The Ultimate European Grand Tour: 29 Days of Pure Freedom 2-Up

When a couple from New Zealand reached out looking for the "ultimate" European motorcycle adventure, they weren't just looking for a holiday. They were looking for a life-changing journey.

We designed a 29-day, 6,500 km epic that isn't just a ride—it’s a transition through cultures, landscapes, and some of the most storied pavement on the planet. Riding 2-up on a BMW R 1300 GS, this journey takes them from the high-altitude drama of the Alps to the sun-drenched Adriatic coast, and deep into the wild, rugged heart of the Balkans.

This is the kind of trip where the world changes around every bend.

From Alpine Giants to Mediterranean Sunsets

The vibe of this tour is all about contrast and flow. One day you are standing on a glacier-carved peak in the French Alps, surrounded by thin air and silence. A few days later, you’re leaning into sweeping curves along the Croatian coast with the scent of salt air and pine trees filling your helmet.

The journey is broken into "chapters," each with its own distinct energy:

• The High Alpine Chapter: This is where you conquer the legends. It’s about the rhythm of the hairpins, the cool mountain air, and that feeling of being on top of the world. You’ll tackle the highest paved passes in Europe, where the road feels like a ribbon draped over the sky.

• The Dolomite Dream: The scenery shifts to jagged limestone peaks that turn pink at sunset. The riding here is technical, rewarding, and incredibly scenic—perfect for a couple who loves the dance of a well-balanced bike through tight switchbacks.

• The Coastal Cruise: As you head south, the mountains meet the sea. Riding the Adriatic Highway is pure therapy—miles of blue water on one side and dramatic cliffs on the other. It’s about finding that perfect seaside terrace for an afternoon espresso.

• The Balkan Frontier: This is the "wild" part of the adventure. You’ll leave the tourist tracks behind to explore deep canyons, turquoise rivers, and hidden mountain villages in Montenegro and Bosnia. It’s raw, authentic, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Built for the 2-Up Experience

Riding 2-up for a month requires a different kind of planning. This isn't a "marathon" where you arrive exhausted; it’s a grand tour designed for shared enjoyment.

We’ve balanced the days so that the riding is engaging but never draining. With about five hours of actual saddle time per day, there is always space for the "extra" moments: a long lunch in a medieval square, a photo stop at a hidden waterfall, or an early arrival at a boutique hotel to enjoy a glass of local wine before dinner.

The BMW R 1300 GS is the silent hero of this trip. It’s built for exactly this—carrying two people and their luggage across a continent with effortless power and total comfort, whether you're on a 2,800-meter pass or a coastal highway.

The "Hidden" Highlights

While the big-name passes are incredible, it’s often the unexpected moments that stick with you:

• The Serpentine Climbs: Looking back down at a road you just climbed, seeing 50 hairpins stacked like a ladder below you.

• The Canyons: Riding through red-rock gorges where the road is literally carved into the cliffside, feeling the scale of the landscape.

• The History: Walking through the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik or crossing the iconic Old Bridge in Mostar, feeling the weight of centuries of history.

• The Rest Days: We’ve baked in strategic breaks in places like the Dolomites and the Adriatic coast. These aren't just "days off"—they are chances to soak in the vibe of a place without the helmet on.

Why This Pre-Planned Adventure Works

The beauty of this 29-day journey is the total peace of mind. For a couple coming all the way from New Zealand, the last thing they want is to be staring at a map on the side of a busy road or wondering if a mountain pass is actually open.

Every hotel is hand-picked for its character and rider-friendliness. Every route has been tested and optimized for the best views and the best "flow." All the logistics—the border crossings, the toll roads, the best fuel stops—are already handled.

All they have to do is wake up, press the starter button, and follow the GPS into another day of magic.

Ready to Write Your Own Story?

This 29-day Grand Tour was a custom dream for one couple, but the spirit of it is available to anyone. Whether you have two weeks or five, whether you want to stay in the high Alps or explore the deep Balkans, we can build a route that captures the exact vibe you’re looking for.

If you’re ready to stop dreaming about the "ultimate" trip and actually start riding it, let’s talk.

The road is waiting.