YOU-GO-SLAVIA

Italy is a beautiful country, sitting on the Mediterranean, but every year tens of thousands of Italians go to Croatia for their holiday. After this tour you will understand exactly why they do.

Three days riding through France, Belgium and Italy is just the appetiser. But don’t dismiss these days. A night in the Ardennes, riding through the Vosges Mountains, winding over the Grimsell, Furka and San Gottard Passes in the Alps are all packed into the first few days. A blast across Northern Italy takes you to Ancona and your overnight Ferry to Croatia.

An early morning arrival with a night in Split means you have the whole day free to wander the old town and to explore the UNESCO listed heart of this exuberant Dalmatian city. Original built in the 4C Diocletian’s Palace was the retirement home for the Roman Emperor of the same name. From Split you ride the famous Croatian Coast Road to Dubrovnik. You have two nights in the city that dates back to the Roman times. The city wall was largely rebuilt in the 1600’s after an earthquake. You can walk the walls and the labyrinth of narrow streets of this UNESCO listed old town which are lined with bars and cafes. Alternatively ride the cable car for incredible views of this walled city and then have lunch in the harbour – Dubrovnik is enchanting.

From Dubrovnik you ride inland across the border to Sarajevo. A city besieged for three years, reminders of the the 1990’s conflict are all around. Sarajevo is another two night stop so you should take the chance to explore the Barscarsija Bazaar and maybe take a mini-bus tour to the key sites of the Siege of Sarajevo and to the tunnel that was the life line of the city. We have arranged a walking tour of the centre with our local guide who as a 7 to 11 year old boy was trapped here through the siege. But Sarajevo’s history dates back thousands of years – it has been a pivotal point in much of European history. From Sarajevo you are heading back to Croatia, via the iconic and rebuilt Mostar Bridge, regarded as the spiritual as well as actual meeting place of Catholic, Jewish and Muslim cultures.

Enjoy the incredible ride from the mountains heading down to Makarska on the Adriatic coast. Makarska is built around a deep sheltered bay, and backed by the dramatic rocky heights of Mount Biokovo. A traditional holiday resort town we are staying in the bay a short walk from many excellent restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the Adriatic.

Crossing the border you are once again riding through the Dianaric Alps and then through The Plitvice Lakes and Durmitor National Parks staying off the newly built motorways and sticking to the twisties when ever possible.  Your last ride in Bosnia and Herzegovina is over the Kupress Pass before a night in the charming town of Bihac on the banks of the River Una. The next day we head for Slovenia and Lake Bled, nestling in the Julian Alps, is a haven for tourists and rowers as the surrounding mountains keep the lake calm and ideal for water sports and visitors alike.

Leaving Slovenia your ride is far from over, You will ride through the southern Alps and the Tyrol with the option to ride over the famous Grossglockner Pass before spending a night in the heart of Bavaria. Bier Kellers and Steins await!  This is followed by a night in Freiburg where you can see the old town with its cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered medieval buildings.  Then it is on through the southern reaches of the Black Forest before the Vosges Mountains and on to Belgium for your farewell dinner.