Jun
13th
Stage 4: Bosnia to Albania
By Balkan Rally James
This is hardcore...
Serious ralliers only please. The fourth section of the rally is the organiser's favourite for good reason. This part of Europe is undiscovered and very different from the rest of it. Parts of Albania look like Nigeria. Parts of Bosnia look like Sierre Leone... well perhaps not but the half blown up buildings riddled with bullet holes do take some getting used to.
The best thing about travelling through these places though is without a doubt, the locals. This is your chance to get off the beaten track and experience real Balkan hospitality and kindness. I have every faith that countries like Bosnia, Monenegro and Albania will feature on ralliers "Top 5 ever" lists.
We start where we left off. Into Bosnia we will take you. Heading for Mostar, home of a world famous bridge which fearless locals will jump off to amuse the tourists (and for a small fee). Though we will be visiting this pretty town, we will be sleeping outside, in a beautiful secret scenic location, far enough from civilisation for some appreciation of Bosnia's bountiful natural beauty, close enough to civilisation that we can take you to the local village Taverna for a traditional experience that no money can buy (except £135 for the Balkan Rally!).
The next evening we are in Dubrovnik, Pearl of the Adriatic, this city needs no introduction, many of you will have visited before, possibly with parents. The city takes your breath away every time you glimpse it from the cliff top road that leads there. No trip to the Balkans would be complete without a visit here. You'll be hungover and therefore the Jazz evening we have planned for you will be just what you need (The organisers know what's best for you!).
The following day we go Cliff jumping, there are heights for all 'cohones'. Keep your arms tucked though, unless you want to go home in a stretcher. That day we drive along the coast to Kotor, lazy souls can enjoy a beer in the town square, exercise-minded people can take to the 1000 (probably) steps which lead up to the fort that overlooks the town, bring water with you because no matter what you think, you will pay the extortionate price charged for it at the top.
In the evening we split up. Those who don't care about their cars or are driving 4x4s pay attention! You can do our rally stage. I am going to tell you absolutely nothing about this right now however I will say this. Every rallier that took part in this two day 300 km round trip last year agrees, it is not to be missed. If you have the car and the balls for it, there really is no better way to spend 48 hours.
That's not to say that the alternate activity is any less fun. Miracle is a mafia owned Ibiza style outdoor club perched on top of a mountain overlooking Budva in Montenegro. It has a huge stage, more jacuzzis than you could ever justify, and plenty of oppurtunities to be bundled into the trunk of a Zastava and fed to the piggies on the edge of town.
If you survive the previous night and think you want something a little more edgy, a little less Ayia Napa, and a little more Burkina Faso then, perhaps Albania will be just what you're after. We head to Tirana, the capital, where we are united with the rally stage group. Clubbing in Tirana is at odds with the rest of the country, you have never seen a more glamorous clientele. The music is good, the drinks are cheap, the partying is till late.
Don't overdo it though, the following day we head to Lake Ohrid, Macedonia for the party to end all parties. 'Stage 5: The finish party' coming soon.
Serious ralliers only please. The fourth section of the rally is the organiser's favourite for good reason. This part of Europe is undiscovered and very different from the rest of it. Parts of Albania look like Nigeria. Parts of Bosnia look like Sierre Leone... well perhaps not but the half blown up buildings riddled with bullet holes do take some getting used to.
The best thing about travelling through these places though is without a doubt, the locals. This is your chance to get off the beaten track and experience real Balkan hospitality and kindness. I have every faith that countries like Bosnia, Monenegro and Albania will feature on ralliers "Top 5 ever" lists.
We start where we left off. Into Bosnia we will take you. Heading for Mostar, home of a world famous bridge which fearless locals will jump off to amuse the tourists (and for a small fee). Though we will be visiting this pretty town, we will be sleeping outside, in a beautiful secret scenic location, far enough from civilisation for some appreciation of Bosnia's bountiful natural beauty, close enough to civilisation that we can take you to the local village Taverna for a traditional experience that no money can buy (except £135 for the Balkan Rally!).
The next evening we are in Dubrovnik, Pearl of the Adriatic, this city needs no introduction, many of you will have visited before, possibly with parents. The city takes your breath away every time you glimpse it from the cliff top road that leads there. No trip to the Balkans would be complete without a visit here. You'll be hungover and therefore the Jazz evening we have planned for you will be just what you need (The organisers know what's best for you!).
