Where empires fade, adventure begins

Over 3,000 thrilling kilometres by rail, road, and ferry, this Bespoke Rallies adventure takes you across intriguing Croatian islands, rugged mountains, and sweeping coastal roads that hug the Adriatic at its most spectacular.

By night, unwind in carefully chosen hotels where comfort meets character, and by day, embrace the spirit of exploration on a journey that blends history, scenery, and the pure joy of the open road.

DISCOVER THE ISTRIAN MAGIC:  FROM PORTOROZ TO CRES

Portoroz to Cres
From Portoroz we take the scenic road to Motovun. Perched high above the Mirna River valley, Motovun is a beautifully preserved medieval town where stone walls, winding cobbled streets, and sweeping views define every moment. Surrounded by vineyards and truffle-rich forests, it offers a timeless Istrian escape blending history, culture, and unforgettable scenery.Then we drop down to the coast to Pula, a city steeped in Roman history. Parking by the Pula Arena you see one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world – Better than Rome, some say  – We continue along the Istrian peninsular and take the ferry at Brestova.

The short ferry ride takes you to Porozina, the gateway to Cres. From here we head across the island to Cres town, where we spend two nights at the brand-new Isalano Hotel.

DALMATIA COUNTRY

Zadar to Split
Our scenic journey from Zadar to Split is an island-hopping coastal adventure, using ferries to Ugljan and Pašman Islands and continuing through Biograd and Šibenikto the postcard-perfect peninsula of Primošten and the medieval charm of Trogir, every bend offers another unforgettable view on your way to Split.

Split is the largest city and heart of Dalmatia, a historic region along Croatia’s Adriatic coast, famous for its stunning scenery, rich Roman history centered around Emperor Diocletian’s Palace (a UNESCO site).

Spend an afternoon following ancient footsteps –starting from the Peristil (the colonnaded open courtyard) and cathedral, wander through the ancient maze of Venetian influenced narrow streets and little squares..

We stay at Hotel Ambasador, located on Split’s waterfront West Coast neighbourhood’s Riva Promenade

Split to Dubrovnik

Travel the dramatic Makarska Riviera, where mountains plunge into crystal-clear waters. Cross the elegant Pelješac Bridge and pass through vineyard-clad hillsides before reaching the ancient salt town of Ston. The road then sweeps south to Dubrovnik, revealing the Adriatic at its most spectacular.

Thanks to a new bridge that connects mainland Croatia in the villages of Komarna and Brijesta on the Peljesac peninsula, you no longer have to cross the borders into and out of Bosnia & Herzegovina, which saves a lot of time.

En route, stop at Ston and Mali Ston, two charming villages renowned for ancient salt pans and the impressive Walls of Ston, the longest defensive wall in Europe and the second longest in the world after the Great Wall of China.

The area is also world-famous for its delicious oysters, considered some of the best you can get!

In Dubrovnik we stay for 2 nights in the iconic Hilton Imperial hotel, located as close to the old city as one can get, the hotel overlooks the ancient walls and historic red roofs.

Explore Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is all about the stunning medieval architecture and well-preserved city walls that encircle the Old Town, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For a perfect day in Dubrovnik, walk the ancient City Walls for incredible views, then explore the limestone alleys of the UNESCO Old Town, visiting Rector’s Palace and St. Blaise Church, before catching the Cable Car up Mount Srd for wonderful panoramic vistas.

While “Game of Thrones” tours may have put Dubrovnik in the spotlight, the city’s incredible food scene deserves equal recognition. Perched on the Adriatic coast and surrounded by ancient walls, Dubrovnik is renowned for its rich history and mouthwatering local food.

From charming local taverns to seaside eateries, discover where to find the freshest seafood and hearty, slow-cooked meals, or a little of both.

Dubrovnik to Mostar

Leave the coast behind and venture into the serene landscapes of Herzegovina. Pass through Trebinje’s leafy promenades and riverside cafés, glide along quiet rural valleys, and approach Mostar through a world of rugged karst hills—until the famous Old Bridge rises above the emerald Neretva.

Stop in Blagaj, near Mostar, a popular day trip destination, to see the stunning Blagaj Tekija (Dervish Monastery), an Ottoman-era monastery built in the 1520s, set dramatically against the cliff face next to the Buna River spring.

We will stay overnight in Mostar to experience its magical evening atmosphere and see the illuminated Old Town after the day-trippers leave.

Mostar to Plitvice

Our route climbs into the wide-open Bosnian highlands, crossing peaceful meadows, shimmering lakes, and alpine-style plateaux. From Kupres to Livno, the scenery is vast and unspoiled. Re-enter Croatia and journey into the deep forests surrounding Plitvice Lakes, where waterfalls and woodland trails await. We will visit the massive, abandoned Zeljava Airbase, a former Yugoslavian underground military complex built into the Plješevica mountain near the Croatian/Bosnian border. One of Europe’s largest underground airbases, built to house MiG-21 jets and support personnel, featuring five runways and extensive tunnels designed to withstand nuclear attacks. You will see an abandoned Douglas C-47 transport plane left on the runway, offering a unique exploration site just a short drive from the popular Plitvice Lakes.

Plitvice to Opatija

Today we head back to the coast to discover the idyllic “Austrian riviera”.

We travel West through the cool green mountains of Gorski Kotar, a land of quiet villages and pine forests. Descend gradually toward the Adriatic, where elegant Opatija greets you with Belle-Époque villas, seaside promenades and a timeless Riviera ambience.

Opatija is unlike other coastal towns in Croatia. It has captivated the hearts of many since the Habsburg era in the late-19th century. During the fin de siècle, it became popular with the Austro-Hungarian royals and nobility, whose pastel-coloured villas still dot the surrounding hills.

During the Cold War, when Croatia was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Opatija became a favourite vacation spot for Yugoslavia’s political elites.

In Opatija we stay in the elegant Amadria Park Hotel Milenij

Opatija to Venice

Follow the coast through Istria and the charming Slovenian Riviera. From Piran’s Venetian squares to Trieste’s grand waterfront, the road unfolds with gentle Mediterranean charm.

Just outside Trieste, Miramare Castle sits directly above the water. This is a perfect stop: walking the gardens, breathing the sea air and absorbing the quiet elegance of the place.

Continue across the peaceful Veneto countryside before reaching the timeless canals and bridges of Venice. As you reach Venice and park safely at Tronchetto, boats will replace cars to take you to San Clemente Palace Hotel private island for your two-night stay in the world’s most elegant and celebratory city.

Venice

A day to relax in Venice between a masterpiece at the Accademia, a trip to the Guggenheim, a visit to the dome of the Salute and a tour of the Doge’s Palace. San Clemente Palace hotel is just ten minutes by boat from San Marco.

This former monastery converted into a palace is where the crowds disappear, where time stands still, and where the dome of San Marco can be contemplated from the restaurant terrace by the flickering light of candles.

Let yourself be enchanted by the extraordinary richness of Venice!

Venice To Innsbruck for Motorail back

Climb into the Dolomites, where jagged peaks and sweeping passes create one of Europe’s most memorable drives.

Travel through the South Tyrol’s alpine villages before crossing the Brenner Pass and descending into Innsbruck, framed by the soaring Austrian Alps.

Arrive at the Innsbruck terminal.