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Planning a Motorcycle Trip in Europe: Everything You Need to Know

The good news is with a little bit of savings and a lot of planning, your dream of a motorcycle trip in Europe can be a reality! Europe has a long history of motorcycle culture, and it’s got some amazing sights to offer. What does it take to pull off an epic journey like this, and what challenges should an aspiring road tripper be ready to face? We cover everything from planning to licensing and regulations to even the advantages of traveling and riding alone or with a group. 

Planning Your Trip

Start with brainstorming on what you’d like to achieve on your European motorcycle trip. Ask yourself questions like:

-What attractions do I want to see?

-What events do I want to participate in?

-What countries and regions do I want to visit?

-How long do I want and can afford to travel for?

-How much time will I have during my trip? 

Take some time to mull over your answers to these questions. When you’re ready to pull the trigger, book your dates and ask for time away from work as soon as you’re sure you can go. Not only will you save on airfare, you’ll also have a strong incentive to go through with the trip. 

Solo vs. Group

Another important choice to make when planning your trip is whether you’re going to ride solo or in a group. Advantages of going it alone include:

-You’ll never have to compromise on which countries to visit or attractions to see. 

-There’s no worrying about group coordination and whether everyone is keeping up. 

-Booking lodging will often be easier when rolling solo. 

-You won’t come home with strained relationships if you don’t get along during the trip.

That said, there are also advantages to a group ride, including: 

-You’ll have someone to help if you get into trouble. 

-You’ll have companions to share the fun experiences with and help ward off loneliness. 

-You may be able to get cheaper group rates on tours and lodging. 

For those doing group rides, staying in touch with the group during the ride is essential. You’ll be exploring unfamiliar roads all day, many of which will be narrower and have lower visibility distances than the roads in the U.S. So keeping in contact effortlessly is important. 

The Cardo PACKTALK BOLD and Cardo PACKTALK SLIM give you the power of a dynamic motorcycle mesh network that works at distances of up to a mile and lets riders seamlessly drop in and out at any time. With their hands-free voice command operation, group riders can instantly access group intercom channels, phone calls and their favorite media. A pair of Bluetooth helmet speakers , like the Cardo JBL 45mm Audio Set , will upgrade the audio quality on the soundtrack to your European adventures. 

Getting a Bike

Although possible with the right resources, having your own bike shipped to Europe and back can be expensive and raises the potential problem of non-compliant emissions standards. Many riders, who tour Europe by motorcycle, instead rent their bikes from one of the many companies which offer motorcycles to tourists. Again, renting as far as possible in advance will help you score better prices, and you’ll also probably have a better selection of bikes. Pro tip: if you rent with Hertz Ride , you can even rent a Cardo Systems communicator with your bike! (Only in select locations). 

The most popular bikes for touring European roads are adventure bikes, but you can also find other types, like naked bikes, cruisers or touring bikes. Adventure bikes are a particularly great choice because they can traverse rougher backwoods that a normal motorcycle would have trouble with, opening up interesting new routes and attractions. Bigger, heavier bikes, like cruisers and touring bikes, are still present, but they’re not always well-suited for many of the smaller, older European roads. So be cautious of your decision as a larger bike might limit where you can go.

Licensing and Regulations

An international driving permit (IDP) is your best bet for a smooth ride in Europe. IDPs are internationally recognized by 174 countries, and it’s not difficult to get one. Just go to a AAA office, present your motorcycle license, fill out the application and pay a fee. It’s that easy and now you’re ready to ride! Just make sure your new international license is issued with a motorcycle endorsement. 

Fortunately for Americans, the UK and Ireland are the only European countries that drive on the left so you won’t have to worry about everything being flip-flopped. That said, European roads still require some getting used to. 

For one thing, roundabouts are everywhere in Europe, so get comfortable with navigating through them. They’re often much larger than American roundabouts, and some, like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, have their own complicated rules. Lane changes are also more heavily regulated in many European countries, and you can be pulled over for riding continuously in the left lane or for passing on the right. 

Additionally, be aware of where you can and can’t ride. Some European cities ban all motor vehicles in their city centers while other areas may allow motorcycles but not cars. And even if that sleepy medieval village you’re staying in does allow motorcycles, reconsider revving loudly at the crack of dawn. Common courtesy will take you a long way even if you don’t know the letter of the law where you’re staying. 

Essential Gear for Your European Road Trip

Needless to say, you want to pack light. A good basic kit will include:

-Riding gear, such as a helmet, riding jacket and riding boots

-Comfortable casual clothing, including a good pair of walking shoes

-Multiple layers of waterproof gear with a separate waterproof bag for your clothes

-Your passport and international driver’s license in a separate waterproof container with backup photocopies stored somewhere else

-Lightweight insulated garments depending on the time of year (although summers can still be chilly in countries like Switzerland)

-Survival essentials such as a first-aid kit and pocket knife

-Roadside flat repair kit

-Water bottle and snacks 

The key is to have a kit that’s compact enough to fit in your panniers and saddlebags. The lighter you travel, the less you’ll have to worry about storing and protecting your luggage and the better your bike will handle. 

You can save a lot of money by staying in hostels rather than hotels as they’re much cheaper. Plus, hostels can offer a great opportunity to make new friends–they come in all shapes and sizes, including party hostels for those who want to live it up and quieter ones for those more interested in getting a good night sleep. 

Motorcycle camping is another great option. It can be tons of fun if you’ve got a small tent or hammock; plus, it’s nice to save some money and get some fresh night air at the same time. But choose a campsite ahead of time. Don’t just throw up a tent on the side of the road. You also want to have a backup plan in case the weather isn’t cooperative. 

Popular Routes

The roads of Europe can take you thousands of different ways depending on where you want to go. However, there are some popular European motorcycle tour routes that offer views, food, history and pretty much anything else a rider could want: 

– The Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland): Stretching all the way from Ulster in the North to Cork in the South, this 1,500-mile Irish coast road runs nearly the entire length of Ireland and provides an incredible ride full of charming small towns and dramatic cliffs rising from the sea. You’ll also spot several locations used for filming recent Star Wars films.

– Furka Pass (Switzerland): Ready for something a little more hair-raising? Furka Pass is a sliver of a road that passes through some of Switzerland’s mightiest mountains and glaciers. It’s narrow, packed with hairpin turns and has little to nothing in the way of guardrails—in other words, it might be just right. Bring a warm jacket! 

– Iceland Ring Road (Iceland): Iceland’s volcanic activity makes it a heartbreakingly gorgeous country, and what’s more, you can traverse the whole thing in a few days. The Icelandic Ring Road allows you to do just that, with a course that allows tourists to easily take in many of Iceland’s major attractions. For those willing to go a little off the beaten path, a huge variety of world-class hiking trails are just an hour or two away from the ring road. 

– Cabo de Gata to Granada (Spain): Spain features a head-spinning variety of scenery, and this ride in the Andalusia region will show you some of its best. This route starts in the arid volcanic cliffs of the Cabo de Gata National Park and winds its way up to the city of Granada where you’ll find not only the legendary Alhambra Palace but also the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. 

– Transfagarasan Highway (Romania): Eastern Europe doesn’t get enough credit for its incredible scenery, but one trip down the Transfagarasan Highway (featured on the BBC’s Top Gear ) will make you see the light. This twisty highway winds its way through the Southern Carpathian Mountains, climbing up to over 6,500 feet in elevation, and the journey is packed with amazing lodges and guest houses where you’ll find delicious local cooking. 

Verdon Gorge (France): One of Europe’s most popular spots for motorcycle touring, the Verdon Gorge is France’s answer to the Grand Canyon. And the roads that surround it are no joke, with steep, twisty turns that will give even seasoned riders a challenge. Head up early in the morning to beat the crowds that flock to it, especially during the summer. 

Some of these routes are long enough for a tour of their own while others are relatively short and can be strung together into a longer tour. They also offer a wealth of opportunities for independent exploration, making them awesome routes whether you’re using a guide or not. 

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few key things to remember that will help save you time and money as well as keep you and your friends safe:

-Explore local street food options for a tasty and authentic meal that will also save you some coin. 

-If you use your phone for navigation, make sure that you bring a handlebar clip for it and get a European SIM card to power your phone. 

-Build some flexibility into your itinerary and give yourself time to roam. Part of what’s awesome about exploring Europe is finding the hidden gems, like out-of-the-way cafés and small towns with unique histories. 

-Remember that Europe has lower blood alcohol content limits for intoxicated driving. In many European countries, it’s just 0.05 which you might hit from having a single strong drink. Since even one drink impairs your ability to ride safely , the best bet is to simply avoid mixing motorcycles and booze at all. 

-Take the time to learn a little bit about the history and culture of each place that you visit. Not only will it give you a better appreciation of your environment, it can help you avoid embarrassment and understand local customs better.  

-We can’t stress enough how important it is to be aware of pavement conditions at all times. Europe is full of ancient roads made out of brick, cobblestone and many other old-school building materials which are likely to be extremely bumpy and require special care to avoid a wipeout (if you ride them at all). 

Europe from the back of a motorbike is an experience unlike any other. So, if you’re going to do it, you owe it to yourself and your companions to do it right. Pack smart, practice your riding skills and make plans—but leave a little room for the magic of the road to happen. 

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Tips for Motorcycle Touring in Europe

If you’re planning a European motorbike trip but aren’t sure where to begin, this comprehensive guide of motorcycle touring in Europe will help you get started. From the best time to ride to the most scenic routes and motorcycle choices, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

When should you go, what are the best motorcycle tours in Europe, and which countries offer the best experience?

In this article, we’ll cover all the essentials for planning a motorcycle tour in Europe. You’ll find:

• What’s the best time of year to tour Europe by motorcycle?
• Where to go
• What are the best motorcycle routes in Europe?
• Which are the best motorcycle tours in Europe
• What gear you’ll need for touring Europe
• How to travel Europe safely

In addition, we’ll share some advice on what the best motorcycles for touring Europe are, what documents you’ll need for your European motorcycle tour, and what to pack for the trip.

Planning a Motorcycle Trip in Europe

When you plan a motorcycle trip in Europe, one of the most important things to consider is the best time of year to go.  While most Southern European countries are great for motorcycling year-round, Western and Northern Europe sees cold temperatures during the late fall, winter, and early spring months.

To get the best experience out of your motorcycle tour in Europe, plan your ride for late April through to mid-September. Remember, however, that some of the European mountain passes may still be closed until as late as mid-May. If your goal is to explore the Swiss Alps, aim to ride here in June, July, or August.

April and September months are the best for motorcycling in Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy. During May, June, and July, the temperatures here are hot, and it’s high-tourism season. To avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, pan your motorcycle tour of Southern Europe in early spring or fall.

On the other hand, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark are best explored in mid-summer. If you’re planning to ride your motorcycle to Nordkap, for example, the best time to go is August.

While the best time for motorcycle touring in Europe is generally spring, summer, and fall, there are a few great winter destinations Europe has to offer. If you plan to ride Europe in December, January, February, or March, the best paces to travel are Crete (Greece), Sardinia (Italy), Southern Portugal, and Southern Spain.

Where to Go

If you’re planning to go on a motorcycle tour in Europe, you’ll need to fly in to start your journey in one of the major cities. The best airports to choose from are located Amsterdam (the Netherlands), Frankfurt (Germany), Paris (France), Madrid (Spain), Rome (Italy), and Athens (Greece). From these major hubs, you’ll easily find connecting flights to your destination or get a transfer to the location by the motorcycle tour operator.

Choosing one of these cities to fly in means you’ll most likely get a direct flight. In addition, airfares to the major hubs are typically cheaper than to smaller, less popular destinations.

For more, see this extensive list of Europe’s best airports .

Avoid flying to Europe during major holidays such as Christmas and Easter to avoid high prices and lots of tourist traffic. Thanksgiving, on the other hand, is a great time to travel as Europeans do not have this holiday.

Best Motorcycle for Touring Europe

In addition to knowing the best time to go, it’s important to choose a motorcycle that will be comfortable and easy to handle during your trip. The best motorcycle for touring Europe is a bike that’s mechanically sound, reliable, and comfortable for long distances.

For on-road motorcycle tours in Europe, look into sport tourers, adventure motorcycles, and cruiser motorcycles . These bikes are meant for traveling and offer a comfortable seating position, plenty of power, and great performance. Sport tourers, adventure bikes, and cruisers are ideal for European roads. You will comfortably cover long distances and enjoy those legendary mountain twisties and meandering coastal routes alike.

If you hope to explore the continent off-road, some of the best motorcycles for traveling Europe are dual-sport, adventure, and enduro motorcycles . These bikes are capable of both on-road and off-road riding, weigh less than cruiser and sport tourer motorcycles, and offer enough power and grip on gravel roads and trails.

If you plan to combine trail riding and tarmac, the best motorcycle for touring Europe will be an adventure or a mid-sized dual-sport motorcycle.

Best Motorcycle Routes in Europe

When it comes to the best motorcycle routes in Europe, there’s no shortage of scenic rides to choose from. For the best mountain passes in Europe, look into Swiss, French, and Italian Alps: this region offers the best of European mountain motorcycle routes. In addition, the Spanish Pyrenees is another great region to explore, and you can ride both on-road and off-road here.

