Cycling the Balkans - Austria to Turkey by Bike! // A Documentary

This film has been a long time in the making, so we are really excited to finally share it with you!
It's been quite the emotional rollercoaster for us to revisit the very beginning of our journey in this retrospective documentary, and it's really shown us just how far we've come the past two and a half years.
Back then, it felt like every little milestone was a huge achievement, and every new experience was the first if its kind. A general excitement, that we hope to have conveyed in this film.
So come along and join us, as we go "back in time", and cycle along the Croatian coast, through the Balkans, and down to Turkey.
By the way, if you're newer to this channel and wondering why the sign on our bikes reads "Chains & Chords"... for the first 23 months of our journey we were traveling with first two, and then one guitar. However, circumstances changed and we eventually decided to leave them behind and also "rebrand". If you're interested, you will still find some music content on our channel.
Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome (back) to Europe!
01:25 - Austria - Leaving the Alps
06:44 - Slovenia - The Adventure Begins
10:48 - Croatia - Reaching the Coast
24:37 - Montenegro - Bay of Kotor
31:26 - Albania - Into the Unknown
37:41 - Greece - What a Moment
49:42 - Turkey - Goodbye Europe
57:30 - Epilogue - Cycling Around the World
To see our exact cycling route through the Balkans, visit our website:
www.louisaandtobi.com/route-i...
Thank you to our Patrons, KZbin Members & other supporters!
Our Route & Travel Infos: www.louisaandtobi.com
Support us on Patreon: / louisaandtobi
Follow us on Instagram: / louisaandtobi
Thank you also to our partner, Dr-Walter!
If you're looking for travel insurance, consider using our affiliate-link:
www.protrip-world.com/en/?vkn...

[@mbtravel7294]

Its nice to see all those strangers helping you along the way. Its restoring my faith in humanity.😊

[@louisaandtobi]

Yes, it truly is incredible!

[@1minotm1]

They are not strangers, they are normal nice people. Hard to find people like them in the "civilised west".

[@johnfowler4820]

This is real film making. It documents reality and human emotions perfectly. I have rarely seen the joy of discovery captured so well. Great work.

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you very much! :)

[@ShawNshawN]

Wow! What a trip guys. You must really like having the video to see it again in the future. Really amazing trip.

[@bazasmith]

This was wonderful! And, as much as it took you back - it did me too ... When you started - I had just had heart surgery and was recuperating - I soaked up your travels and couldn't wait for the next post! I've been with you ever since and your travel inspired my own - answering my questions to build my own adventure cycling across Canada - and I did. Your philosophy of just going with the flow, enjoying the slow pace and showing us your trials as much as your highs and soaking in as much of local flavour and friendliness fuelled my own excitement and I'm sure many others'. It is amazing how your mature as a cycle tourist - shuddering at the hills early on, taking them in stride later; but the moments are amazing when you realize you got where you are ... on a bike. You can only feel such joy when you do what we have done - and that is special. Thank you, again, for taking us with you. Looking forward to your next instalment!

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you very much for your kind words! We are glad to hear that you are still enjoying our videos :)

[@doombardevon6099]

This was a joy to watch, it must have taken a while to edit. The views,sounds , images are lovely, you are two talented, gentle souls . You have to keep up this great work, cause I have just subscribed.. yippee 😊😊. Warm wishes from Devon,UK.

[@branislavnikolic5722]

every time when I look at some cycling trips I feel somehow alive ,earlier I hike in the mountains or canoe or boat was on the river danube , but for the first time I felt so free on my first cycling trip in 2022 I traveled from my city to Montenegro in 1220 km, i can't wait for my next bike trip in Georgia this summer, you are awesome and keep inspiring new cyclists.

[@louisaandtobi]

Yea, cycling really gives you a great sense of freedom, there's almost nothing like it! :)

[@linigen1951]

Great film and really well told, such a story full of interest and above all heart.