The following day we go Cliff jumping, there are heights for all 'cohones'. Keep your arms tucked though, unless you want to go home in a stretcher. That day we drive along the coast to Kotor, lazy souls can enjoy a beer in the town square, exercise-minded people can take to the 1000 (probably) steps which lead up to the fort that overlooks the town, bring water with you because no matter what you think, you will pay the extortionate price charged for it at the top.
In the evening we split up. Those who don't care about their cars or are driving 4x4s pay attention! You can do our rally stage. I am going to tell you absolutely nothing about this right now however I will say this. Every rallier that took part in this two day 300 km round trip last year agrees, it is not to be missed. If you have the car and the balls for it, there really is no better way to spend 48 hours.
That's not to say that the alternate activity is any less fun. Miracle is a mafia owned Ibiza style outdoor club perched on top of a mountain overlooking Budva in Montenegro. It has a huge stage, more jacuzzis than you could ever justify, and plenty of oppurtunities to be bundled into the trunk of a Zastava and fed to the piggies on the edge of town.
If you survive the previous night and think you want something a little more edgy, a little less Ayia Napa, and a little more Burkina Faso then, perhaps Albania will be just what you're after. We head to Tirana, the capital, where we are united with the rally stage group. Clubbing in Tirana is at odds with the rest of the country, you have never seen a more glamorous clientele. The music is good, the drinks are cheap, the partying is till late.
Don't overdo it though, the following day we head to Lake Ohrid, Macedonia for the party to end all parties. 'Stage 5: The finish party' coming soon.
May
27th
Stage 3: Slovenia & Croatia
By Balkan Rally James
Croatia: poster boy for the Western Balkans, the new Ibiza,
beautiful coastline and quaint villages abound.
Slovenia, where's that? This tiny country is oft overshadowed by its southern neighbour however to ignore it is to miss out on what many of the 2010 ralliers considered to be some of the best couple of days on the rally.
We start in the Far North of the country (only two ours drive from the far South). Slovenia is right on the South Eastern tip of the alps so the scenery is breathtaking. Spend the afternoon setting up camp on the shores of Lake Bled's lesser known but more peaceful sister, Lake Bohinj. Campfires, marshmallows and other traditional camping shit is on the menu, aside from feeling the effects of a beer hall crawl the night before you will need your sleep for the following day when the organisers will be taking you on a tour of the local area. Expect plenty of outdoor activities and swimming. This is where you can get photos to satisfy parents that you have done more than just sunbathe and drink all summer.
That evening you make the 1-hour long drive to Ljubljana, Slovenia's phonetically challenging capital city. You will be placed under the control of Andrej Jakos, a maverick, a yes man, a lunatic, and an excellent guide for the evening's pub crawl. He knows Ljubljana better than anyone and can be relied upon to show you everything that is weird and wonderful about the city. This is NOT your Stag weekend tour, this is about partying at the best places where only a local would know to go.
The following day we hit Croatia and go straight to Pag island which is what I imagine Ibiza is like though I'm yet to go. House music, Babes, Swimming Pools, Bunjy jumping, Foam, Speedos, Chest hair, and hopefully; beautiful weather. Check out this extract from the feature length 2010 Balkan Rally film if you don't believe me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDYHvl_9g3c
Pag island is very very fun.
After two days of insane partying you need to relax which is why we go to Zadar, only 45 minutes from Pag. The Garden is the open air club owned by ex-UB40 drummer James Brown and sits on top of the fortress walls in the old city from where you can look out across the marina one way and over the terracotta roofs of the town in the other. The garden is a garden as the name suggests and has loads of beds in which you can totally relax, it is the prefect antidote to the craziness of Pag. The city of Zadar itself can easily entertain for a few hours, explore the back-streets and immerse yourself.
Your next destination will be Bosnia, where you can really appreciate the whole region's fraught recent history. Stage 4 is Bosnia to Albania
Slovenia, where's that? This tiny country is oft overshadowed by its southern neighbour however to ignore it is to miss out on what many of the 2010 ralliers considered to be some of the best couple of days on the rally.