For coastal motorcycle routes in Europe, Italy’s Amalfi Coast has few rivals. This scenic ride is considered one of the best motorcycle routes in Europe, along with the Adriatic Coast in Croatia.

If you prefer getting off the beaten path and see diverse scenery, explore Romania and the Balkans. Romania boasts two of Europe’s most scenic motorcycle roads – the Transfagarasan and Transalpina – whereas Bosnia, Montenegro, and Croatia offer breath-taking mountain and coastal scenery combined. Another hidden gem in Europe is Slovenia. This tiny country packs a serious punch: it offers endless mountain twisties on good-quality tarmac roads, and there are plenty of trails to explore if you hope to get off the road.

For spectacular fjord scenery, dreamy coastal routes, and island hopping, Norway is your best bet. Two of the most scenic motorcycle routes in Europe, the Atlantic Highway and Trollstigen, are located in Northern Norway, and you’re guaranteed to get your fill of awe-inspiring landscapes traveling here.

Portugal and Spain are great for diverse terrain ranging from deserts to mountains, both on-road and off-road riding, and fantastic weather year-round.

Best Motorcycle Tours in Europe

If you’re planning to go on a motorcycle tour in Europe rather than ride on your own, there are plenty of interesting options to choose from. To research the best motorcycle tours in Europe, head over to MOTOURISMO, the biggest motorcycle tours booking platform online . MOTOURISMO is a combined online booking platform and travel agency for motorcycle tours, and they have a wide selection of motorcycle tours in Europe for each country, region, and type of riding.

When researching the best motorcycle tours in Europe, look for options that appeal to you the most. You can choose between week-long trips or longer, twenty-day motorcycle adventures, pick on-road, off-road, or combined tours, or look into self-guided tour options. Some motorcycle tours in Europe offer all-inclusive packages. These packages have a motorcycle rental, accommodation, and routes all planned out ahead.

Others offer bike rental only, or self-guided motorcycle tour options where you ride a rental with pre-planned routes and hotels.

Guided Motorcycle Tours in Europe

Guided motorcycle tours in Europe usually offer the best experience if you don’t have much time for planning and researching on your own. Guided tours typically include a rental motorcycle, a tour guide, hotels, points of interest, rest days, and meals.

All you need to do is fly in and ride. Everything else is taken care of for you. Some guided motorcycle tours also include a chase vehicle to carry your luggage.

For the best guided tours, see the extensive listings for guided motorcycle tours in Europe . You can also search by country, region, or the type of riding (on-road, off-road, or combination).

Self-Guided Motorcycle Tours in Europe

Self-guided motorcycle tours in Europe are ideal for riders who want to have the safety and comfort of an organized tour but travel independently. Self-guided tours typically include a rental motorcycle, a pre-planned route, and pre-booked hotels along the way. Self-guided tours are easier to customize, and you do not need to ride in a group.

To browse independent tour options, see this self-guided European motorcycle tours list .

What Gear Do You Need for Touring Europe?

For a motorcycle tour in Europe, you will need good quality riding gear. Remember, wearing a helmet is mandatory across the entire continent. Riding without one is illegal throughout the entire EU, so make sure you bring your helmet with you.

In addition, it’s best to ride in sturdy, over-the ankle boots and wear protective pants, jacket, and gloves. If you’re planning to ride Europe in summer, take lightweight, breathable motorcycle gear. For spring and fall riding, it’s best to wear four-season riding gear or pack a few warmer layers. While the temperatures mostly stay mild and balmy, some high-altitude mountain passes may be a little chilly, even during the summer months.

Motorcycle Navigation in Europe

If you’re planning to go on a self-guided motorcycle tour in Europe, you’ll need to have means of navigation. If you normally use a GPS unit, be sure to download European maps before you go. If you use a phone navigation app like Google Maps or similar, the maps will download automatically when you arrive. Just make sure you’re downloading using WiFi, not data, to save on data costs.

If you prefer paper maps, you find European road maps at the airport or any gas station along the way.

 Safety When Touring Europe by Motorcycle

Traveling in Europe by motorcycle is generally safe. However, it’s best to make sure you have some security measures when it comes to your motorcycle. Whether you’re renting or riding your own, keeping your motorcycle safe while riding Europe is important, especially in big cities.

We strongly recommend only parking your motorcycle in secure garages and well-lit, secure parking lots. In addition, consider carrying a disc lock or a motorcycle chain with you so you can secure the bike while parked. Finally, having a GPS motorcycle tracker may save you a lot of hassle in case your bike gets stolen. A GPS tracker and alarm will alert you if your motorcycle is being moved, and you can track its live location via the app if the bike has been stolen.

Can you travel Europe on a motorcycle?

Yes, you can travel Europe on your own or rental motorcycle. Motorcycle rentals are available in all major European cities.

Can you tour on any motorcycle?

You can tour Europe on any motorcycle you choose. For the best road touring experience, consider renting a sport cruiser bike. For dual-sport and adventure riding, it’s best to pick an off-road capable motorcycle like an enduro or an adventure bike.

Which country is best for motorcycles?

While most European countries are great for riding, the best country for motorcycles is undoubtedly Italy. The Italian Alps, the Dolomites, and the Amalfi Coast are all iconic motorcycle destinations in Europe. For more European motorcycling route ideas, see this list of epic biking roads .

What do I need to travel to Europe by motorcycle?

To travel Europe by motorcycle, you will need your passport, your driver’s licence, and your travel insurance. Your motorcycle will most likely be insured by the motorcycle tour or rental company, but double-check before you go. You do not need to have an international driver’s license for Europe.

Get Ready for Your European Motorcycle Tour

Now that you know the best time to ride Europe, where to go for the most scenic roads, and what motorcycle should you choose, it’s time to start planning your motorcycle tour in Europe. Research the destinations that you’ve always dreamt of seeing, pick a motorcycle tour that suits your needs, and hit the road! Wherever you go, a motorcycle tour in Europe will be an unforgettable experience, and we hope you thoroughly enjoy your two-wheeled adventure here.

Happy miles!

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Motorcycle Tourer

The Ultimate Guide to Touring Europe on a Motorcycle

Motorcycle Tourer | 15 April 2023 26 March 2023 | Touring , Touring Tips

Before you start skimming through this post and looking for the kit you need to pack or whether you should ride 500 or 800 miles each day… wait!

I want to instil from the start that your experience of touring Europe on your motorcycle will be far more enjoyable if you remember that it’s meant to be fun.

Yes, checklists come in handy. And I’m sure you can’t wait to drill down into the minutiae of the route prep. But so many people (including myself) make touring so much hard work that they deprive themselves of the enjoyment that goes with it.

Of course, you want to cover miles, ride roads, meet people, and be blown away by the scenery – and I promise you will.

But the first tip for planning that perfect trip to Europe is that you give yourself the best opportunity to enjoy it.

So with that, you’ll find the first half of this guide concentrates on factors that will actually allow you to enjoy your trip. The second half focuses more on the black-and-white elements, such as packing and the legal requirements of touring Europe on your motorcycle.

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Enjoyment

Plan using time, not miles.

I’ve said this a million times, and people still forge ahead planning days in the multiple hundreds of miles – forgetting that when the day finally comes around,  they  will be the ones who have to ride them!

Elaborate plans sound great – 9 months before your departure date when in your cosy apartment sipping on a Cabernet Sauvignon after a hard week in the office.

But when it comes down to getting on your bike and riding, the foremost factor is that it’s enjoyable, fun, and as easy and stress-free as possible.

So as you meander your way through your list of places to vist, plotting points on maps and figuring out where to go, disregard the mileage and look at the time it will take you to get there instead.

Because whilst covering thousands of miles sounds great when you’re bragging about it to your mates in the pub, you’ll enjoy it a whole lot more if your final tour is manageable. And we do this by measuring TIME, not miles.

Related: Motorcycle Touring Miles Per Day: Prioritise TIME Instead!

Start Planning Early

So now we’ve got the misconception out of the way that miles matter, we can start with the exciting bit – the planning. And the good thing about this phase is that you can allow your mind to wander.

It doesn’t have to be anything set in stone at this stage. Allow your imagination to take you places, jot down notes or drop pins using Google My Maps. When you’ve got a basic idea of where you would like to visit, you can begin more in-depth research – reading forums, ride notes, or even reading a guidebook or two.

But planning early benefits you far more than simply getting your adrenalin pumping. Being ready early means hotels and campsites still aren’t fully booked. If you’re early enough, you might even get early-bird deals. More importantly, it allows you to book your spot on the ferries – which often get booked up months in advance. 

Being early means you’re more likely to end up riding the tour you want – rather than a compromised version of it.

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Rose-Tinted Glasses

Once you have a general idea of where you want to go, it’s time to start looking at whether your plans are realistic. Again, you don’t need to go overboard with the planning at this point – a cursory glance on Google Maps will suffice.

If you want to go to the Swiss Alps from the UK, for example, you can find the distance (and the estimated time to ride it) by simply typing it (or saying it) into Google Maps.

You could take it one step further by getting Google to avoid motorways or toll roads if this is your preference. This will give you an even better idea of how long it will take you to get there. From here, you can make the mental calculation of whether it will be worth it or not.

If it will take you three days to get there and three days to get back, it’s not worth the hassle if you only have a week off work – because you’ll have to come back as soon as you get there.

For most tours, I find the primary factor of whether I go or not revolves around how long it will take me to get there and back – and how much I’m prepared to suffer.

Related: 8 Motorcycle Routes In France That Take Less Than A Week

Decide Your ‘Why’

Once you understand how long it will take you to get there and back, you can plan the days in between. These form your ‘actual’ tour.

At this point, it’s important to ask yourself what you want to achieve from this tour – WHY you’re doing it.

Do you want to see as much as possible in a tour filled with frenzied days that leave you more tired than before you went? If so, go for it! I’ve done many tours like this, and they’re thrilling, demanding, and challenging. We call this the ‘A-B approach’ – because you’re forever moving from one place to the next, never stopping more than one night in each location.

Things To Consider With An A-B tour:

• Exciting and often non-stop
• See lots of places (albeit briefly)
• Often frantic and include time restraints
• You don’t get to experience places fully
• No optional rest days if you’re tired

But maybe you want time to relax, regenerate, and return home refreshed. Perhaps you want to  experience  and  enjoy  these places rather than simply whizz through them at 80mph.

If this is the case, consider the ‘flower petal approach’ where you base yourself at one hotel and then loop out and back every day in a different direction.

Figuring out what’s important to you will help you shape your tour. And if you shape your tour, you’ll enjoy it a thousand times more – I promise.

Things To Consider With A Flower Petal Tour:

• Far more relaxed
• Option to choose between long or short days depending on how you feel
• You can have a rest day whenever you feel like it
• Your most difficult days will be at the beginning and end of your tour – getting to and from your hotel
• Great for people who dislike packing/unpacking

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Realistic Route Planning

Planning realistic routes is a lot easier if you plan to ride a tour using the Flower Petal approach above – mainly because you can alter your route on the fly.

If you’re doing an A-B tour, you don’t have this luxury – you  need  to get to your next hotel.

I know from experience how demoralising it is when you’re feeling under the weather one morning, only to find you have a 400-mile slog to your next destination. It’s not fun – and it defies the logic of touring.

Be Honest With Yourself

Take this time to honestly ask yourself if your route is feasible. Will you be wrecked at the end of each day? If so, you’ll likely find yourself flagging on the second half of your tour, and your days will be spent simply trying to get home.

Rather than looking at the miles of each day, look at the time spent in the saddle. If all your days are 7-hour days, I’d reconsider your routes. Because by the time you account for a lunch stop, a few coffee breaks, toilet stops and photo opportunities, your seven-hour day would have turned into 11 hours. 

Personally, I try to keep rides to Google’s estimation of 4-5 hours. On transit days, I might go higher if I’m prepared to suffer on the motorways to get there quicker. But for enjoyable days in the saddle, 5 hours is plenty. Add a few hours on for lunch, coffee breaks etc., and you’re looking at leaving the hotel at 10am and arriving back at 5pm.

Plan Lots of Breaks

I’ve been the guy who rode nine hours a day for a fortnight only to get home and realise I didn’t actually see anything.

And whilst the riding part of your tour is paramount, the memories you make will likely be from the times you  weren’t  on the bike.

When planning your day rides, add an extra hour or two onto your overall time to allow yourself the luxury of wandering, exploring, taking photos , enjoying the scenery, and making memories.

The same goes for rest days. It’s tempting to forge ahead without any breaks. And while this is fine, you generally get more from the trip when you plan time off the bike to explore the town, visit museums, enjoy the local food, and sample a few beers.

Related: Off-Bike Gems: Motorcycle Touring In Bohinj, Slovenia

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Look After Your Well-Being

I’m not a happy-clappy, hippy kind of guy. But looking after your mind and body on tour will lead to a better overall experience. And I know this through experience!

Riding shorter days, allowing yourself more breaks, and taking rest days contribute to a more rounded tour – whilst preventing aches, pains, and mental fatigue.

Others include keeping on top of hydration, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and enjoying alcohol sensibly.

Other factors to consider are your hobbies and passions. For example, I like to keep fit at home – and I continue this on tour by taking my running shoes. Running gives me a whole new dimension to enjoy on my trip. Similarly, I enjoy landscape photography – so factoring time for that goes a long way toward how I feel when I return.