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you :)

[@chowter]

Haven't seen you two for awhile. Hope all is well. ❤ Hello from beautiful Oregon! ❤

[@lukecardew]

Well put together summery of your balkans trip! ♥️ keep up the good work!

[@airwickadventures5297]

Amazing Place indeed! i cheated and i rented an EMTB. I took the serpentine road and the Old Kotor Fort Trail all the way down. It was an unforgettable experience.

[@shagoesfar]

Ohh I’m sorry sorry you got an injury - less fe can be so unpredictable, glad you pulled through

[@jairoribeiro2029]

What a epic life adventure, great!

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Thanks for a great recap of your adventure Louisa & Tobi . Happy New Year to you both and safe travels in 2024.

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you! Happy New Year to you too :)

[@KB-sz5zb]

Good to see you again

[@keitherskine8572]

Excellent documentary! Applaud your courage to set out on such a journey. 😊

[@marciolprado1]

Great trip!

[@francoromano3993]

Saludos desde Veenzuela, gracias por brindarnos nuevos videos, conociendo otra parte de Europa , que poco conociamos. Exito Saludos from Venezuela

[@barrynowne6400]

awesome vidio keep going barry from AUSTRALIA

[@Zh87119]

Great to watch

[@marckelly2895]

Wow! What an amazing adventure you two have been on, you are so inspiring & what you are doing & have done is called living life to the full 👏👏👏 I have been talking about cycling around the world for nearly 30 years now 😬 I am definitely going to cycle around Sri Lanka for one month next year but I just hope I am not too old at 56 ? When I get back from Sri Lanka I will plan a mammoth cycling adventure like the one you two have been on so Thank you for the inspiration 👍

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you! The great thing about cycling and bike travel is you are essentially never too old and never to young to do it, as long as you have a reasonable fitness and good attitude towards it. :) All the best on your upcoming tours!

[@marckelly2895]

@@louisaandtobi Thank you for your incouregment 😊👍

[@kazbekulubiev]

Amazing ...

[@rheinking2754]

Excellent film, very inspirational! I like the way you explain your camping spot decisions. I also cycled up the switchbacks above the Bay of Kotor last summer albeit with an E-MTB. Black mountain is a great place to visit. Schöne Grüße aus Bonn, RK

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you :) Liebe Grüße aus Bangkok ;)

[@TranceDriver69]

Servus zusammen! Sehr schöne Reisebericht. Sehr schönes Art von erzählen. Die Ruhe und die Gelassenheit die ihr ausstrahlt macht noch mehr Spaß dieses Film zu schauen.Es wirkt so schön auf mich 🙄😊 Meine nächste Reise geht im Juli von Deutschland, über euren Heimatland nach Ljubljana und weiter nach Ungarn. Ich reise mit meinem Pony, 20 Zoll Klapprad 🚲 Wünsche euch weiterhin einen sicheren Trip! Vielen Dank fürs mitnehmen! Peace and Love to all of us 🙏🏻✌️

[@jeffieh]

Great adventure, well told. Thank you both!

[@pandrew3146]

Thankyou for sharing 👏 ❤a wonderful adventure 😊

[@cherylsmith7728]

Well done. Can't wait for the next film.

[@djhollyday7880]

Super. Thanks for filming.

[@plaas228]

Wow, what beautiful places. Thank you for sharing it ....

[@arvindc8492]

It was beautiful guys. Thanks a lot. ❤

[@maliksince1973]

Amazing documentry.

[@patadanut71]

Sarbatori fericite, la multi ani.

[@mikeb1195]

Brilliant! Thank you Louisa and Tobi. Good luck with the rest of your journey. Can’t wait for the next video

[@arunapriyalal9542]

you guys are amazing wow

[@1minotm1]

Amazing ride

[@DameEdnaBrown]

What a wonderful start to your adventures and such bonding between the two of you. Your were lucky your first biking injury wasn't too bad. The kindness of some people you met was heart-warming.

