with the chance to ride sections near the famous Bay of Kotor. As you cross into Serbia, the landscapes shift—mountains, lush forests, and authentic towns—giving riders a taste of the Balkans’ diverse terrain. Riders mention the guides’ local insights, which enrich the experience beyond just the riding.

Days 5-7: Into Romania and the Carpathians

The journey steers towards the heart of the Carpathians. Here, you’ll experience some of the most acclaimed roads: the Transfagarasan and Transalpina. These mountain passes are often called the “roller coasters of Europe,” with winding roads that will thrill any motorcyclist. One reviewer noted the “exhilarating” feel of crossing these legendary passes, highlighting the scenic beauty and excellent riding surface.

Days 8-10: Transylvania’s Mystique

Arriving in Transylvania, the focus shifts to exploring this region’s spectacular castles, medieval towns, and forests. The tour emphasizes seeing Transylvania from its most beautiful side—less touristy spots, authentic villages, and panoramic views. Guides reportedly have a wealth of local knowledge, sharing stories that bring the region’s history alive.

Days 11-12: Returning to Croatia and Departure

The route circles back, allowing riders to enjoy more coastal rides before returning to Trogir and Split. The tour ends with a final group dinner, sharing reflections on the miles traveled and sights seen.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Expert Guides & Small Groups
Having a professional guide who speaks several languages (English, German, Spanish) ensures all riders feel supported. The small group size fosters camaraderie and personalized guidance, which many reviews highlight as a key benefit.

Diverse Riding Experiences
From coastal roads and island ferry crossings to mountain passes and historic towns, this tour offers a wide variety of riding conditions. The Transfagarasan and Transalpina are often mentioned as unforgettable highlights for their breathtaking scenery and technical challenge.

A Well-Organized Route
The itinerary is carefully designed to maximize scenic views and cultural encounters without rushing. The inclusion of sightseeing tours (without entrance fees) adds an extra layer of depth, allowing travelers to explore towns like Trogir, Kotor, and Sibiu.

Quality Bikes and Safety
All motorcycles are brand-new BMW GS models, known for their reliability and comfort. Insurance is included, offering peace of mind. Riders have praised the bikes for being well-maintained and suitable for the varied terrain.

Practicalities and Value

The price point reflects the quality of the experience, including guided rides, accommodation, breakfast, ferry crossings, and a tour jacket. For roughly 2200 miles, many find this to be good value—especially considering the expert guidance, high-quality bikes, and thoughtfully curated route.

Additional costs, such as flights, meals outside breakfast, fuel, and personal expenses, are not included. However, the tour’s comprehensive organization means you can focus on enjoying the ride rather than logistics.

The tour accepts riders aged 23 and above with at least 3 years of motorcycle experience, making it accessible to confident riders. The inclusion of luggage storage and dry, safe accommodations adds convenience after long riding days.

Final Thoughts on Suitability

This tour is best suited for adventure-minded motorcyclists who appreciate well-organized, scenic routes and want to experience the Balkans in a structured but flexible way. It’s perfect for those who enjoy mountain roads, cultural sights, and a group atmosphere with knowledgeable guides.

The experience offers a good balance of riding and sightseeing, making it ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural authenticity. The high-quality motorcycles and detailed planning add safety and comfort that riders highly value.

If you’re looking for a once-a-year opportunity to explore the Balkans on a motorcycle with a supportive group, this tour could be exactly what you need. Just prepare for long days in the saddle and pack your camera for the many photo-worthy moments!

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries will I visit?
You’ll ride through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Romania, experiencing a variety of landscapes and cultures.

What kind of motorcycles are provided?
New BMW GS models including F750GS, F850GS, F900GSA, R1250GS, and R1300GS. All bikes include insurance and have been described as reliable and suitable for mountain and coastal roads.

How long is the total riding distance?
The total distance covered is approximately 2200 miles over 12 days, with daily rides varying based on the day’s route.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
No, riders should be at least 23 years old with three years of riding experience and a valid motorcycle license with endorsement.

What is included in the price?
Guided rides, accommodation, breakfast, ferry crossing, tour jacket, and professional guide services. Additional costs like flights, meals, fuel, and personal expenses are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexible booking.

What should I bring?
A valid passport, driver’s license, international driver’s license (recommended), credit card, and suitable riding gear.

Final Words

This 12-day motorcycle tour through the Balkans offers a mix of thrilling mountain passes, historic towns, and scenic coastlines, all guided by experienced professionals. It’s a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground in one trip while enjoying the camaraderie of a small group and the comfort of quality bikes. Perfect for adventure riders craving a well-balanced, culturally rich, and visually stunning experience, this journey isn’t for the faint of heart but promises a truly memorable trip for those ready to embrace the open road.