We start in the Far North of the country (only two ours drive from the far South). Slovenia is right on the South Eastern tip of the alps so the scenery is breathtaking. Spend the afternoon setting up camp on the shores of Lake Bled's lesser known but more peaceful sister, Lake Bohinj. Campfires, marshmallows and other traditional camping shit is on the menu, aside from feeling the effects of a beer hall crawl the night before you will need your sleep for the following day when the organisers will be taking you on a tour of the local area. Expect plenty of outdoor activities and swimming. This is where you can get photos to satisfy parents that you have done more than just sunbathe and drink all summer.
That evening you make the 1-hour long drive to Ljubljana, Slovenia's phonetically challenging capital city. You will be placed under the control of Andrej Jakos, a maverick, a yes man, a lunatic, and an excellent guide for the evening's pub crawl. He knows Ljubljana better than anyone and can be relied upon to show you everything that is weird and wonderful about the city. This is NOT your Stag weekend tour, this is about partying at the best places where only a local would know to go.
The following day we hit Croatia and go straight to Pag island which is what I imagine Ibiza is like though I'm yet to go. House music, Babes, Swimming Pools, Bunjy jumping, Foam, Speedos, Chest hair, and hopefully; beautiful weather. Check out this extract from the feature length 2010 Balkan Rally film if you don't believe me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDYHvl_9g3c
Pag island is very very fun.
After two days of insane partying you need to relax which is why we go to Zadar, only 45 minutes from Pag. The Garden is the open air club owned by ex-UB40 drummer James Brown and sits on top of the fortress walls in the old city from where you can look out across the marina one way and over the terracotta roofs of the town in the other. The garden is a garden as the name suggests and has loads of beds in which you can totally relax, it is the prefect antidote to the craziness of Pag. The city of Zadar itself can easily entertain for a few hours, explore the back-streets and immerse yourself.
Your next destination will be Bosnia, where you can really appreciate the whole region's fraught recent history. Stage 4 is Bosnia to Albania
May
22nd
Stage 2: Western Europe
By Balkan Rally James
Exhausted though you will be after the festival, your first days
driving will require some willpower and stamina as you need to make
your way to Brugge. The good news is that we have sorted both your
ferry ticket and booked accomodation for the evening. Using the
handy maps provided in The Balkan Bible is easy and as soon as you
arrive in Brugge you can go into lock-down. That is except that
we're going to one of the oldest pubs in Brugge to sample an
extensive range of Belgian beers.
You'll need your rest though; The following day we hit Amsterdam where nothing is as expected. In this vein we have organised a mystery event, we don't even know what to expect. Doubtless this great city of vice will provide. Last year's evening in Amsterdam was so extreme that almost no one made it the next day to the beer hall crawl in Munich.
To sort this out we have added another destination; Heidelberg. Heidelberg sits on the neckar river in the rhine valley and is surrounded by forests. It is regarded as one of the most attractive towns in Germany and is said to have the best climate. We are staying in a campsite right on the river.
Munich, capital of Bavaria, the heart of Germany, full of history and with probably the finest brewing culture of any city in the world. Jakob, our man on the ground, will be donning his Lederhosen for the second time to lead you on a tour of this great city's world famous beerhalls, expect some live Bavarian music at the Hofbrauhaus plus visits to other less infamous but more traditional 'locals' beerhalls.
That concludes this brief teaser on Stage 2. Stand-by to find out what's in store for Stage 3: Slovenia and Croatia
You'll need your rest though; The following day we hit Amsterdam where nothing is as expected. In this vein we have organised a mystery event, we don't even know what to expect. Doubtless this great city of vice will provide. Last year's evening in Amsterdam was so extreme that almost no one made it the next day to the beer hall crawl in Munich.
To sort this out we have added another destination; Heidelberg. Heidelberg sits on the neckar river in the rhine valley and is surrounded by forests. It is regarded as one of the most attractive towns in Germany and is said to have the best climate. We are staying in a campsite right on the river.
Munich, capital of Bavaria, the heart of Germany, full of history and with probably the finest brewing culture of any city in the world. Jakob, our man on the ground, will be donning his Lederhosen for the second time to lead you on a tour of this great city's world famous beerhalls, expect some live Bavarian music at the Hofbrauhaus plus visits to other less infamous but more traditional 'locals' beerhalls.
That concludes this brief teaser on Stage 2. Stand-by to find out what's in store for Stage 3: Slovenia and Croatia
May
14th
Stage 1: Underhill festival
By Balkan Rally JamesThis years Underhill Festival is the start to the Balkan Rally and is included in the entry price. The festival has grown since last year to a two day event with 3 music stages and a host of other activities to keep you amused.
