Overview
As you rev your engines, be prepared to traverse the winding roads of Bulgaria, where the rugged terrain meets quaint villages and ancient landmarks. Feel the pulse of history beneath your wheels as you explore Greece, where each turn unveils the remnants of ancient civilizations and the warmth of Hellenic hospitality. Navigate the charming landscapes of North Macedonia, where the past and present coexist seamlessly, offering a unique perspective on Balkan heritage.
Highlights
- Starts and ends in Sofia, Bulgaria
- Trip to Rila monastery and Pirin area
- Visit Kavala, an important Greek port since Ancient Greece
- Ride to Greece's second-biggest city, Thessaloniki
- Explore the Ohrid Lake area before continuing to Macedonia's capital of Skopje
- Enjoy a guided tour of the capital of Bulgaria
- 4 nights accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1: Rila Monastery and Pirin Mountain (250 kilometers / 155 miles, 3 hours)
You will start your adventure from Sofia in the morning. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will begin your exploration of the Balkans. First, you will ride toward one of the most famous Bulgarian historical sights, Rila Monastery. The ride to it is amazing, with beautiful views of Rila Mountain and good curves. The monastery is the biggest in the Balkans, and it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was built in 1335, but its history can be traced to the middle of the 10th century. You will have a guided visit to the complex. After that, you can make a lunch stop at a rest
Day 2: Greece (300 kilometers / 186 miles, 4 hours)
Today, you will reach Greece. After breakfast, you will start riding toward Kavala. You will ride through the scenic roads of Pirin Mountain until you reach the border. Kavala is one of the important Greek ports since the time of Ancient Greece. The historical part still keeps remains from the fortifications and the aqueduct from the time of the Roman Empire. You will have a guided visit to the place and you can have lunch at the beautiful marina. After the break, you will start your ride toward Thessaloniki. It is the second biggest city in Greece and one of the most important trade cities in
Day 3: The Heritage of Ancient Macedonia (300 kilometers / 186 miles, 4 hours)
After breakfast, you will start the ride toward the first point of interest of the day, Vergina royal tombs. This is where the ancient capital of the Macedonia was located - Eagia. You will visit the tomb of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. You will learn about this amazing person and his Empire. Its impact led to one of the most impressive epochs in European and Middle-Eastern history - the Hellenistic period. After that, you will enter North Macedonia. A country that was established in 1991 after the collapse of Yugoslavia. The region is very important to Bulgarian history too.
Day 4: Skopje (180 kilometers / 112 miles, 3 hours)
In the morning, you will start your journey toward the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. You will ride on a very beautiful and scenic road. Skopje is one of the most bizarre and interesting cities in Europe. After the collapse of Yugoslavia, the city had the task of creating a national identity and history. You will see hundreds of statues that have the task of doing so. The city has two parts: modern and oriental. You will explore both of them and you will see the heritage of many different cultures. You will learn the dramatic history of those lands. You will stay overnight in the center o
Day 5: Back to Sofia (250 kilometers / 155 miles, 4 hours)
After breakfast, you will start the ride back to Sofia. You will cross the rest of Macedonia and will enter Bulgaria. You will ride through one beautiful mountain passage. You will pass through towns and villages and see the remains of the might of the Communist industrialization. When you reach Sofia, if you don't have the time to explore the city, you will have a guided tour of the capital of Bulgaria. After the tour, you will return the bikes. The overnight in Sofia is not included in the price. If you need support for it, please let Bultrips know.
Ride Details
- Bike
- personal or rental bike
- Mileage
- 1280 kilometers / 795 miles
- Daily rides
- 180 - 300 kilometers / 112 - 186 miles
- Riding gear
- not included, please bring your own gear
- Meals
- all breakfasts
What's included
- 4 nights accommodation in Bansko area, Thessaloniki, Ohrid, Skopje
- Breakfasts
- Highly educated professional guide
- Sofia airport transfers
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Fuel
- Nights in Sofia
- Airfare
Accommodation
During the tour, you will stay in carefully selected three-star hotels in historical parts of the cities.
Food
The package includes daily breakfast.
Getting There
This motorcycle tour takes place in Bulgaria, Greece, and North Macedonia. It starts and ends in Sofia, Bulgaria. [+](https://www.tripaneer.com/bultrips-ltd/5-day-short-balkan-adventure-guided-motorcycle-tour-in-bulgaria-greece-and-north-macedonia# "Zoom in") [−](https://www.tripaneer.com/bultrips-ltd/5-day-short-balkan-adventure-guided-motorcycle-tour-in-bulgaria-greece-and-north-macedonia# "Zoom
Rider Reviews
A good trip to the Balkans. Some windy, twisty roads, nice choice of hotels and a very friendly and accommodating guide/instructor (his name is Reson). Overall a good trip.