Easy Things To Consider For Well-Being:

• Carry your hobbies and interests over from home
• Light stretching to relieve aches and pains
• Walking, hiking, or exploring off the bike

Don’t Let Mishaps Spoil Your Tour

One thing I’ve come to realise over the years is that mishaps are just as much a part of your tour as the times that go right!

In fact, you remember the mishaps more – usually because they’re a drama, and you have to work to get out of them. So welcome them!

At some point on your trip, something will go wrong with your routing. Your sat nav will get confused and have you doing circles in the middle of Luxembourg for hours. There’ll be road closures. The fast mountain pass you’ve ridden all this way to ride will be covered in gravel for resurfacing. Or there’ll be a traffic jam halfway up Stelvio pass .

Worse still, you’ll get lost on the un-named roads of the Pyrenees, miles away from anyone, and accidentally off-road (on a fully-ladened bike rocking road tyres.)

And worse than that – you’ll have a spill, break something on your bike, and have to limp it back with a bruised body and dented pride.

And yes, I’m using my own examples there – those have all happened to me – and it can be draining when it happens.

At the time, you won’t see the funny side. So make a promise to yourself whilst still in the planning phases that you’ll make the conscious effort to embrace every second – even when things are going wrong. 

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Guided, Group, Or Solo

Once you’re at this stage, it might be worth taking a minute to take stock of how you feel about taking on the challenge. Are you excited and looking forward to it? Or does it all just seem a little too overwhelming?

If you’re the latter, perhaps you’ll feel more comfortable completing your tour as part of a group of riders – which also has benefits and drawbacks.

Many riding groups (particularly advanced riding groups ) have trips to Europe as part of their calendars. And these can be an excellent way to learn the touring ropes and improve you’re riding whilst you’re at it!

If it’s more the logistics of the tour that’s bothering you, why not check out one of the many guided tours available? You usually pay a little more as somebody else has done all the hard work, so you don’t have to.

But at least with a guided tour, you’ll ride the best roads, have your meals and hotels taken care of, you won’t have to worry about routing issues or getting lost, and literally everything is done for you.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are solo riders . These riders are usually confident in their abilities – not just as riders, but in their ability to figure things out by themselves in a foreign country and to take care of themselves without support.

It’s a tough ask, but it’s an immense achievement. 

Related: Solo Motorcycle Touring: Tips For The Brave

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Planning-Focused

Decide on your navigation.

For a long time, my choice of navigation was a dedicated sat nav, wired into the bike’s battery for constant and reliable power. However, they’re overly expensive, fiddly, and can often have a mind of their own! They’re great when they work, but can be a drain on your energy and time when they don’t.

Recently, I changed to using my smartphone for touring Europe on my motorcycle, and I don’t see myself returning to my Garmin. I still take it with me on tour as a backup. But for most places, I find my phone is easier, more convenient, and less hassle.

Finding the right app for you may take some trial and error. In the months leading up to your trip, download the free versions of the ones you like the sound of and give them a try. Work out what’s important to you and what isn’t, and base your choice on your priorities.

Once you decide on the one you like, take the time to get familiar with it. Because when something goes wrong with your route on tour (which it will!), stress is kept to a minimum when you know what to do.

Apps Worth Considering:

• Scenic Motorcycle App
• MyRoute-App

Related: Our Top Motorcycle Route Planning App Comparison

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Finding The Best Routes

On my first few tours, I planned everything myself – such was my confidence in my abilities! But alas, I spent most of my time sorting out mistakes and getting myself back on track.

And this is a problem – because most of us only have a limited time to ride. We only have a week or two off work, so every road we ride has to matter. There isn’t time to ride a long boring road when there’s an incredible mountain pass running parallel to it!

To solve this, take advantage of the information that’s already out there. Thousands of riders have ridden the roads you’re planning. Tap into that knowledge, listen to their tips on forums, and note down what is over-rated or not worth the effort.

There are also plenty of social platforms out there that can help, such as Motorcycle Diaries , and Best Biking Roads .

Related: My 9-Step Route Planning Process For Motorcycle Touring

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Preparing Your Bike & Documents

Book your bike in for maintenance.

Wherever you’re going and however well-maintained your bike is, I recommend booking it in with your mechanic for a health check (at the very least) a few weeks before you leave.

Depending on when you go, this might also mean getting it MOT’d, serviced, and/or getting new tyres.

Whatever your bike requires, get it done. And don’t scrimp! If you feel you  might  be okay with the tyres you have, don’t take the risk. Get them changed and keep the old pair for when you get back.

Give yourself plenty of time to do this – not the week before you leave. As is often the case with these things, your mechanic might need additional time to diagnose an issue or get parts. I’d recommend getting any work done four weeks before you leave to avoid rushing. It also gives you time to readjust any repairs if needed.

Priority Documents

If you’re travelling to Europe from the UK, paperwork is relatively straightforward. If you’re travelling from the US, Australia, or Asia, check to see if you need any visas or special documentation. This can usually be found on the government website of the country you wish to visit.

If you’re a UK national, all you really need for Europe is your passport (make sure it has more than six months before it expires) and your driver’s licence.

Other documents include your vehicle log book (V5), motor insurance certificate, and MOT certificate.

Vehicle Insurance

Check with your vehicle insurance provider in advance whether you are covered to ride in the countries you wish to visit.

Also, check how many days you are covered, as most policies only cover you for 15-30 days abroad. You may need to take out a separate policy for particular countries or if you plan to stay longer than the allotted time.

Finally, consider whether you need a Green Card. Before Brexit, UK citizens didn’t need one. Then they decided we did, and then we didn’t again! Currently, UK nationals don’t need a Green Card for most European countries. But the rules are forever changing, so it’s worth checking before you leave.

Personal Insurance

This is not the same as your bike insurance and is covered under an entirely different policy. Your bike insurance covers your bike relating to theft and accidents. Personal insurance covers you, any medical treatment you may need on the road and (at the very worst) repatriation.

Something else we highly advise you to get is a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) , which prevents you from having to pay astronomical health bills if you need a hospital visit.

A few years ago, it was known as the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card.) It’s now been rebranded as GHIC and is still available for free for UK nationals.

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: GB (Now UK) Sticker

The GB sticker we all know is now defunct. You now need a UK sticker instead – unless you have a UK identifier on your number plate (including the Union flag.)

It’s worth noting that if you have the  GB identifier  on your number plate (rather than the  UK identifier ), you will still need a UK sticker – even if you have a Euro symbol or the English, Welsh, or Scottish flag.

In short, get a UK identifier on your number plate (or get a UK sticker.)

Breakdown Cover

Don’t ever be tempted to tour Europe without breakdown cover. For newer bikes, it’s pretty cheap – many manufacturers even give you a year free when you buy a new bike.

As all the costs mount up for your trip, it’s easy to brush breakdown cover under the carpet. But as someone who has broken down in the South of France, I can categorically say that breakdown cover is worth every penny!

My tour came to an abrupt end at the bottom of the Col de l’Iseran . Fortunately, I could limp it to the hotel. But the breakdown caused havoc with hotel bookings, repatriation of the bike, and almost everything else.

Thanks to the breakdown service, my bike was shipped back to the UK, and I was provided with two courtesy cars to continue my trip (one in France and one in the UK). Plus, my ferry and taxis were also paid for to get me home.

Well worth the £40!

Related: How To Deal With A Breakdown On Your Motorcycle Tour

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Consider Any Legal Requirements

You need to have a hi-viz jacket and a reflective breakdown triangle if you have a mechanical failure at the roadside. It’s also worth carrying an alcohol tester (that isn’t expired), although this is no longer a legal requirement.

It’s often written that you need reflective stickers on your helmet when visiting France. However, I’ve never heard of anyone being pulled over for this (even the locals don’t have stickers on their helmets).

That said, I’ve heard of riders being fined for not wearing CE-approved gloves.

Another misconception is the idea that you must legally carry spare bulbs. This isn’t the case – although it isn’t necessarily a bad idea to carry some.

Related: Motorcycle Touring In France: Why You Shouldn’t Dismiss It!

The Spanish are generally easygoing. But you still need a hi-viz jacket, and a spare pair of glasses if you wear them.

It’s worth mentioning that loud exhausts are frowned upon in Spain.

As with Spain, the German’s are easygoing, but they will batter you with speeding fines if you’re caught. It’s worth noting that not all autobahns have unlimited speed limits. Some do, some don’t. So be careful!

Another misconception about Germany is that the roads are fast. On the autobahn, you’ll spend most of your time stuck in traffic – so it’s not quite as fast as you would think!

You  can  filter through this traffic though – provided the traffic isn’t moving.

A beautiful country with wonderful people, but beware of atrocious driving standards! Riding in Italy is often chaos. Throw a tonne of bikes at the Dolomites and it can be a dubious place to ride.

Also, beware if you’re heading towards any of the cities. I thought I was going to die the last time I rode to Venice.

Legally, Italy is much the same as the rest of the EU. But you  will  need to carry a high-viz jacket.

Related: Off-Bike Gems: Motorcycle Touring In The Alpe di Siusi

Switzerland

Switzerland is a bit like Norway in that you need to be careful! It’s a biker’s mecca, but due to the sheer amount of tourists there and the Swiss government’s penchant for financially ruining people caught speeding, it can be an expensive trip.

The two big things to remember about Switzerland are: Don’t speed, and ensure you have a vignette.

A vignette allows you to ride on the motorways (a bit like road tax in the UK.) You can get away with not buying one if you plan on staying off the motorways. But you’ll face a hefty fine if you get caught without one.

The good news is that vignettes can be found everywhere – including border crossings, service stations, petrol stations, and even grocery stores.

Related: Riding Furka Pass: Exploring Switzerland’s “Big 3” Passes

Despite being a Schengen country, many of the rules in Norway are the same as the EU. The main thing to watch out for here is speed cameras – which are heavily enforced.

The locals drive slowly and to the letter of the law. And whilst you won’t see many police patrols on your travels, you’ll find speed cameras around every corner – even in the mountains.

That said, they  do  give you lots of notice leading up to them – so if you get caught, it’s your own fault!

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: When & Where

How to get there.

Getting to Europe from the UK is easy. But there are a few things to consider when planning your trip there.

Firstly, don’t be tempted to ride your way there if time is limited. For example, don’t get the Eurotunnel to Calais and then ride all the way through France to get to the Pyrenees. Just get the ferry to Santander from Plymouth – it takes 20 hours, which is better than a week of riding!

Also, you don’t have to use Calais at all. Consider other ferry ports, such as Le Havre, Dieppe, or Hook of Holland.

Another thing to remember is that you can sail into one port and then leave from another. This means you don’t necessarily have to do an entire round trip – affording you more time to travel because you have less transiting to do.

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: When To Go

Unfortunately, you’ll get the best out of Europe in the summer months – so June, July, and August.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t go outside these months. Touring in September is often quieter and cheaper – but it’s a little colder, and you might get more rain. May can be the same.

One thing to remember is that many mountain passes can remain closed up until mid-May, depending on the previous winter’s snowfall. Be sure to take this into account when deciding when to go.

If you want a quiet, hassle-free trip without crowds, consider southern Europe during the winter months. Andalusia is an awesome place to ride in October/November. It’s usually cheap as it’s out of season, and you’ll have the roads to yourself.

Accommodation

Accommodation can make or break a tour and is usually the most expensive factor of your trip. Of course, there are numerous options you can take.

Hotels work great if you want an easy life, but you pay for that luxury. That said, if you can afford it, websites like booking.com offer a filtering system so you can tailor your search to what you need.

Air BnB can also work, especially if you plan on touring for longer periods like 4+ weeks. We have 4 months of travel planned for this year – all of them using Air BnB’s.

If money is a driver for you, camping is a superb way of keeping costs down – especially if you already have the gear to begin with. There are many campsites across Europe – and wild camping is legal in most countries.

Be sure to book early for the peak season. In places like Norway, campsites get booked up months in advance.

Related: Motorcycle Camping Gear Checklist

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Packing

Despite the many arguments you might read on the internet, there are no hard and fast rules to what luggage you should use. 

In my humble opinion, soft luggage is best for off-road trips. It’s lighter, more versatile, won’t get warped/ruined by falls and bangs, and won’t rip your leg off when you fall (like an aluminium pannier might.)

For road-only tours, I’d go for hard luggage . It provides better protection from the weather and is more secure – especially handy if you have to leave your bike on the street overnight.

But the truth is, it’s whatever you prefer. Or whatever you can afford.

I started with soft luggage on my CBR600 many years ago before graduating to hard luggage on my adventure bikes later.

Now I have a combination of the two – with hard panniers, a soft roll bag , and soft ancillary luggage such as tank bags and tail packs .

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Don’t Overpack!

If you’ve done any amount of Googling about packing for a motorcycle trip, you’ll see that EVERYBODY tells you to pack light. And the reason for that is it’s true!

You won’t use/need most of what you think you will. Taking clothes that are multifunctional save loads of room (for example, a mid-weight fleece that can be used both on and off the bike).

If you take base layers, they usually dry overnight. This means you can take one or two base layer tops that you wash and dry each night rather than 14 cotton t-shirts for a two-week trip.

The way to pack is to be ruthless. Write your list and then scrub off all the things you know you can do without. When you’ve done that, figure out how to refine it even more. The less you take, the easier your trip will be.