Right in the centre of the site will be the Balkan music stage where you will here some of the leading voices in the gypsy music scene. Headliner’s Gypsy Hill (http://www.myspace.com/gypsyhill/music) are an incredible act, and supporting them will be everything from Belly Dancer’s to Balkan magicians and more amazing bands.
On the other stages you will find some of the world’s leading DJs performing and some incredible up-and-coming acts. Artists such as Zombie Disco Squad (http://www.myspace.com/zombiediscosquad), Krafty Kuts (http://www.myspace.com/djkraftykuts), Lone (http://www.myspace.com/lonemusic), Le Jockey (http://www.myspace.com/lejockey/music) and Richy Ahmed (http://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/richyahmed) will all be tearing it up. That still leaves the Mystery Headliner, a man who is frequently regarded as being one of the Top 10 DJs in the world. I cannot name names but this is huge.
As anyone who made it to the inaugural event last year will testify, Underhill is about much more than just music. Arts and activities events will all be laid on over the weekend, as will some delicious food and drink including some local ales and ciders.
On the final day Ralliers will assemble as best they can for the grand see-off from their very own section of the festival site. After a quick speech from the mayor and a ribbon cut by miss Wessex 2011, it’ll be time to head off into the unknown bound for Brugge…
Watch this space for the next instalment where I’ll be telling you what’s in store for the rallier’s in Western Europe
May
12th
Preparations
By Balkan Rally James
Dear prospective ralliers,
You will be pleased to know that work on this years rally is coming on extremely well. This update is not about some big event but more just to let you know that the rally is shaping up to be something very special.
Like last year your rally will kick off with Underhill Festival. Two days partying with some incredible Balkan Bands and world famous DJs such as Krafty Kuts, Joy Orbison and a very very special secret headliner (he's big).
On Sunday morning after a short ceremony you will drive off into the unknown. Through Western Europe you will be taken to some awesome events and very cool hand-picked nightspots. There will be local representatives at much of the places we visit who have been meticulously planning for weeks to give you an excellent evening.
Once you hit the Balkans everything gets a whole lot stranger and more crazy. One night you'll be partying in Jacuzzis with bikini clad women and speedo clad men, the next you'll be swigging beer at a local tavern before bedding down in a field full of goats*.
Finally, preparations for the finish party are coming along nicely. I don't want to divulge to many details but I am sure you will love it.
So, those signed up already, congratualtions you've made a great decision, those yet to sign up.... you know what to do.
*You'll pleased to know there probably won't be goats... or will there?
You will be pleased to know that work on this years rally is coming on extremely well. This update is not about some big event but more just to let you know that the rally is shaping up to be something very special.
Like last year your rally will kick off with Underhill Festival. Two days partying with some incredible Balkan Bands and world famous DJs such as Krafty Kuts, Joy Orbison and a very very special secret headliner (he's big).
On Sunday morning after a short ceremony you will drive off into the unknown. Through Western Europe you will be taken to some awesome events and very cool hand-picked nightspots. There will be local representatives at much of the places we visit who have been meticulously planning for weeks to give you an excellent evening.
Once you hit the Balkans everything gets a whole lot stranger and more crazy. One night you'll be partying in Jacuzzis with bikini clad women and speedo clad men, the next you'll be swigging beer at a local tavern before bedding down in a field full of goats*.
Finally, preparations for the finish party are coming along nicely. I don't want to divulge to many details but I am sure you will love it.
So, those signed up already, congratualtions you've made a great decision, those yet to sign up.... you know what to do.
*You'll pleased to know there probably won't be goats... or will there?
Feb
24th
Balkan Rally Screening Report
By Balkan Rally James
The Balkan Rally Screening and after party pub crawl extravaganza
took place last weekend. It was good to see most of the ralliers
from last year make it, alot had flown in especially from far flung
exotic places like Ireland and Scotland. It was good to see also
some people who didn't join us last year. Everyone seemed to enjoy
the film even if they didn't understand the miriad of private jokes
that featured.
After the 5pm screening we enjoyed a pub crawl through Oxford's many historic and famous pubs. Illustrious venues like The Turf Tavern, The Kings Arms and The Bear. We finished the night (early due to the state of the ralliers) at The Cellar club for some Funk & 80s Hip Hop. An amazing reunion and a good oppurtunity to meet some of the people coming in 2011.
