Good news, looks like we will have 10 days in Croatia! Should be plenty of time now.

We are thinking about looping up into the north east to Osijek, does anyone have any "must see" places or recommended hotels?

The coast road labelled 8 has got to be one of the best roads in Europe to ride.

Be careful because at one point the signs will direct you to a dual carriageway but this is for trucks so ignore it and then the roads get even nicer.

Over 100 miles of twisty roads. Bliss.

I'll go with that. When I have been over there I have noticed that the road's are quite light in colour. Look's to me like a lot of silica is used in the road making. And that stuff has no grip. But it don't melt in the heat. So it's a case of non melting road's against grip. So in the wet be carful.
John933

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To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.

Hi John933, forget about NE Croatia, nothing really interesting there, so even the locals are moving away. Except if you're into running on straight highways and secondary roads that are straight as well. Simply stick to the area close to the coast (well, don't forget about the Plitvice lakes). I'm surprised that almost nobody's mentioning a fantastic coastal road from Rijeka via Karlobag to Zadar. Istria is also a very pleasant place to visit.

For rentals, check this link: Motorcycle, motorbike tours Europe | Mototrip Tours Europe

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Even the temporarily worst things in life are good for something on a long run.

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Thanks for the info on the North East DesertSoul. We're debating on skipping the "inland" portion as it will open up a day or two for some beach time and a little extra at the lakes .

It is also one of the longest trafic jams in the known Universe, went through last year (south - north), and I was almost going crazy at the end of it.

Stunningly beautify though.

Why is it so common not to have a place to stop the places where the good photo opportunities are... grr..

Casper

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Amazing how a few years can make a difference. I was very travelling at warp speed. Traffic jams. Never.

Coastal road IS one of the best roads to ride. Just stick to the road from where you can see the sea and you'll be OK.
It is not very busy because nowdays most people use highway, but be careful because it goes through small towns and many tourists are crossing the road where they shouldn't. Slow down when you are passing through areas with houses built next to the road
Southern part is like that, but when you pass Sibenik, towns are mostly "under" the road (road is moved away from seaside) so you can increase speed from there.

"White roads" are the thing of the past mostly, because road has been mostly repaired and now they are black Trust me, I ride there all the time. Especially northen part.

I suggest you forget NorthEast part of Croatia, because compared to the coastline - there is nothing to see. In the summertime especially.


If you dont like touristy places, better skip Dubrovnik - there is so much tourists there that you will not be able to see the city. Prices are outrageous...
Go north and stop in Split if you want to see the islands (I strongly suggest that. You may walk around old part of Split, very nice place to see.
Island Brac is 2hrs ferry drive away. Island Hvar also.
Island Vis is best in my opinion, but it's 4hrs away and expensive to take the bike on the ferry.

From there go to Krka falls (Slapovi krke), and from there you can go to Zadar, beautiful little city, which you can explore by foot.

From there go to Plitvice lakes (Plitvicka jezera), and after you are done with it head on to Rijeka.
Rijeka is not so beautiful city, but from there you can explore Istria (Istra) which is in my opinion the best part of Croatia, and most tourist-friendly, with best food, affordable accommodation and everything you are looking for.
Roads are also nice and there are many sights to see there. Try to plan your trip in the way that you spend most of the time in Istria...
Istria is all what is west from Rijeka.

If you decide to go inland, from Rijeka it is close to go to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia... and from Zagreb, Varazdin is close - there is amazing castle near Varazdin (Trakoscan) so make sure you see that if you decide to move away from the seaside.

There is a map, I marked the places which I mentioned above.

If you need any more info just ask

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Mateo

For Krka falls (slapovi krke) you will loose half day if you get there early, so I suggest after that go to zadar and enjoy romantic evening with your wife in Zadar. Spend the night there.
Tomorrow go for Plitvice lakes (plitvicka jezera). That will take more time than Krka, but if you finish early enough you may reach Rijeka by sunset and spend the night there.

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Mateo

I definitely recommend Plitvice lakes, absolutely stunning!

you still looking for a bike to rent?

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Sorry missed your post Stray Dog.

Hope you had a great time.

P


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