Balkan eight countries

Motorcycles
On the Europe tours you ride your own motorcycle. In principle, each bike is suitable for this trip, but due to the low speed and sometimes poorer condition of the asphalt, a motorcycle with a hard suspension, a too sporty body position, or low ground clearance may be less suitable. In addition to a major service beforehand, it is important that you leave with – as good as - new tires. We also advise to bring a tire repair kit.

Physical challenges
This can be a challenging trip, especially due to the sometimes mediocre roads and fewer rest days than usual. Previous mountain riding experience is a must due to a number of tricky mountain journeys over sometimes narrow or bad roads. In principle we only ride on asphalt roads, and they can sometimes be very tortuous and narrow, but there are no ‘on the spot’ checks of routes. Average speeds are low. In case of heavy rain, you must consider aquaplaning and getting muddy. In addition, slow traffic, (domestic) animals crossing the road, and fellow road users who do not exactly comply with traffic regulations should be taken into account. We do not recommend you ride in the dark. 
We avoid crowded traffic arteries and we tour wherever possible on local roads. The cities are not really a problem, even though you could call Tirana chaotic. Daily distances range from 200 to 350 km, not including the initial journeys there and back home. The total distance is approximately 5800 km, this does include both trips there and back.

Accommodation 
During this trip we make use of a variety of mid-range overnight accommodation options, ranging from small family guesthouses to a one time large-scale tourist hotel. The accommodation is always based on a double room with private bathroom. A single room is on request and only where possible. At most locations, the motorcycles can be parked on (enclosed) private grounds, or sometimes in a garage. At the other locations, you park in front of the hotel, alongside the pavement.

Ferry 
During this trip we make use of a ferry crossing from Albania to Italy, which is included in the tour price. Onboard the ferry you have a cabin at your disposal during the night crossing. This is based of two persons sharing.

Climate
The climate of the Western Balkans is for the most part determined by the Dinaric Alps in the west and the Stara Planina in the east. The Adriatic coast is pleasantly warm and dry in the summer with little chance of extreme temperatures. The hinterland mainly has a continental climate with quite hot summers and summer rains, and cold snowy winters. In spring, you can easily get the odd sudden cold or hot peak, in the autumn it is still pleasantly warm. The north it is generally cooler than the south. The easternmost regions are the driest. Because of the ever-present mountains, the weather per region can vary considerably. High in the mountains, it really can get quite fresh, even in the summer.

Clothing 
Mandatory items: a helmet, motorcycle jacket with protection, gloves, a good hardwearing pair of motorcycle trousers with protection and sturdy high (mountain) boots. In addition to motorcycle clothing with good ventilation for wearing in high temperatures, waterproof clothing or raingear is also recommended, as is a warm jumper or windcheater for the higher mountain areas. Do not forget your shorts and swimsuit. In some of these countries motorcyclists are also required to bring a first aid box.

Driving license / Passport 
An international driving license is not mandatory but very useful. Passports must be valid for at least 3 months after arrival.

Insurance Kosovo
This country is excluded from insurance coverage. Upon entering Kosovo, you must take out a local liability insurance there and then. The cost for this is approximately € 40 for 10 days. Check the cover of your green card for the other countries. For more information, please contact us.

Unforeseen circumstances 
Please note: this trip has not been ridden before, the routes are not explored and the hotels have not yet been visited by us. It is therefore a kind of pilot tour like the ones known from our "adventure and culture" category, although all hotels are pre-arranged. (See also page "Organisation / Pilot Tours"). Despite our maximum efforts to organize everything properly, unforeseen circumstances may arise during this trip. Particularly the weather, the political situation of the moment, or the ferry schedule may give rise to an on-the-spot change of schedule. Furthermore, earthquakes occur in the area. A sense of humor and willingness to relativise are all part of a tour of countries that are very much in a stage of development. That is also exactly what makes this trip really exciting, why adventure is a large aspect of it, and flexibility is greatly appreciated.

You will hear more about details of the tour and what you should / should not bring at the meeting, approx two to three weeks before departure of the group.