DVDs of the movie have been sent to all ralliers though unfortunately this 1hr long epic will not be available online. Instead we will be releasing selected clips over the coming weeks. Make sure you keep checking the website for these hilarious visual nuggets of 'the very best thing to do last summer'
After the 5pm screening we enjoyed a pub crawl through Oxford's many historic and famous pubs. Illustrious venues like The Turf Tavern, The Kings Arms and The Bear. We finished the night (early due to the state of the ralliers) at The Cellar club for some Funk & 80s Hip Hop. An amazing reunion and a good oppurtunity to meet some of the people coming in 2011.
DVDs of the movie have been sent to all ralliers though unfortunately this 1hr long epic will not be available online. Instead we will be releasing selected clips over the coming weeks. Make sure you keep checking the website for these hilarious visual nuggets of 'the very best thing to do last summer'
Jan
25th
Dates for 2011 Balkan Rally announced & Balkan Rally Screening 12th February in Oxford
By Balkan Rally James
The 2011 Balkan Rally dates have been posted. It will begin on the
29th July with Underhill Festival, the Balkan and Dance music
festival in the West Country. It finishes a fortnight later on the
12th August on the shores of Lake Ohrid, Macedonia, at a special
Balkan Rally beach party. Sign up today for early bird tickets for
£125. Only 30 are available so get in quick.
The Balkan Rally 2010 film screening is edging closer. It will take place on the 12th February in Oxford and anyone can come along for free. It will be followed by a pub crawl round some of the city's renowned pubs and bars before finishing up at one of Oxford's best nightclubs. The cinema is the Ultimate Picture palace, one of the UK's oldest cinemas and one of the few with a bar inside the theatre. The film is looking excellent, I highly recommend everyone make the journey.
See you on the 12th...
The Balkan Rally 2010 film screening is edging closer. It will take place on the 12th February in Oxford and anyone can come along for free. It will be followed by a pub crawl round some of the city's renowned pubs and bars before finishing up at one of Oxford's best nightclubs. The cinema is the Ultimate Picture palace, one of the UK's oldest cinemas and one of the few with a bar inside the theatre. The film is looking excellent, I highly recommend everyone make the journey.
See you on the 12th...
Sep
1st
The first ever Balkan Rally finishes at lake Ohrid
By Balkan Rally James
The first ever Balkan Rally ended on time at Lake Ohrid. A
Barbeque, awards ceremony and all night party on a private beach
was there to greet the ralliers.
A fun time was had by all and I am looking forward to next year. The Balkan Bible for 2011 has already started being written.
The screening of The Balkan Rally 2010 movie will be taking place at a cinema near Christmas, more details coming soon, everyone is welcome!
A fun time was had by all and I am looking forward to next year. The Balkan Bible for 2011 has already started being written.
The screening of The Balkan Rally 2010 movie will be taking place at a cinema near Christmas, more details coming soon, everyone is welcome!
Mar
16th
The Line Up is up!
By Balkan Rally James
Swing on over to the new line-ups section of the website for our
roster of events that we have got planned for the 2010 Balkan
Rally. We're really pleased with them and are looking forward to
sorting out some exciting "mystery events" for you aswell. Check
the updated route map for all the party locations.
When we created the rally we really wanted to give people a taster of the best that the Western Balkans has to offer so you'll notice that the majority of the events take place there rather than Western Europe. We figure most of you will have done Western Europe and frankly, be quite sick of its high prices. We've always liked the Balkans and have had some amazing and also very unusual experiences there. Our selection of events have been chosen a) because they're the best clubs, bars or beach parties or b) because they offer something different. Something out of the ordinary. We want people to finish The Balkan Rally in August remembering it. And from my experience, its the weird shit you get up to when travelling that stays with you. enjoy!
When we created the rally we really wanted to give people a taster of the best that the Western Balkans has to offer so you'll notice that the majority of the events take place there rather than Western Europe. We figure most of you will have done Western Europe and frankly, be quite sick of its high prices. We've always liked the Balkans and have had some amazing and also very unusual experiences there. Our selection of events have been chosen a) because they're the best clubs, bars or beach parties or b) because they offer something different. Something out of the ordinary. We want people to finish The Balkan Rally in August remembering it. And from my experience, its the weird shit you get up to when travelling that stays with you. enjoy!
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