We made a comprehensive list of everything you will need when touring (link below), but here are a few of the essentials:

• Helmet (legal and comfortable)
• Riding suit (or waterproof/warm jacket and pants)
• Consider a summer jacket for June-August tours
• Winter gloves if touring in the mountains
• Summer/mesh gloves for tours in the warmer months
• Dedicated waterproofs (one-piece or two-piece)
• Waterproof boots
• Base layers
• Neck buff/snood
• Spare gloves

Related: Motorcycle Touring Checklist: Your Complete Packing Guide

Most people are usually in one of two camps regarding tool kits . The first camp is the people who take a massive bag of tools on every trip (my dad). The second camp takes very few tools, if any (me).

I tend to sway towards the latter – simply because I’m not very good at fixing stuff!

You can go any way you want with tools. Just remember they’re heavy and take up a lot of room. A general rule is that if I don’t know what a tool is (or what it does), then I don’t take it – because what’s the point?

If you’re off-roading, taking a more comprehensive tool kit isn’t a bad thing. Nor is taking spares. Just make sure you know how to use/fit them.

Other than that, most European cities will have main dealers and back street garages – although you might end up paying through the nose for their services.

In all my years of touring, I’ve never had any issues with security. I’m not saying things don’t happen, but I’ve never seen anything happen in my own experiences.

For the first few times I toured, I took a security chain, disc locks, and even my bike cover. 

These days, I take a hefty (visible) disc lock as I spend most of my time in the mountains surrounded by cows. I might take a second disc lock if I have the space (or if stopping in a city overnight.)

Small, light locks that act as a visible deterrent are the way to go when touring. You could also try an alarm (although they’re generally a pain), an alarmed disc lock (also a pain), and/or a tracker (recommended.)

Related: Choosing the Best Security For Your Motorcycle

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Cost

The main culprits.

How much does all this cost? Ha! A lot is the short answer. In my experience, I find it’s best to accept that touring Europe on your motorcycle will be expensive and just get on with enjoying it.

And whilst I know many people who tour on a shoestring, they always come back looking homeless and malnourished. 

By all means, save money where you can and take advantage of vouchers or freebies – I certainly do! But if you think a lack of money will turn your enjoyable tour into a struggle, do yourself a favour and keep saving until next summer.

The biggest factor in gobbling up your cash is accommodation. Hotels are the worst, but you can claw money back by getting ones that include breakfast, provide free lunch packs, or discounted rates for evening meals.

Hostels can also be a good compromise.

Air BnB can work out cheap for longer periods away – especially if you’re sharing as part of a group.

Related: Cut Costs On Your Motorcycle Trip (The 3 Biggest Ways)

Fuel & Food

The next money-eater is fuel – which you can’t do anything about! It’s worth remembering that fuel costs differ in different countries. So if you plan on touring Europe on your motorcycle for a long while (4+ weeks), stay away from places like Switzerland or Norway where fuel is extortionate.

Other than that, all you can do is keep half an eye on the petrol gauge, staying economical where possible and generally looking after the fuel.

Finally, consider where you will eat as food can really, ahem, EAT into your budget.

Restaurants are the worst, as you might expect. Although they generally are the most satisfying and filling. 

I spend a lot of time in supermarkets whilst on tour, especially in places like France and Spain. Supermarket cafes provide superb food at reasonable prices. And buying a baguette, some meats/cheeses, and a bottle of local wine is a tenth of the cost of eating out.

Related: How Fuel Prices Could Affect Your Motorcycle Tour

Top image: Lisha Riabinina

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Ultimate Guide to Touring Europe on a Motorbike

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Bike categories, ages and license requirements for Europeans

Renting a motorbike in europe, motorcycle laws in europe, how lane splitting works in europe, the different speeds in the lanes, the unofficial motorcycle lane, common road signs, what to do in an emergency, crossing borders, being pulled over.

When you’re planning on touring Europe on a motorbike, you probably have a lot of questions and basics that you should know! Check out this guide to know the motorcycle laws in Europe and other advice for your motorcycle touring trip!

I obviously love riding my motorbike through Europe, but I had a lot of questions when I first started! I was a bit lost, so I hope this guide will help you discover everything you need to know, so you can skip ahead to the fun part: riding!

The basics of touring Europe on a motorbike

Motorcycle riding requirements in europe.

If you have a European motorcycle license you can drive in any European country without problems. However, as you already know, there are special requirements for the type of motorbike you can drive. Here’s a helpful chart from The Biker Insurer (UK based) to help you remember:

If you have an American motorcycle license , you can drive ANY motorcycle with your own state issued license. The US does not have different levels of licenses for different sizes of motorbikes. You can drive with your state, class M license for the duration of a year (in MOST European countries. Remember to check specific requirements!). However, some companies or countries may ask you for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). This is a paper document that does not replace your license but accompanies it. It is a booklet that is translated into many different languages around the world.

You can get your IDP from your local AAA chapter . It costs $20 USD and you will need to include:

• Application form
• Two original passport photos (can get these done at Walgreen’s or CVS Pharmacy)
• Your current driver’s license

When you rent a motorbike in Europe, they will ask for your driver’s license and how long you have held the license. Usually, you need to have held your license for at least two years (although for Americans they don’t know when the class M was added on to it).

Europeans are issued a license that stays with them their entire life so it’s easy to see how long they’ve held the license. For us Americans though, we change and renew our license every few years. Try to bring an old license or at least a photo of an old one to prove that you have held a driving license for several years.

For the most part, a lot of European countries have the same laws, governed by the European Union, with a bit of variation.

Some of the common rules include:

• Motorcycle helmet laws: A helmet is required in ALL EU countries and must meet ECE 22.045 (double check this as not all foreign helmets do)
• High visibility vest needs to be stored on the bike in case of emergencies
• Lane splitting is legal

Not all countries however, have the same motorcycle laws. Be sure and check the specific country to see what exactly is needed.

View country specific motorcycle driving guides

Click the image below for Country Specific Driving Guides

Driving a motorbike in Europe

Lane splitting varies from country to country, where some countries tend to drive more aggressively than others. Much of this depends on how big the lanes are and whether the cars accommodate for motorbikes lane splitting or not.

In general though, lane splitting is very used and very common. At a red light, most of the motorbikes will all go in between the lanes or even outside in order to get to the front of the line. You can choose not to of course, but (depending on the country) it’s pretty accepted. When you lane split, be sure to put on your warning lights or if you don’t have them your blinker, as it helps cars to see you.

In Europe, they really follow the whole “left lane is for passing.” If you are in the left lane and are going slower than the flow of traffic, the person behind you will flash their lights at you. It’s not meant to be rude, just that you shouldn’t be in the lane unless you are passing.

When there are multiple lanes, the same rules apply and it’s fairly strict on the most left being the fastest lane and the most right being the slowest. The middle lanes are different levels of how fast you are going as well.

When you’re in a big city, you may find that other motorcyclists and scooters are using the “unofficial motorcycle lane.” This is right in between the left lane and middle lane and cars in these two lanes are aware that there will be motorbikes coming through. It’s easier to lane split because cars will try to give you the space needed.

Familiarize yourself with all the common road signs in the EU! Use this road sign pdf to guide you! Even if you leave the EU with your motorbike, most of the signs will be the same or at least similar.

The shoulders on highways are large enough for you to easily pull over. There are also emergency phone booths scattered fairly frequently across major highways. If you need to get off your bike, you must put the high visibility vest on.

If you need to call for an emergency, the phone number in the European Union is 112

When in the EU, most of the time the border isn’t clear. You don’t need to stop and have someone check your passport; you just go on through.

In Switzerland you will still pass through a section where they used to check passports, but just slow down and you’ll be on your way.

Outside of the EU, there will be border crossings where you’ll need to wait 30 mins to an hour to get through. On a motorcycle in the summer, this can be really long so be prepared!

Other things to look out for when touring Europe on a motorbike

The sign for toll tags all over Europe is the orange T symbol. If there is a green arrow beside the T symbol, you can still go through and pay by cash or card– it just means both are allowed. The ones with orange barriers are only for Toll tag holders.

There will be different lanes for paying cash or card, and usually different ones for cars or trucks. If you have any issues, there is usually a help button to call someone to assist you.

Warning: Tolls in Europe are FREAKIN’ EXPENSIVE!

Especially in France and Italy. Try to plan out costs before you go! Usually toll roads can save you an entire hour or two on a route through Europe, but there is a cost to it. Plan accordingly.

Police will normally pull up next to you and motion towards you that they would like to speak. You then find a safe place to pull over and stay on your bike, waiting for them to come to you. If you’re on a highway they will likely motion to you to follow them at the next exit.

Usually they’ll ask for the title of your motorbike (if it’s your own), your passport, and your license.

Planning your motorcycle roadtrip

Of course it’s a bit difficult to generalize for all of Europe, but you can at least think to avoid the coldest and the hottest months. Spring usually comes with a lot of rain so I would recommend late summer and early fall as the best months for touring Europe on a motorbike.

It’s really best if you get a European SIM card while you’re touring Europe on a motorbike. Most companies have plans that allow you to use your data in all of the EU countries, and it’s a lot cheaper than paying for an international plan in your home country! Try to buy a European SIM card and plan when you first arrive and before you start your trip.

I recommend the company Orange , because they have a nice plan and presence in many European countries!

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• 31 May 2022

Motorcycle Tour of Europe: The Ultimate Adventure in 2023

• May 31, 2022

Table of Contents

Why should you ride a motorcycle in europe.

Europeans are known for their love of motorcycles and the freedom they provide. For those who want to experience a more European lifestyle, why not take a motorcycle tour around Europe?

Europe is full of historical sights and natural beauty that can only be experienced by riding on two wheels. The scenery is breathtaking with no traffic jams or pollution to ruin your day.

If you’re planning a motorcycle trip in Europe, make sure you plan ahead as it can be difficult to find parking spots in some areas.

Plannig a Motorcycle tour in Europe

A Motorcycle Tour in Europe is a dream come true for many travelers. It’s a chance to explore the country, see its most beautiful spots, and experience the culture.

The cost of a Motorcycle Tour in Europe varies depending on how long you want to tour, where you want to go, and what type of motorcycle you plan on riding. The cost also depends on how much time you spend traveling by car or bus.

The 5 Best Motorcycle Brands for Your European Tour

There are many motorcycle brands available in Europe, but the best five that you can consider for your trip are BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Triumph and Yamaha.

The first four of these five brands have a long history in manufacturing and providing high-quality motorcycles to their customers. The last one is known for its affordable models.

6 Tips for Avoiding the Most Common Motorcycle Dangers on European Roads

Motorcycle riding has become a popular mode of transportation in Europe. However, there are still some dangers that riders should be aware of on the road. This article covers six tips that will help you avoid these dangers and stay safe while riding a motorcycle in Europe.

• Always wear your helmet
• Ride defensively and pay attention to what’s around you
• Make sure your bike is properly maintained and fits you well
• Get your motorcycle license if possible
• Don’t drink alcohol while riding
• Be patient when driving in traffic

How much a motorcycle trip in Europe?

If you are planning to go on a motorcycle tour in Europe, there are a few things you should consider. First, consider how much it will cost per day and how much time you will have for sightseeing. Second, make sure that your bike is in good condition so that it can handle the rough terrain of the continent. Third, plan your route and make sure you have enough time to do all the activities that interest you.

A motorcycle tour in Europe can cost a lot of money. The daily costs depend on the country that you are visiting and the duration of your visit.

The cost of a motorcycle tour in Europe ranges from $1,300 to $4,000 per month for a two-week trip. This includes fuel, food, accommodation and other travel costs.

💡 Short Trips: The daily cost for a cheap motorcycle trip in Europe is between €40 and €70.

💡 Long Trips: The motorcycle travel cost in Europe varies depending on where you are going and what type of motorcycle you are riding. The average cost for a long distance ride is about $100 per day but can vary from region to region.

Top Tips For Buying Your First Motorcycle For Touring Europe

For those who are thinking about buying their first bike for touring Europe, below are some top tips to help you make the most out of your trip.

1. Find a bike that is designed specifically for touring

2. Get a decent motorcycle insurance policy

3. Check the bike’s features and get one with more features than you think you will need

4. Consider picking up a second-hand motorcycle if you want to save money on buying the new one

Planning an Affordable Motorcycle Tour with Budget-Friendly Gear

Planning a motorcycle tour is not as easy as it seems. You need to consider all the factors such as cost, time, and logistics. This article will help you with your planning process.

What you should consider before going on a motorcycle tour:

Budget: This is one of the most important factors to consider when planning for a motorcycle trip. You need to be able to afford the trip in order for it to be successful.

Motorcycle gear is an essential part of any motorcycle tour. It’s important to get the right gear that will protect you from the elements, while also fitting your personal style.

Here are some of the best protection equipments for a motorcycle tour:

• Motorcycle helmet – The most important piece of gear on a motorcycle is your helmet. This should be one of the first things you buy when planning your trip.
• Gloves – Gloves are another essential piece of gear for any type of motorcycle ride. They help to keep you warm and dry, and also provide protection from road rash and other injuries.
• Jacket – A jacket is great for adding extra warmth to your ride or just as a layer to break up wind resistance while riding in colder weather.

