Magical Croatia

Transfer to the rental company (10 min). Final formalities and pick up the motorcycle for a short stage.

You leave Zagreb toward the Plitvice Lakes National Park, near the Bosnia-Herzegovina border. Stop in Slunj, a charming town about 50 km before Plitvice.

It's the confluence of the Korana and Slunjcica rivers that creates lovely waterfalls, around which the old district of Rastoke is built, with old footbridges where you walk among wooden houses.

Then you ride on to Plitvice. It's one of Croatia's jewels, listed as UNESCO World Heritage.

The site includes 16 lakes stretching over 8 km, connected on different levels by waterfalls, canyons and a network of caves. The palette of blues and greens is almost unreal! Downside: it's very crowded. 

Overnight in Plitvice.

Arrive early in the Plitvice National Park in the morning if you want to enjoy it again, as it gets crowded, especially in summer.

In the mountains and forests in the background, you may encounter bears, wolves and, more rarely, lynx. You can walk on the wooden boardwalks along the lakes, or take an electric boat on the large Lake Kozjak.

Get back on the motorcycle and ride south through forests and hills, with some nice switchbacks here and there...

You reach the northern part of Krka National Park, with beautiful viewpoints over the Krka River and the Manojlovacki Slapovi waterfalls. Detour to the beautiful Krka Monastery before arriving in Skradin, in the south of the park.

Overnight in Skradin. 

Note : you can add a second night in Skradin to make the most of Krka (or Plitvice in the morning). Ask us.

Enjoy the morning to stroll around the charming village of Skradin, from where boats depart to the entrance of this beautiful park, home to some of Europe's finest waterfalls. 

On your way out, ride up to the Skradinski Buk falls, a series of 17 cascades over nearly 50 m of elevation, in lush vegetation. Stunning! You can swim, and buy local products (figs, cheese, olive oil...). 

Ride to the beautiful city of Split on the coast. Board the ferry to Stari Grad, on the island of Hvar. The crossing (included) takes about 2 hours. 

Hvar is one of the most beautiful islands in the Adriatic, famous for its laid-back lifestyle and immense lavender fields that smell like Provence. After Stari Grad, you reach the capital, Hvar, nicknamed the Croatian Venice. Its old town is magnificent. 

Overnight on Hvar (or nearby).

Like its southern neighbor Korcula, the island of Hvar is a little paradise covered with vineyards, olive groves, pine forests, lavender fields and pretty coves. 

Luxury, calm and voluptuousness, or simplicity: choose your vibe. Hvar Town is a bit like the St-Tropez of Croatia. There are crowds in summer... Wander through the maze of cobblestone lanes in the old town. You'll find beautiful buildings such as the Renaissance and Baroque cathedral, the Renaissance theater, and the Franciscan monastery with its tall bell tower. 

Don't hesitate to rent bicycles, or take the motorcycle to explore the rest of the island. A favorite: Vrboska, a small fishing port perfect for those seeking calm. 

As for the hamlet of Pitve, clinging to a hillside inland, it's great to get lost in its steep lanes... You can take a water taxi to the enchanting coves of the Pakleni Islands. 

Overnight on Hvar (or nearby).

You leave Hvar to the east, after a ferry crossing of about 30 minutes.

Ride south along the coastal road, the "Magistrala", passing through Gradac. 

After a short incursion into Bosnia-Herzegovina, back into Croatia, still on the Magistrala, before reaching Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic".

Listed as World Heritage by UNESCO since 1979, the city boasts one of the finest fortification systems in the world. Although its origins date back to the 7th century, it reached its peak in the 15th with the rise of the Republic of Ragusa, whose influence extended as far as India and America. Relatively spared during the 1991–1992 bombings, the old town is home to palaces, churches, chapels and beautiful residences. Walk on the walls or in the lanes of the upper town, before having a drink at the Old Port..

Overnight in Dubrovnik. 

Two options: stay in Dubrovnik, or set off to discover the magnificent Bay of Kotor, in neighboring Montenegro. 

Hop on your motorcycle and stop in Cavtat, the former Greek Epidaurum. We love the atmosphere of its charming little harbor, nestled at the end of a bay. It's calmer than its big sister Dubrovnik. 

After the border, you approach the famous Bay of Kotor, the longest "maritime canyon" in the Mediterranean. A true wonder, listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The bay is made up of 4 inner gulfs. 

Geologically it's not a fjord, but the impression is grand! Walk in the old town of Kotor and climb to the St. John Fortress for a wide-angle view. The downside: it can be quite crowded in season.

Return to Dubrovnik. 

