Advice for traveling through the Balkans

Hi all,

I am currently on the bikepacking trip of my life. So far I have been going from Denmark to Trieste with a friend but he will return to Denmark on Tuesday. I seek advice for my next chapter: Balkan.

My current plan is to visit Istria -> Rijeka -> Krk -> Rab -> Novalia -> Zadar -> Split -> Dubrovnik. After this, I don’t know.

I need help/advice with the following:

– Good routes through the Balkans. I would like to go by the coast but would also like to visit Serbia and North Macedonia (gotta catch them all).

– Must-see places (nature or culture)

– Any advice on how to wild camp in this region.

– I am terribly anxious to meet aggressive dogs or bears which I have heard too much about. All do’s and don’t’s are welcome – both on how to avoid the situation and how to handle it, if it occurs.

I travel on a gravel bike (40mm tires) a carry a tent as well. All input is appreciated.

Thanks!