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• Travel advice: How to ride in Europe

What YOU need to ride in Europe | Essential checklist

Kev's been riding since acquiring half shares in a CZ175 field bike back in the seventies, passed his test in a blizzard on Christmas Eve 1985, and got his first job on a bike mag in 1990. Likes: long distance touring and short-distance twisties. Currently owns a 1987 GSX-R1100, a 1992 Ducati 400SS, a 1973 Honda SS50, a 1978 Honda CX500, a 1988 Honda Bros special, a 1957 Mobylette and a 110cc pit bike. None of them work.

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Whether you’re planning a quick hop across the channel or several weeks riding through Europe, our checklist will guide you through, so before you book your tickets, let's have a look at what you need to sort out before you go, and what paperwork you'll need from the time you roll off the ferry (other means of cross-channel travel are available)…

European motorcycle riding - ten essential things to check

Here's the stuff you need to stay legal on the continent, regardless of where you're headed – we’ll look at the specific needs of France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and Switzerland further down the page.

Incidentally, most countries will require originals of documents not photocopies, but you might want to photocopy them anyway and keep the copies to hand for casual checks; if they want originals, you can dig them out if needed.

1: Passport:  And make sure it's valid. That doesn't mean just 'not expired yet'... The EU/Schengen requirement is that your passport much have been issued less than ten years before your outward travel date, AND that it has three months' validity on your planned return date.

The ten year rule may be an issue for some UK passport holders; if you last renewed your passport well in advance and had the remaining months of your old one added, then you might have plenty of validity left but still fall foul of the 10-year rule, so double check... If you need a new one, don't delay – at time of writing applications were taking up to three months!

2: Licence: There’s no need for an International Driving Permit (IDP) as your UK Licence is still valid. The exceptions are if you're still holding an old-style paper licence rather than a photocard, or if your licence was issued in Gibraltar, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. In those cases, you will need a 1968 IDP to ride legally in most EU/EEA countries (including France and Germany, but not Spain). For information on global IDP requirements, visit the government website here .

3: Bike documents: You need to carry the bike's V5c (log book) and MoT certificate at all times. If you're not the legal owner (for example if the bike's on finance) then you may need a form V103 to prove you have permission from the owner to take it out of the country. If you don't have the V5c at all you'll need a V103B as well to show in its place. Contact the finance company well in advance if in doubt.

The above assumes you're riding the bike yourself – if you're taking it in a van, or on a motorhome or trailer, you may need extra paperwork. See the National Motorcyclists Council's latest advice here: https://www.uknmc.org/news/motorcycle-transportation-and-the-eu-border-nmc-publishes-advice

4: Insurance: You no longer need a Green Card to ride in the European Union, but you will need your insurance certificate (again, not a copy, though if it’s supplied digitally, you can print it out).

5: GB sticker:  The old GB sticker is no longer valid for travel in Europe – you now need a UK one, unless your number plate already has the ‘UK’ identifier and Union flag on it. However, if your number plate says ‘GB’ with the Union flag, the Euro symbol, the England, Scotland or Wales flags, or has no flags at all, then you do need to display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of the vehicle.

In Spain, Cyprus or Malta you must display a UK sticker regardless of what’s on the number place, and if you have a GB sticker, you need to cover or remove it before driving outside the UK. You don’t need a UK sticker to ride or drive in Ireland.

For the latest information, check the government site here .

6: Travel/breakdown insurance: This is not obligatory, but it is highly recommended, and should include repatriation for you AND you bike if it's going to be worth having. You need to make sure the policy you choose actually covers you not just for riding bikes, but for the type of bike and the type of riding – you don't want to find out the hard way that it doesn't cover a spot of off-road, for example, or a trip into the Armco at the Nürburgring.

Also check restrictions on pre-existing medical conditions, and double-check the small point on duration of cover – we've heard of cases where riders have been refused claims because they purchased cover from the time they landed abroad, when the small print said they needed cover from the moment they left home...

7: EHIC/GHIC: The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, which made sure you didn't get stung for a huge hospital bill if it all went tits up) is now defunct, post Brexit (although existing cards are still valid up to their expiry dates), and we thought that was likely to be the end of it. But it's back, now rebranded as the Global Health Insurance Car (GHIC). It's still free, and it still works across Europe!

Again, it's not compulsory to carry one, but you'd be daft not to, given that even a couple of days in hospital could see you owing several grand. If you simply forget to take one you CAN make a claim in retrospect - but you're unlikely to get a full refund.

9: A calendar: Or at least an eye on dates if you're a frequent traveller. Post-Brexit, UK bikers are under the same rules as other non-EU citizens. That means you're limited to 90 days in the Schengen area in any 180-day period. Maybe not a problem for most visitors nipping over for a holiday, but if your work takes you abroad a lot AND you want to holiday in the EU as well, it can quickly add up.

Bear in mind it's a rolling 180 days too, so if in doubt you need to to work back from your return date to 180 days before that, then add up how many days you've been in Schengen between the two (your passport should have been stamped going in and out, so it shouldn't be hard). Then subtract that number from 90 to give how many days you're allowed in this time.

9: ETIAS Visa Waiver – but not yet... very soon, third country nationals who don't need an actual visa to visit the EU or Schengen Area (that includes us Brits) will need an electronic visa waiver before travel. It's called ETIAS, which stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, and it's similar to the ESTA system for travel to the USA. In theory the system comes into force in November 2023, but it's already been put back several times, may be delayed again, and even once in place there will almost certainly be at least a six month grace period before it actually becomes mandatory. Applications will be made online and are fairly simple - you'll need a scanned copy of your passport and a biometric digital photo to hand - and it costs 7 euros (beware third party sites charging extra). You should get approval almost straight away (ETIAS say 95% of applications will be decided 'within minutes') but it might take up to four days if extra checks are concerned, and up to four WEEKS if they need to come back to you for extra information. It's valid for three years but if your passport runs out before that, then so does ETIAS, so you'll need to reapply as soon as you renew your passport.

At time of writing (December 2022) the ETIAS application portal wasn't live, but you can sign up to be informed of developments here .

Note: ETIAS is only available for those with full British Citizenship. If you are a British Subject, British Overseas Citizen or British Protected Person you need to apply for a full Schengen Visa instead.

10: Tools/spares/puncture kit: Not compulsory, but potentially useful. It’s up to you whether you carry any spares, but a small toolkit is always handy, even if it's only so you can tighten up the odd loose sat-nav mount or trim a frayed luggage strap.

A puncture kit is well worth having too, but completely pointless unless you know how to use it, so make sure you practice a couple of times on an old tyre before you go.

One useful tip - if you have a bike with a single-sided swingarm with one big nut on the hub, it's worth carrying a suitable socket with you; it's easy enough to get a puncture fixed or a new tyre fitted, but not every tyre place or bike shop will have the right socket for your particular bike.

Other things you might need when riding in Europe

Depending on which countries you're visiting, you may need extra paperwork, equipment and/or knowledge. Here's a start for the most popular destinations for Brit bikers…

Even if you're not actually going to France, you’ll probably be passing through and you need to be legal while you're there.

In addition to the main requirements for the EU, France has a few extras:

• You should carry a reflective/hi viz jacket or gilet at all times, in case of emergencies.
• You should have an in-date alcohol tester (although there's no fine for not having one).
• In theory you should also have approved reflective stickers on your helmet, although no one ever does (including the locals), and we've never heard of anyone being nicked.
• You may well get nicked for riding without CE-approved gloves though.
• Contrary to popular wisdom you do NOT need to carry a spare bulb kit… although it's not a bad idea anyway.

Probably the most important thing to know before riding in France is how the Priorité à Droite rule works – you'll find a full explanation in our guide to riding in France here .

Make sure you understand Priorité à Droite. Image by Yodaspirine

Spain's one of our favourite places to ride as there’s little traffic away from the towns, plenty of accommodation, and great food in busy coastal resorts. But head a couple of miles inland and you might not see a soul all day.

And then there's the roads... we can't think of anywhere you get such a variety of tarmac, and so much opportunity to get into an all-day bend-swinging groove. Generally, the list of required papers/kit is the same as for the rest of the EU, but you also need…

• Spare glasses (if you're a specs wearer)
• You should have a reflective/hi viz jacket or gilet with you on the bike in case of emergencies.
• Loud pipes are frowned upon and can get you an on-the spot fine.

There are quite a few other peculiarities and things to watch out for in Spain, including new urban speed limits and rules – see our full guide to riding in Spain here .

Whatever country you visit, always respect the locals

A very popular destination for UK bikers with great scenery, fine roads, excellent beer and the opportunity to go as fast as you want, legally. What's not to like? Well, not that much, but as you might expect those high speeds come with a warning…

• Not all Autobahnen are unrestricted - only about half of the total.
• Even derestricted motorways still carry an advisory limit of 130km/h (80mph) – if you ride faster, you accept the consequences if it all goes wrong, and you also expose yourself to prosecution for even minor driving faults.
• Often the motorways are too congested to go fast anyway, in which case remember filtering's only legal in completely stationary traffic.
• Depending where you go, noisy pipes can get you into hot water, and some roads are sometimes closed to motorcycles completely at certain times as a result of noise problems.
• Despite some advice to the contrary, motorcycles don't need special stickers to enter low-emissions zones in German cities.

See our full guide to riding in Germany – including advice about the Nürburgring – here .

Italy's a great place to ride – we really must do a full guide on it soon. From the mountains and lakes in the north, through the industrial belt and down to the agricultural south, it's got a bit of everything. Basic paperwork/equipment rules are the same as elsewhere in the EU, with a few additions…

• You need a reflective/hi-viz gilet on board.
• Speed limits are 50km/h (30mph) in town, 90km/h (55mph) on A roads, 110km/h (68mph) on dual cabbageways and 130km/h (80mph) on motorways.
• If it's raining, those last two drop to 90km/h (55mph) and 110km/h (68mph) respectively.
• Be wary of filling up on motorways – fuel can be frighteningly expensive, and if you accidentally choose an attended pump, that rises from frightening to terrifying...
• Also terrifying is the general standard of driving – be very, very wary approaching junctions, overtaking slower traffic in town, out of town… well, just everywhere. All the time.

The Emerald Isle is in the EU, and we're not, so most of the same advice applies as elsewhere in the EU. But bizarrely you don't necessarily need a passport – your photocard driving licence should suffice. We'd take a passport anyway, just in case.

Once there, you'll find beautiful scenery, friendly people, lovely winding roads (but beware wildlife, farm animals and agricultural vehicles – it's not a place to go fast) and good beer. Well worth the trip.

Check out our guide to riding in Ireland here .

We didn’t have any photos of someone having fun riding in Switzerland, so here’s another one from Spain

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland's far too law-abiding to be fun on a bike for very long, although it does have some magnificent scenery of course. Mainly it's just easier to go through it than around it when you're on your way to Italy, Austria or places further East (speaking of which, have a look at our guide to riding in Croatia here .

Although it's not part of the EU (or the EEA for that matter), Switzerland has signed treaties that mean riding there is pretty much the same as in the EU. Be aware that Switzerland operates a Prorité à Droite rule, like France, which can catch out the unwary. For a full explanation see our guide to France here .

Apart from that, the main thing is to get a Vignette for the motorways if you're planning to use them; you can get one at most garages or at the border, or online in advance for around 40 euros. Get stopped on the motorway without one and it's a big fine. Speeding fines are also big – around 200 quid for a minor offence – so be careful. Also, don't park up on the pavement - more big fines... In fact, let’s refer you back to Spain…

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• How to ride in Germany: Speed limits, documents, the law

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Top 10 best motorcycle tours in Europe

There is no better feeling of freedom than taking on the open road on a motorcycle. So, here are ten motorcycle tours in Europe that you can’t miss

Travelling around by motorcycle is an exhilarating experience that you will never forget.

Traversing the road by motorcycle enables you to take on mountain passes, drive narrow roads, and witness scenery on a whole different level, especially when compared to driving any other vehicle.

So are you a motorcycle enthusiast or someone eager to take a motorcycle tour through Europe? If so, then stay tuned for the top ten best motorcycle tours in Europe.

The World Bucket List’s top tips for taking motorcycle tours in Europe:

• Plan your routes in advance. However, give yourself a little wiggle room to explore, too.
• Always pack appropriate safety gear and check local driving guidelines and regulations before your trip.
• Always book biker-friendly accommodation for each place you drive through in advance.
• Take plenty of breaks on your trip. This is also a great way to see the sights and try out local cuisine.
• Learn a few local navigation phrases in case you ever get lost, and make sure you’re driving on the right (or left) side of the road!

10. Alghero to Bosa Route, Sardinia, Italy – a beautiful island journey

Known as one of the most scenic coastal roads in Europe, this will certainly be a highlight when on the island of Sardinia in Italy .

The island is stunning and is an ideal place to take a motorcycle. The best route on the island is the road from Alghero to Bosa (or vice versa). Along the way, you will witness twists, turns, and stunning ocean vistas.

RELATED : our Italy Bucket List

9. The Picos de Europa, Northern Spain – the Spanish Dolomites

If you have a motorcycle or are planning a motorcycle trip within Europe, you must become familiar with the Picos de Europa in Northern Spain.

These are like the little brother of the Italian Dolomites but are much less frequented.