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Head north on the Magistrala. Detour via the cute little port of Mali Ston, from where you can push to Ston, a stone's throw away. You'll spot the impressive network of defensive walls built on the hillside in the 14th century.

Stop at Donja Vala beach in Drvenik for a coffee or lunch, with your feet (almost) in the water. 

You then climb toward Biokovo Park, a small detour from the Magistrala... The switchbacks lead to a magnificent view over the coast. Thrill seekers can continue to the "Skywalk", a semi-circular glass platform over the void above the Adriatic. 

Back to the coastal road. You reach Omis, then Split. Split is Croatia's second city. Its lively atmosphere and the extraordinary Diocletian's Palace—a city within a city—are well worth a visit. 

Overnight in Split.

Ride to Trogir, less than 30 km from Split. Another splendid medieval town, as only the Dalmatian coast can offer! Listed as World Heritage, get lost in its cobblestone lanes among elegant palaces. It's also crowded in summer.

Then to Šibenik, 60 km north. Park the bike and stroll along Zagrebacka, the city's prettiest street. Climb up to St. Michael's Fortress for a wonderful panoramic view. 

Back on the motorcycle, head for Zadar, reached after a detour via the small center of Vodice. 

Zadar is one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic. We love its fortified Old Town with walls and gates, the Five Wells Square, St. Simeon's Church, the National Square (the city's heart), the old Varos district, and the Roman Forum. 

On the seafront, let yourself be lulled by the sound of the sea organ... 

Overnight in Zadar.

You leave Zadar and reach the small fortified island-town of Nin, full of charm!

Then head north to Pag island, reached after crossing the bridge from the mainland. Swept by the Bora, it impresses with its lunar landscape. Stop in Pag town to taste salt-meadow lamb. 

Head to the northern tip of Pag Bay, then take a first short ferry (about 15 minutes) back to the mainland. A second short ferry takes you to Rab island.

Rab is one of the most beautiful islands in the Kvarner Gulf. The lunar look of its eastern coast, shaped by the Bora (a strong easterly wind), contrasts with the western side with many nice coves, villages and small towns. The old fortified town of Rab is simply splendid, with its 4 Romanesque bell towers, its medieval district and beautiful churches, including the superb Romanesque cathedral, consecrated in 1176! 

Overnight in Rab. 

Ride to Lopar, in the north of Rab island, then take the ferry (about 80 minutes, included) to Valbiska, on Krk island.

Head to Krk town then Vrbnik on the eastern coast. This charming village, away from tourist flows, is perched on a spur facing the mainland. Get lost in the lanes and take a terrace break.

You leave Krk via the bridge linking it to the mainland, then skirt the bay of Rijeka. You enter Istria, one of our favorite regions in Croatia. Bordering Slovenia, Istria has forged close ties with its Italian neighbor, especially the Republic of Venice. You'll quickly notice that Italian is the second language in the region! 

The coastal road winds with superb sea views before reaching Rabac, tucked into a cute little bay. Arrival in Pula, the capital of Istria. Among the many Roman remains are the superb amphitheater, the forum, and the Arch of the Sergii. 

Overnight in Pula.

Ride toward Bale, a charming village that has preserved its medieval walls, then Svetvincenat, another lovely small town. 

Back to the coast in Rovinj, for a walk in the old town, beautifully set on its peninsula, dominated by the tall Venetian bell tower!

Inland, Sveti Lovrec is a delightful village that has partly preserved its medieval walls and old houses, arranged in an oval around the central square. Back to the coast again in Porec. Proudly set on its peninsula, you will admire the splendid Euphrasian Basilica, listed as World Heritage. 

You leave the coast for the green hills of central Istria. In Groznjan, get lost in the maze of vaulted passages and narrow cobblestone alleys. 

Arrival in Motovun, a hamlet perched at 270 m. The view over the hills dotted with vineyards is idyllic.

Overnight in Motovun (or nearby).

Final stage of your Croatian journey, returning to your starting point, Zagreb.

The route favors small winding roads over main highways. You follow Lake Jezero Butoniga with a beautiful view, then reach Hum, which, with its dozen houses, claims to be the smallest town in the world. Stop and wander its charming lanes with galleries and a few shops. 

You pass at the foot of Snjeznik, a mountain peak reaching 1,506 m.

Back to Zagreb to return the motorcycle at the rental company. Transfer to the Old Town (10 min) for one last stroll. Wander near the big popular market of Dolac. Great atmosphere guaranteed.

Overnight in Zagreb.

Depending on your return flight time, enjoy a bit more of the Croatian capital by strolling in the upper town.

Transfer to Zagreb airport.

Return flight.

Stay extension or itinerary changes: ask us