[@fiets_en_verwonder]

really great movie!, cycling the Balkan is amazing

[@MrJx4000]

Good retrospect; can't believe it's been 2+ years already. Happy (belated) New Year and keep the videos coming if you'll still be on the road-I could never do it.

[@alexk3806]

Fantastic bit of Filming and editing, I was completely hooked on your story. Great stuff.

[@robvantoledo]

RESPECT what you're doing. Cycling all the countries. Amazing video's. I'm enjoying them all. I hope that you can do this a long long time together. GrüBe aus der Niederlande 😉🇾🇪

[@cevatbeyaz847]

I am from Türkiye,I liked your edvanture very much.I am improving my English by watching you.Thank you :)

[@maidbloke]

Great video! Can't believe how lucky you were with that lovely Warm Showers host who came to see if you were OK! A wonderful journey.

[@user-vj4iq6ji1y]

Beautiful and wel done !😅

[@aldomeroni9629]

Complimenti, bellissimo!! ciao dall'Italia 🚴🚴‍♂

[@shaukatkhan1600]

very good bicycle long adventure tour

[@annguyen1283]

Awesome!!! I wish my wife have the same love with bicycle like you guys

[@Alvinaeb]

So inspired by the two of you. Your journey around the world has helped me see things with new eyes. I cannot believe I have been watching you for 2 years,

[@louisaandtobi]

It's really nice to hear that we could be of some inspiration! Thank you for still following along :)

[@arcoulant87]

Chapeau great video.

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you :)

[@trpad8]

Great video once again! Really loved to see you driving by my grandparents house on Korčula! Hope you had a great start into 2024 and can’t wait to see your future cycling travelling videos!

[@louisaandtobi]

It's a small world! :D

[@manishjungkunwar5923]

I can not describe in words how I feel after watching your journey, absolutely incredible. Really appreciate those people who helped you in your journey. May the lord always give you happiness. Thank you for taking us on the amazing trip to Europe. Kudos 👏👏

[@louisaandtobi]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@chrisholt2474]

A great film and well done to you both. I have seen all your films since you started, this is a very enjoyable round up of part of the adventure. Both take care and have a great 2024, most of all take care of each other. I look forward to the next film. Kind regards, Chris. 🍻👍👍

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you very much! So great to hear that you're still watching every film :)

[@timlester2409]

Excellent Video! The best way to start 2024 is with a look back to past adventures. I wish you both the best of future travels to be shared with me.

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@thejohngalt]

The Greek Paramedic warmed my heart. Love from India.

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Great video.😍

[@louisaandtobi]

Thanks! :)

[@markrowe3664]

One of your best!! Loved it. May 2024 give you both happiness, kindness, tailwinds, lamingtons (not sure if you will find them) and great coffee! Cheers Mark

[@louisaandtobi]

Thanks Mark! We hope you have a great 2024 as well :) ...yea, the lamingtons might be tough, but you never know :D

[@disiplinadongsiklista640]

Beautiful countrysides

[@josephascroft4774]

Happy new year to you both, hope you had a great Christmas, it must be amazing seeing so much of Gods creation so close up may God bless you both this new year, I am praying 🙏🏻 for your safety every day, thank you for sharing your story and experience

[@user-qi4om6eg3z]

awesome❤💯🌹

[@ngauhungtv9476]

Milion like.

[@syedshahidiqbal2022]

awesome especially Austrian alps

[@expatexpat6531]

This made very nice viewing on New Year's Day (although the 25 hairpin bends looked like a ride from hell). I look forward to more of your travels in 2024.