By taking a guided motorcycle tour in this area, you will see some incredible landscapes , get inside knowledge of the area and the route, and the hotels will all be taken care of. A must-do!

8. The Amalfi Coast Road, Italy – living on the edge in Italy

The Amalfi Coast in Italy is a motorcyclist’s dream, with cliffs, narrow coastal roads, and scenic hillside villages, which can all be encountered from the comfort of two wheels.

This is a famous route for bikers who are keen to enjoy the landscape and the local cuisine, explore the charming towns, and tick off one of the best coastal routes in Europe.

You cannot overlook this fantastic spot when it comes to the best motorcycle tours in Europe.

7. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland – the longest defined coastal route

Ireland is home to one of the longest-defined coastal routes in the world and aims to rival California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway, which we think it does splendidly.

This 2,600 km (1600 miles) west coast route is a fantastic destination, easily reached by ferry from France, the UK, and Spain with your motorcycle.

However, there are a whole host of motorcycle rental companies and comprehensive guides to benefit from on this route.

READ MORE : our Irish Bucket List

6. The Transalpina, Romania – explore the Carpathian mountains

Do you fancy somewhere a little off the beaten path but still incredibly wild and stunning? If so, Romania has to be added to your list.

The Transalpina and the Transfagarasan route are some of the best destinations for motorcycle tours, both of which are the highest roads in the Carpathian Mountains.

You can expect to find a base hotel in the nearby town of Sibiu, which will allow you to explore the entire area at your own pace or as part of a group.

5. The Ring Road, Iceland – a country road trip

This 1,332 km (828 miles) ring road circles the entire country and is one of the most unbelievable locations for motorcycle tours.

Given that you will fly into Iceland, you can easily rent a motorcycle from one of the tour agencies in Rekjyavik. You can opt to go with a guide or grab an Iceland Ring Road itinerary and GPS for your self-guided tour. The choice is yours!

4. The Swiss Alps, Switzerland – an idyllic mountain region

The high Alpine passes of the Swiss Alps are a motorcyclist’s dream. So, is it any wonder that this is ranked on our ten best motorcycle tours in Europe list?

You will be blown away by the steep mountains and panoramic vistas. Going from hotel to hotel on this route is such a breeze, considering how popular it is.

3. The North Coast 500, Scotland – a wild ride

For a truly wild ride, the NC 500 is the one to check out, offering plenty of famous Scottish vistas to encounter on every corner.

You can expect to discover lakes, pristine beaches, and majestic mountains, as well as fabulous roads, making it one of the best motorcycle tours in Europe.

RELATED : WBL’s Scotland Bucket List

2. The Atlantic Road, Norway – drive across the ocean

If you want to feel like you are driving in the middle of the ocean, then this outstanding Atlantic Road route has to be considered.

The roads weave up and down, similar to a roller coaster , with water all around you. Thus, making for an excellent motorcycle tour in Norway, the land of incredible views and otherworldly landscapes.

1. Trans European Trail – Europe’s dirt road adventure

For the ultimate two-wheel experience, you must consider the 38,000 km (23,612 miles) Trans European Trail route across Europe, especially if unpaved roads and a real challenge are what you are after.

Of course, you can choose which section you want to take on, either on the western or the eastern arm. No matter what, you can be sure to find many companies offering guided motorcycle tours on this route deemed ‘Europe’s dirt road adventure’.

Notable mentions

• Douro Valley, Portugal : Portugal’s wine region is a top choice for bikers; just don’t drink and drive, of course.
• Verdon Gorge, France : Europe’s Grand Canyon makes for an incredible place for a motorcycle tour.
• Transfagarasan, Romania : One of the highest roads in the Romanian Carpathian Mountains, offering stunning views and steep passes.
• Corsica Island, France : This ‘mountain island in the sea’ is ideal for motorcycle tours. It is a popular place for bikers to gather for a road trip.
• The German Alpine Road, Germany : This route offers beautiful scenery, fantastic roads, mountain passes, charming market towns, and incredible cultural history. So, it is no surprise the German Alpine Road is one of the most popular destinations for a motorcycle holiday.
• The Black Forest High Road, Germany : Passing through Germany ‘s stunning Black Forest, the Black Forest High Road is a bucket-list must. It truly is one of Europe’s ultimate motorcycle paradises.

Your questions answered about the best motorcycle tours in Europe

If you still have questions, we have you covered! In this section, we’ve compiled some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions and popular questions that have been asked online about this topic.

Which country in Europe is best for motorcycles?

Can you ride a motorcycle through europe.

Yes! Motorcycle tours are incredibly popular in Europe.

What do you need to travel in Europe on a motorcycle?

You will need a valid license, protective gear, compact luggage, and a GPS.

The routes on our list of top ten motorcycle tours in Europe are phenomenal. Hopefully, we have inspired you to take to the open road on two wheels, with either a self-guided or guided motorcycle tour.

Jade is a seasoned traveller, yoga enthusiast, adventure seeker and travel writer passionate about seeing the world and sharing hidden gems with others. As well as having travelled to 91 countries thus far, she has written for several websites, including The World Bucket List, Meanwhile in Ireland and Ireland Before You Die. In 2022 Jade’s first book ‘ The Ultimate Irish Road Trip Guide’ was published and is currently available on Amazon. She is a keen writer of satirical articles, as well as ‘The best things to do’ and ‘The best dishes to try’ around the globe. Jade is currently on a campervan adventure around Europe, where she continues to get her travel and food inspiration. She is excited to share what she discovers with her readers.

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Continental concerns? It's MCN's guide to riding your motorbike in Europe

A European motorbike trip can be a great way to get some miles racked up towards your  #ride5000miles  total at any time of year; whether it’s your summer holiday, a way to extend the riding season through autumn or a way of beating the January blues while you wait for spring.

Following the UK’s exit from the EU on January 1, 2021, there are now some changes to the documentation you need to have with you if you ride on the European mainland.

• Related : Motorcycle touring essentials

If you have a paper driving licence, or a licence issued in Gibralter, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you may also need an International Driving Permit. Check with the country you are visiting before you travel, the permits are bought at some Post Offices and cost £5.50.

The European Commission announced in June 2021 that motor insurance green cards would not be necessary for riding within the EU.

Tips for riding a motorbike in Europe:

• Insurance cover
• Do you need a Green Card?
• The documents you will need

Securing your bike on a ferry

• What if you break down?
• Travel essentials
• How to navigate
• Know the local laws

Be vigilant

• Plan, plan, plan

Exploring a foreign country on two wheels can be challenging, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. There’s no point making things any more complicated than necessary when it comes to making sure your documents are up to scratch, and that includes insurance cover.

Knowing the local laws and customs ahead of time can also save you a lot of grief in the long run. MCN spoke to Dave Bowcock, managing director of Principal Insurance to get some advice and added this to our own experience.

While this article features the very latest facts on driving in Europe, laws for driving, passports, EHIC cards, pet travel and more, may change in January 2021.

Make sure you’re covered (and you can prove it)

You’ll need to make sure that your insurance cover will extend to riding in the country that you’re headed. Many countries in Europe will be covered when you take out a policy now, but it is always wise to check before heading out. Some insurers will include European cover automatically, while for others it will be an add-on. Head to  MCN Compare  to find the best policy for your perfect biking trip.

It’s worth checking your insurance documentation before going as some policies won’t include riding abroad or in some instances will only cover you for a limited amount of time.

You may also need to inform your insurer of your intention to ride outside the UK, some will need notice at least a couple of weeks beforehand, while others won’t need to be informed at all. Find out the European extension of your insurer as well if they have one, just in case you need to contact them.

When abroad, you’ll need to carry your insurance certificate and always make sure you carry paper copies of your documents too and keep them separate in case one gets lost accidentally.

If you’re going further afield than Europe, then you may well need to take out specialist insurance that will cover you for the countries you’ll be riding in. The insurance laws will vary depending on where you’re travelling to so it makes sense to find out what you will need at the very minimum to be legal before you go.

You also need to consider duration of your trip too as there may well be a limit on the time that you’ll be covered while overseas. Some policies will only allow brief coverage while out of the country and others will be less strict with duration of coverage. Again, check your policy details to find out if you will be adequately covered and extend your policy if necessary.

“Make sure you arrange travel insurance as soon as you confirm your arrangements. You never know what might happen between booking and travelling and your policy will offer cover for cancellation due to specific circumstances such as unexpected illness.

“An annual multi-trip policy is definitely worth considering if you’re planning a few foreign breaks. They’re easier and can be cheaper than buying separate single trip policies. Just be mindful of any limits on the number and duration of trips and territories that are covered.

“In these days of click and buy it’s tempting to just go for the cheapest price. But it’s important to make sure you’re comparing like-with-like and buying the cover you actually need. Check the limits, exclusions and excesses to avoid any nasty surprises should you need claim.

“If a few of you are planning to holiday or tour together, it might be worth checking out a group travel policy. “Bulk buying” should be cheaper. Just make sure that all members of your group are eligible – for example age and health exclusion may apply.”

Know what your insurance covers

Take time to think about the scenario where it all goes a bit pear shaped too, it’s all well and good thinking that a crash won’t happen, and in the majority of cases it won’t.

But it’s still prudent to ensure that your health cover extends to the country that you’re visiting, if not then it’s important that you have adequate cover in place that will see you taken care of should you need to unfortunately spend time in hospital.

You also need to think about your riding kit; is it covered in your policy and if so, will it cover the cost of replacing your gear should you need to. If you own the a Rukka jacket and trousers worth £1,700 and an Arai lid worth upward of £400, plus the potential cost of boots and gloves then it will be of little use if your policy will only cover your kit to a maximum value of £600.

“When buying travel insurance, make sure it covers what you need it to. Some standard policies may not protect panniers, contents and camping gear and may even exclude motorcycling as a ‘dangerous activity’. 

“Beware exclusions for removable panniers and top boxes. It’s worth checking out specially designed, biker friendly travel policies which might also cover your helmets and leathers.

“Watch out too for exclusions. If you have a pre-existing medical condition you might need go to a specialist insurer. “Alcohol related incidents” are also a common exclusion.”

Do I need a green card

In a word, no. The European Commission initially advised that UK motorists travelling within the EU after Brexit would need to carry a green card, which proves that you have at least the minimum legal insurance requirement for the country you are entering and could be obtained by contacting your insurance provider. But in June 2021 they changed their mind, which was particularly useful for Northern Ireland residents who wanted to ride into the Republic of Ireland.

• Visit the UK government website about driving abroad

In some countries, an insurance certificate will suffice to provide proof of cover to the minimum required standard. It’s worth checking exactly what you’ll need though and, in many cases, having a green card may still make it simpler to prove you’re covered.

“You probably know about the green card. This is the free, international, mainly European scheme which means if you’re insured here, then you’re covered for the minimum compulsory insurance requirements of the country you’re visiting.

“This is not an EU scheme but has some 47 member nations, including non-EU members and other countries in the Balkan peninsula, Morocco, Russia, and Tunisia.

“An EU-driven multilateral agreement means that at the borders of 34 of those countries, you do not need present a physical green card. For the remainder you do and if you can’t you’ll need pay an insurance fee.

“You need check too that your insurer provides cover for all the countries you are visiting. For examples, some insurers do not provide cover in Bosnia & Herzegovina. If you’re unsure check with your insurer or broker before you travel.”

What documentation should you take?

Alongside your insurance documents, you’ll also need to carry your driving licence, any travel documents and a visa if going further afield than Europe, and also a vehicle registration V5 certificate and a European Health Insurance card. Finally, a valid passport is something you won’t get too far without. As of January 1, 2021 the passport requirements for travel within the EU have become stricter. You must have at least 6 months left to run on your passport and it cannot be more than 10 years old.

If you are heading abroad on the ferries it’s important that you are able to tether your bike down properly in the hold in case of rough weather.

Park it so it is almost leaning against the deck wall and out of people’s way. You want to tie it down so that the suspension is compressed and the weight of the bike is on the sidestand so it can’t flick up.

• Find a crossing with Brittany Ferries here

Watch out that the straps don’t chafe the paintwork during the crossing. Pieces of sponge where the straps bear on the bike are a good idea.

Put it in first gear and tie the front brake lever on with a small bungee or a section of bike tyre inner tube and it shouldn’t shift, even in a storm.

Service your bike before you go

Your bike will need to be capable of doing the trip. If it’s getting close to a service, then get it sorted before going. Adequate breakdown cover will also avoid a very costly recovery bill should the bike not be able to complete the trip – the last thing you want to find yourself is stranded a couple of thousand miles from home with locals who don’t understand you.

Some insurance policies include breakdown cover for either the UK or abroad, so definitely check. Even if it’s not included on your policy, you might be able to add it at a lower cost than you can find elsewhere.

A big trip can see a lot of wear on your motorcycle’s rubber and while your tyres may be legal at the start of the trip, they might not be by the end. If in doubt get them changed, you can always save and refit the old tyres if there’s some life in them after – but it’s far better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t get stuck

Some insurers will include European breakdown cover as standard that will allow for roadside repairs or that will even get your bike back to the UK in some circumstances, it’s worth checking your policy to see if this is included.

If you have existing breakdown cover, then it is wise to not assume that this will cover you riding in Europe or further afield too. Check your cover to make sure you are adequately protected for the countries that you will be travelling in and if not then extend your policy to include it.

Another thing to keep in mind when thinking of breakdown cover are the implications that a broken vehicle might have on your holiday, what will happen to your bike if it has a major mechanical? Will you be able to get it returned to the UK if needed and will the cover include the hire of another vehicle in the meantime?

Nobody likes being left at the side of the road, especially in a country where language may well be a barrier and getting your bike either home or to a garage might be extremely costly if you’re not covered.

Cover can be purchased from the AA, RAC or the Green Flag, but it’s worth thinking about what you might need. If you’ll only be going abroad once in the year then it makes sense to get a one-trip or short-term cover policy if it isn’t already included in your normal cover, on the other hand, if you’re planning a few or several short trips across the Channel then more extensive cover might be required.

“If you only have third party insurance and have a crash, your insurer won’t pay for repairs, towing or getting your bike back to the UK. If you have comprehensive cover you may be able to reclaim the costs, but will need sort your bike yourself.

“Breakdown and accident assistance insurance will get you sorted, subject to the limits of cover. This will usually include arranging a repair locally – if that’s possible – and sort things like accommodation, a replacement vehicle and repatriation of your machine if necessary.

“To avoid any nasty, inconvenient and costly shocks, check what is and isn’t covered before you buy. Cheap isn’t necessarily cheerful if you end up stranded with a knackered bike. Detail like whether a 24 hour English speaking helpline is available can really count.”

Don’t go anywhere without these essentials

Always take emergency essentials for you and your bike. Don’t go anywhere without at least packing a small first aid kit – you never know when it might be needed. A basic tool kit is also essential, identify any tools that you’ll specifically need to remove panels or that fit common parts to your machine and make sure they’re included in your tool kit.

Duct tape and cable ties can also be the difference between a bike that is going nowhere and being able to continue your journey – don’t go anywhere without them. If you don’t want to take a whole roll of Duct tape then consider wrapping it around the stem of a screwdriver, it’ll save valuable space and still be there should you need it.

“Don’t confuse the provisions of the European Health Card with travel insurance. The former covers all or some of the cost of state-provided, urgent and medically necessary treatment. That’s it.

“So, if you have an accident or medical emergency and need repatriation to the UK, that’s your bill – unless you have travel insurance. An air ambulance from Italy or Germany might cost £10,000+.

“Some insurers may also waive the excess on your travel insurance if you have an EHIC. If you’re going to North America, travel insurance is even more vital. Medical costs are high and an air ambulance could run you to some £50,000. Expect then to pay a higher premium than for European cover.”

Know your route

While a sat-nav unit may well be the saving grace of many motorcyclists travelling abroad, there is always the chance that it could get damaged, stolen or stop working. Having a good knowledge of your route could make the difference between making it to your next stop-over or not.

Pack a paper map and tape some rudimentary directions to your tank or put them in your tank bag map case.

A phone can provide a good emergency backup however, it’s definitely worth checking with your provider before setting off what usage is included in your plan. Some phone services won’t charge you for using your data in certain countries – some might charge a fortune though.

If your bike doesn’t have a 12v socket or charging point then a power bank can keep items such as a phone or even things like a GoPro camera topped up while on the move and they’re relatively inexpensive to buy too.

Check the local laws

It’s worth noting that different countries have different laws regarding riding. For example, in France your sat-nav speed camera alerts must be turned off and in Spain, you’re not allowed to take a child under the age of 7 on the back of your bike.

From May, 2020 you no longer need to carry a breathalyser kit with you when riding in France.

Even knowing the blood alcohol limit is important, many countries in Europe have lower limits than the UK meaning that you could be over the legal limit, even if in the UK you may have been legally able to drive.

In some countries such as Hungary and the Czech Republic it’s illegal to have any alcohol in the blood while driving at all. If in doubt, give the bottle a miss the night before.

It’s also beneficial to know if you’ll be travelling somewhere with toll-roads. If you’ll be doing any significant miles through France then it’s highly likely. It can be handy to keep some spare change in your tank bag or your credit card handy to make passage easier.

You may well be versed in the laws applicable to riding in the UK better than a high court Judge, but that accounts for little in a different country where they all have their own laws and regulations. It’s definitely worth getting to know just what you can and can’t do in the country you’re headed.

This can extend to laws surrounding motorcycles or could even be a lower alcohol limit to be aware of if you have a few tinnies the night before. Some countries in Europe have restrictions on the age of pillion passengers and most have laws that require dipped headlights to remain on even in daytime (a consideration to riders of pre-naughties machines).

The speed limits also vary greatly, and while we all love the German autobahns and the stretches of tarmac where the only restriction is how much you turn your wrist, there are countries where speed limits are heavily enforced and can impose on-the-spot bans and vehicle confiscations.

There can also be varying speed limits depending on the weather, in France for example you could be subject to lower speed limits if it’s raining and you’ve held your licence for less than three years. Don’t get caught out and check the requirements and laws of the countries you’ll be visiting before you go.

If you are planning a European touring holiday this year, then your essential paperwork should include a European Accident Statement (EAS), as well as your insurance certificate and/or green card.

The EAS is a standard form available throughout Europe in various languages. Its purpose is to get an agreed statement of facts when people are involved in road accidents, to assist with the processing of any subsequent insurance claims.

In France it is known as a constat l’amiable form and it is a legal requirement in France to fill in an EAS if you have an accident that involves people or vehicles. Both parties should sign the statement at the roadside before the vehicles are moved, if possible.

There are some things that stand out when you’re in another country and one of them is your number plate. It instantly alerts thieves that you might not be savvy in the lingo and that you’re in a foreign country, in an area that you’re not too likely to know well, making you a prime target in some cases.

Think about where you’re staying and if you get a chance, enquire to see if it has secure parking before you go. It also helps to read reviews on sites such as Trip Advisor to get a feel for where you’re staying, if there are lots of negative reviews about how dodgy the staff are then it might be best to look for somewhere else.

Also, you can get a rough feel for the general area by using services such as Google Street View, a pretty picture of the front of the hotel means nothing if you end up staying in a ghetto.

If you’re unable to park in a secure parking area, think about where you’ll leave your bike. A quiet alleyway on some forgotten back street will only encourage the opportunist thief more than say a busy, well-lit area that has CCTV.

It also makes perfect sense to have a lock with you, anything that deters thieves can only be a good thing. Chains can be heavy and somewhat cumbersome to take around but will provide the best protection against bike theft.

However, if you don’t have room to take a chain, or it is too heavy to reasonably in a rucksack then at the very least make sure you have a disc lock. Don’t get caught out.

Do as much planning as possible to avoid problems

Good preparation is key to a successful trip. While 9 times out of 10 the trip will go smoothly without any major drama, there’s always that tie that you might find yourself in a bit of a pickle. Having the right documentation, cover and essentials will at the very least allow you to deal with a situation without too much hassle and at the minimum cost should something occur.

Riding a bike in another country can be exhilarating and exciting, breaking routine from the roads you know and discovering somewhere new. For many, a trip abroad on the bike can be the highlight of their biking year.

It’s all well and good unless you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, only to find that you aren’t covered, or that your policy conditions change when you use your bike overseas, or that you’ve broken down and can’t get your bike back to the UK, there’s plenty to take into consideration. We’ve had a look at some areas to think carefully about before you head to lands afar…

“If you have a puncture and miss your ferry, the chances are you won’t be covered by your travel insurance. Build in time for unexpected delays. If you leave early the worst that can happen is you’ll arrive early. Pack an MCN and grab a coffee to fill the time!”

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Plan Now To Travel Europe By Motorbike This Spring

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[leadin]Mark your calendar! Your dream Europe trip is fast approaching, and we have good news — you’ll be traveling by motorbike and could spend as little as $3,000 total if you do it right.[/leadin]

A lot of people have a big dream to travel Europe one day. Change “one day” to “this spring.” Start planning now and you’ll be flying over the Atlantic in April.

Europe Moto Travel Planning Tips

We caught up with Jacob Laukaitis , a world traveler who just got back from touring the Balkan States on a motorbike, for a few tips to get you in the saddle this spring.

Ask Off Work

Right now, set a concrete date range for your trip, like April 8th – April 23nd for example. Once done, tell your boss about it. Getting that out of the way early allows you to set savings goals and cement plans. Your dream Europe trip is officially on.

Buy Your Flight

Find the cheapest possible flight to any country in Europe and book it. If you’re really feeling ambitious, buy a one-way ticket and worry about the return trip later. With the flight checked off, it’s a lot harder to make excuses and back out.

Learn To Ride A Motorcycle

Instead of being constricted to the Euro Rail, slow taxis, or rental cars, you should experience Europe first-hand on a motorbike.

Ideally, you’ll have this down already, but if not, the time is now. To do so, you’ll need to learn how to ride a motorcycle. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has training programs all over the country.

Find A Motorcycle

To rent a motorbike, you’ll need a valid motorcycle license, a passport, and some cash. In the months leading up to your departure, do some research at  HorizonsUnlimited.com  or  AdvRider.com . You can get some killer deals by renting in advance, like $400/week including insurance.

If you hope to motorbike around Europe for months, then you may look into buying one and then selling it at the end of your trip. Do your research, though, as there’s a bunch of hoops you’ll need to jump through to pull that off.

Everything you bring will need to be strapped to your motorbike.

“When it comes to packing, be as minimalist as it gets. My item-box was so small that I only took two pairs of pants, two pairs of shorts, five t-shirts, one pair of shoes, a jacket, and that’s it,” Laukaitis said.

Tip: Bring along a lightweight hammock for impromptu overnighters.

Flexible Itinerary

“I’d literally decide where I’m going next the night before in my hotel room and whenever I wouldn’t know where to go, I’d simply ask people,” Laukaitis said.

Keep the trip spontaneous and avoid the temptation to map out every stop. It’s okay to have a starting and ending point, but by leaving the middle uncharted you’ll be more flexible and worry less about logistics.

Lodge Smart

Airbnb and Couchsurfing.com are gold when looking for cheap lodging overseas.

“When you’re deciding on your next stop, hop on one of these sites to see if anything is available. Hostels are also cheap and often connect you with interesting people and wild stories,” he said. Don’t discount sleeping outside, too, especially if you brought that hammock.

You’re on vacation, so you should eat well. Keep an eye out for lunch specials, hit up some street food, and try every country’s staple.

Stay budget-minded, though, as food and drink expenses can get out of hand if you’re not careful. Don’t deny the hostel breakfast, don’t drink too much, do go grocery shopping, and try to make meals with other hostel residents.

Realize The Motorbike’s Potential

“It’s so much easier to explore the most interesting places on a motorbike. Mountains, desert, dirt, gravel, you name it. Plus you don’t have to waste time in traffic jams,” Laukaitis said.

Drive through the mountains, such as the Route des Grandes Alpes , and go off-road. Explore what you couldn’t on foot, bus, or rail.

Enjoy The Ride

“When driving a motorbike you feel a part of the whole setting – the mountains, the cities, the deserts, etc,” he said. “You can feel the wind and sun and really appreciate the surroundings more than being inside a car.”

And let’s face it, you’re off from work, overseas, and living your dream:  Don’t fret too much over your budget, your sunburn, a bike repair, or a sore bum.

An Arkansas native, Kyle Nossaman moved to Minneapolis after graduation and joined GearJunkie as an assistant editor and account manager. When he’s not hard charging through the city on his fixed gear bike, you’ll find him mountain biking, running, hiking, snowboarding, cheering on the Razorbacks, or adventuring with his wife.

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Motorcycle Tours in Europe

Unforgettable european motorcycle trip options.

Whether you call them vacations or holidays, motorcycles or motorbikes, RIDE Adventures would love to see you cruising on two wheels as you explore the breathtaking Alps or the spectacular Balkans. Motorcycling in Europe creates lasting memories and full cameras--we know, we've been there.

From the incredible historical opportunity that is exploring Europe, to the outstanding cuisines, scenery, and riding, if you're on this page, you probably know: There's no better way to explore than by motorcycle. Make it easy on yourself by having the rental bike you want waiting for you along with the host of services shown as "Included" in each of the trip packages below (click the Inclusions tab once looking at a tour.) Our Guides, Support Vehicle, hotel packages and route plans all combine for a lifetime experience that you will never, ever forget.

Guided Group Tour: Alps Moto Explorer

June 21- july 5, 2024.

PICK YOUR PRIVATE GROUP DATE: Anytime!

Guided Group Tour: "RIDE the Balkans" of Eastern Europe!

May 24 thru june 8, 2023.

*Inquire for Availability*

September 6-21, 2023

May 15-30, 2024, pick your private group date: anytime we have fleet and staff availability, which typically requires 12+ months booking in advance due to peak season capacity., europe: lowest cost, self-guided motorcycle tours, reminder of our service.

Please keep in mind that not all of our options for European motorcycle expeditions are shown on the site at any given time, or you may not have found exactly what you're looking for. As with any destination offered by RIDE Adventures, it's best to start a conversation with one of our staff about what type of self-guided or guided group motorbike trip you're looking for. Our interest is the same as yours: Making sure you have the best time possible on your riding vacation!

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Transylvania Motorcycle Tour – Guided Adventure

Mysterious castles, enchanting palaces and medieval citadels are on your Romania Motorcycle Tour Itinerary. The adventure is completed with narrow, sinuous roads – the best in the world.