[@gethappycyclingcampingoutdoors]

Only 315 likes and 25 comments? excellent video guys looking forward to watching the rest ✌❤

[@benoitdegrace]

At min 45ish… yup you’ve arrived in Greece alright. Getting all that food is a clear sign…

[@Bernhard20Zoll]

What a beautiful, beautiful video, wonderful, thank you 38:35 These are the moments when a lot comes across, thank you very much 2.1.24, I've been driving in the cold for weeks. And it often rains. For that reason alone, the video is a real pleasure. Thank you both, Bernhard Somehow this video allowed me to get to know you even more, if I may say so. I think Tobi's professional experiences also contributed to the creation of such an excellent video It was a great pleasure for me. Bernard

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@wildirishladdavy7965]

I have watched you from the start and it’s brilliant you are still cycling but my island calls you ☘️🐺☘️

[@otheremail123]

The production quality of your videos is great, some might think there is a professional film and editing crew traveling with you but no! It's just you guys :) Still the most underrated KZbin channel, love you guys. Thanks for amazing videos :)

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you very much! :)

[@thecyclist9929]

nice video

[@Bikepacking_sa]

What an awesome tour. Are you also planning to come travel down the African continent?

[@Cookboy3857]

Nice lodi take care

[@kulasiriyapa9802]

Come and visit Sri Lanka, a beautiful country for a bike tour

[@garthgreenup4789]

Hi, great video! I’m getting lots of great ideas for my upcoming trip from Athens to Germany. Would you mind telling me where that Greek hot spring is? Understood if it’s a secret! 😅

[@louisaandtobi]

maps.app.goo.gl/FXeHbEBWLwVfb1d37 ;)

[@jodyssey9921]

I have a plan to buy a sailboat in 2 years and eventually sail around the world but i really just want to ride my bike and i can't do both. So hard to decide what I'm going to do. I watch bike touring and sailing videos every day and neither is helping.😂

[@tonydownunder5703]

Nicely put together, Well done. And I can see the little lady getting stronger and stronger by the day 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 I am glad you both pissed them guitars off they were a pain in the ass 👍. Thanks for sharing guys 👏👏👏

[@MimiPet]

WoW, you made a big tour of the Balkans, but why did you miss Bulgaria? I am little disappointed that you did not visit my native country. Please, next time visit also Bulgaria.😊

[@louisaandtobi]

Next time! :)

[@wildirishladdavy7965]

How do you fill your fuel bottle with a funnel at the gas station ? How do you do this safely ? Maybe a video on this would be interesting ?

[@louisaandtobi]

We never actually use a funnel and just really slowly and careful fill up the bottle with the fuel nozzle, in small increments.

[@ShihabdeentheCyclist]

How do you manage your phone service network

[@louisaandtobi]

In all EU countries you can just use any EU sim card. In non-EU countries we either rely on the wifi at cafes, etc., or buy a local sim card.

[@tunic]

how exactly did you load your bikes in the buses?

[@louisaandtobi]

We took off the front wheels and were then able to get them into the storage upright.

[@tanwei1931]

Is it safe to say that uphill climbs with ~10% gradients or more were common occurrences throughout your around-the-world bicycle tour?

[@louisaandtobi]

~10% gradients are rather common, yes, but more than that is usually an exception

[@tanwei1931]

All right so I will use that as gauge for training for my Chili tour. I had a few encounters of ~10% gradients when I cycled in Quebec with my 75% loaded bike and it wasn't a very good feeling 😵‍💫. @@louisaandtobi

[@Maheshnitian]

Hii Louisa &Tobi , Iam Mahesh from India. My dream is to Explore the world adventurously and i decided to explore the world by cycling and iam going to start my journey in this September 2024,,any advice please 😒😒 Note: Ignore my english (grammar)😊

[@louisaandtobi]

Hey! The best advice we can give you if you're just starting out is to take small steps, don't push yourself too hard physically or mentally at the beginning, and don't be too frustrated if things don't work out at the beginning. Good luck on your trip!

[@cheezy-rider]

Have you learned of Thermacell mosquito repellers since your mosquito attack in Albania?

[@sergeylazarev4569]

Hey guys, traveling around the world without stepping your foot in Russia ?