European Motorcycle Rental – BMW F850GS

Book your Europe motorcycle rental services. Travel to Transylvania, Romania to enjoy riding on some of the best roads in the World. Discover a different, wonderful view after each turn.

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Find your perfect motorcycle tour in Europe

Explore Europe! We offer you a plethora of guided motorcycle tours in Europe, ranging from one to 18 days, some of which are listed below.

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Luxury Motorcycle Tours – Corsica & Sardinia – Italy & France

Europe Motorcycle Tour – Colossal Alps

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European Motorcycle Holidays – Best of the Balkans

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What our previous customers are saying about us.

BMW motorbike hire Romania – Trully recommended. Romania is a wonderfull country, one of the best of europe to ride a bike. Alex and Claudia (managers of the company) are wonderfull. Don´t miss the opportunity to make a trip with them!

We had hired a BMW F800GS. Alex picked us up at the airport in Cluj and while driving to Turda (to pick up the motorcycle) he gave us all the instructions we needed for our 10 days in Romania.

Brilliant, helpful, responsive motorbike rental in beautiful Romania

Latest posts about Motorcycle tours Europe

Read the blog and get an update on our guided Europe motorcycle tours; find out about discounted departures for motorcycle tours, recommendations and advice

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Let’s explore one of the best motorcycle roads in Italy- Stelvio Pass. Challenging bends and dizzying heights make for the perfect adventure.

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Luxury Motorcycle Tours Europe

Join the elite of motorcycle riders exploring the world, but, travel in style! Luxury Motorcycle Tours division of Adventure Motorcycle Tours by Transylvania Live takes you on a motorcycle escapade to the islands of Corsica (France) and Sardinia (Italy). A venture that goes beyond possessing a luxury good.

Best of Turkey Motorcycle Tour

The 15-day tour starts in the capital of Bulgaria, the city of Sofia and covers about 3200 km riding on some of the best roads in Turkey.

Escape on two wheels in Transylvania – Romania Motorcycle Holidays

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Shares Put your troubles aside, enjoy our Romania Motorcycle Holidays! Venture in Transylvania! After all, there is more to Transylvania than the Dark Prince – Dracula. Above all, the stunning scenery will amaze you. Transylvania and the […]

The new BMW F850GS motorcycle available for rental in Romania

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Shares The new year brings glad tidings – BMW F850GS motorcycle rental.The new BMW F 850 GS motorbike, launched by BMW Motorrad in 2018 is now available for rental in our offices in Turda, Transylvania, Romania. Designed […]

Best of Greece Motorcycle Tour- Travel Log

A motorbike adventure in the realm of the Greek Gods, ancient sites and amazing motorbike roads. In the summer time the temperatures in Greece can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. This can make riding a motorbike a little bit uncomfortable so autumn was chosen for this adventure.

Best European Motorcycle Tours – TOP 10

Top 10 best European motorcycle tours for 2023-2024-2025 is out! Check out the new routes and book your ⭐ favorite.

European Motorcycle Tours

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Shares European Motorcycle Tours – Departure Calendar From guaranteed departures to self guided tours or departures on request for private or group tours, this European Motorcycle Tour Calendar has got it all. If you are a long […]

FEATURED Motorcycle TOURS Europe

Venture on a BMW motorcycle in Transylvania and enjoy some of the best motorcycle tours in Europe. This motorcycle journey will take you 2 days riding on memorable routes with endless twists and turns.

The high mountain passes, twisting roads and the astonishing views of Transylvania make it one of the best motorcycle trips in the World. If you add to this the myths and legends associated to Dracula – the bloody vampire count, you are in for a unique adventure.

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Motorcycle travel in Europe 

The keyword for Europe is diversity. It consists of sometimes miniature countries, that each consist themselves of different regions, cultures and people.

In Europe, the landscape in places just a couple of kilometers apart can be completely different, and cultural history manifests itself everywhere.

So what to expect for a non-European, on motorcycle, in Europe?

On this page:

A patchwork of languages

Many languages

One of Europe's pecularities is formed by its languages . Almost every country has its own, and many countries even have several languages. Belgium for instance has Dutch, French and German, the Netherlands has Dutch and Friesian, Spain has Spanish, Catalan and Basque, Switzerland has German, French, Italian and Rumantsch, etc.

There are other languages as well: there are dialects, and there are smaller languages that didn't make it as an official language.

On top of that, you cannot simply assume that everybody speaks English. Sure, in many countries at least young people will speak English, but you will meet many people who don't speak or understand English at all.

A few words

It really helps if you take the trouble of learning at least a few words in the local language: yes and no, thank you and please, and "Do you speak English"? for instance. (though in some languages, like Hungarian or Welsh, even that is really hard).

It will take away the shyness that many non-native English speakers feel when they try to speak in a language they are not really familiar with.

What is almost indispensible is a language guide with translations of what may appear on the local menu. If you only eat where the menu is in English or where the waiters speak English, you will miss much "couleur locale".

Traffic rules

Maximum speeds

The European Union has not, as yet, regulated traffic rules, so every European country has its own set of traffic rules.

In most cases, there will be a sign showing you some maximum speeds on different types of roads, like the signs here on entering Austria from Germany.

You will have passed those signs so quickly that you won't remember the exact figures, most of the time... At least, that's how it usually happens with me...

There are considerable differences, though. Everybody will probably know the lack of a maximum speed on the German Autobahn (unless there are signs). The maximum speed on other roads, outside villages and towns, is 100 km/h in Germany, and 80 km/h in the Netherlands, for instance.

Right of way

Even the right of way is regulated differently. In most countries in Europe, the rule is that traffic approaching from the right has the right of way, unless there are signs stating that the right of way differs. In the UK, there is no such rule: every crossing is explicitly regulated.

One rule, I believe, that all countries have in common, is that on motorways, you should ride in the rightmost lane: you use the other lanes to pass, and then you switch back to the rightmost lane.

Because you ride on the left side of the road in the UK, the "slow" lane there is the leftmost lane.

Of course, you'd better read about those differences in advance, but it's surprisingly easy to ride without that specific knowledge when you just adjust to the other traffic.

Useful links

The English driving abroad site has some information about traffic rules in Europe.

Traffic culture

Differences

There are huge differences in traffic habits, even where the rules are the same.

In Italy for instance, motorcycle riders are expected to weave through traffic: nobody will get angry. When you would ride the same way in the Netherlands, you would encounter many very angry car drivers.

In for instance Slovakia or especially Romania, the traffic culture makes you feel like you are riding in "the Wild East". There are rules, of course, officially, but they are of minor significance. The more expensive the car, or the more haste the driver, the more right of way he has, that's how it looks like. You are a sissy when you don't dare to pass with oncoming traffic, and it seems that people really enjoy riding.

It is intimidating when you enter such a country, but when you try to adjust, you will maybe get a sense of freedom like I felt...

Sometimes, I regret the changes. France for instance, used to be a country with speeding drivers, enjoying cornering. Speed cameras have changed that. On the other hand, accident figures have decreased in France, and driving after drinking a lot of wine is not as common as it used to be, which is a good thing. France has been domesticated, so to speak.

Traffic: Congestion

Many countries of Europe are densely populated. Traffic can be very dense as well. Motorways will often be congested during rush hours, and the same will be the case on important main roads.

Lane splitting

In most European countries motorcycle riders are expected to split lanes, and in some countries (France and Italy for instance), you are even expected to ride between oncoming traffic and the cars driving the same direction as you, when there is only one lane for each direction.

Riding in cities can be hilarious in Europe. The place d'Etoile for instance, in Paris, is a roundabout with ten sidestreets, and the Arc de Triomphe in the middle. Sometimes you get the impression that some people driving there are trapped until it gets dark and the traffic dies down...

In many cities, you will encounter lots of two-wheeled vehicles as well. In Amsterdam there are lots of bicycle riders who often think that traffic rules don't apply to them. In other cities there will be swarms of scooters. When you ride to the front at traffic lights, you will then be in the midst of such a flock. They often don't wait until they get a green light, but start riding when they feel that the lights *should* turn green.

Highlights: mountains

When you are a motorcycle rider, you should of course, not miss the Alps. They are steep and majestic, and will never fail to please you. They are vast as well: it's impossible to see all of them unless you can ride for a year or so.

There are six Alp countries: Germany, Switzerland, France (sharing the highest peaks), Italy (with the beautiful Dolomites), Austria, Germany and Slovenia. A good introduction into the Alps is the Route des Grandes Alps , from the lake of Geneva to the Mediterranean, in the French Alps.

The Pyrenees , between France and Spain, are older then the Alps, and wilder and more rugged. They provide great opportunities for motorcycle riders.

There are few passes from north to south. It is possible to ride from the east to the west, and you can choose between narrow roads or faster, bigger roads.

More mountains

There are many more mountain ranges, all completely different, throughout Europe.

The Carpathians in the Czech republic, Slovakia, Poland, Romania and Ukrain are a huge mountain range in eastern Europe. The Fageras pass here on the photograph is a magnificent pass in the Carpathians, that you should not miss when you are in Romania.

And there is the Sierra Nevada (and many more smaller ranges) in Spain, the Appenines (and many more smaller ranges) in Italy, there are very old mountain ranges in Scandinavia and Scotland, there are mountains in Greece and the Balkans: almost every European country has mountains (except for the Netherlands: our highest hill is just over 300 meters).

Highlights: castles

Castles are a great way to get a glimpse of the (diverse, again) history of Europe. I can't think of any country in Europe without castles.

Castles are often situated in places with a view. That used to be because castles had to get a view of enemies long before they were at the doors of the castle, but nowadays, it is an advantage as well, because you can see the castle from far away, and once inside, you will have a great view of the surrounding landscape.

Most castles are very old: it's not extraordinary if a castle was built more than 1000 years ago.

Therefore, they are a great way to sense a bit of history, and make you curious to what happened during the times that the castle was built.

In the UK, many castles were built to defend the English against the Vikings from the north. In Spain, many castles were either built by the Moors to defend themselves against the Catholic kings, or by the Catholics to defend themselves against the Moors. In Romania and the Balkans, kings tried to defend themselves against the Turks from the East, or against the Magyars or the Habsburgers from the West.

Visit or sleep

Many castles are open to visitors. Some are even changed into a hotel, where you can sleep and eat between ancient walls.

A huge overview of castles is at the Castles of the World site .

Another good resource is the Castles on the Web site.

How to choose a destination

It is not possible to "do Europe in a week", or in a month, or a year, or a lifetime. The key here is to slow down.

You will see much more when you take your time, and wander around. Buy some local bread at the local bakery, have a local breakfast in a local bar, and drink a local wine in a local place to eat, and you will have seen much more of "Europe" than when you would have tried to cover Rome and Athens and Vienna in two days.

Example: Barcelona

You could spend much time in Barcelona and surroundings, for instance. Barcelona itself is a wonderfull vibrant city, and a joy to ride through on motorcycle. The Pyrenees are close by, and Montserrat, a smaller mountain range with a big monastery.

The Mediterranean is at its best around Cap de Creus, and you could visit the Dali museum in Figueras as well.

Example: Dolomites

Another example is the part of the Alps that is called the Dolomites, in the Italian Alps. They are probably the most beautifull Alps, and you could vist Switzerland and Slovenia as well, to feel the difference between these three countries.

The Dolomites ar close to Venice, a town that shines even when you walk between thousands of other tourists (take a detour through dark narrow streets to avoid them a bit).

Example: smaller towns

Another way to explore Europe is to stay in a small historic town instead of a big one like Rome or Paris. Sevilla or Ronda or Granada in Spain for instance, or Carcassonne or Colmar in France, or Edinborough in the UK, or Siena in Italy.

Where do you stay?

Historic Buildings

To really plunge down into history, you could spend the night in a historic building. There are many hotels in old castles, monasteries or houses of rich people from long ago, throughout Europe. It will certainly add to your experience.

Historic Hotels of Europe  has lots of examples, most of them fairly luxurieus.

Inns, Albergo's, Kro's

In several countries, there are roadside inns that have been used to eat, sleep and drink from the Middle-ages on.

The UK has lots of them: pubs with a couple of bedrooms above. The English Country Inns site shows some of them.

Denmark has its Kro's . Switzerland has some beautiful old hotels , some of them high on a pass.

Probably every European country has such opportunities to spend the night, though many of them are not (yet) to find on the internet.

Where to sleep in Spain shows some hotels in Spain that we especially liked.

Simple Hotels

Often, simple hotels above a bar or cafe have lots of atmosphere. Sometimes they are called something else than a hotel (in Spain for instance, they are called hostals, and in Germany Gasthaus), but they are easy to find. It is nice to have a beer with the locals before you take the stairs 'to your room, and have a breakfast the following morning in the same cafe.

Of course, camping is a possibility as well. In some countries, camping in the wild is allowed (but always try to ask an owner if you can find him).

Available campsites differ greatly per country. France has probably the most camping sites of all countries. In the Mediterranean countries, avoid camping at the seaside (you will only meet other tourists, and eat food from the northern countries). In the inland, there is not much choice, because a tent is too hot there, in summer.

Reservations

When you have found one special hotel that you would really like to know, it is of course wise to make a reservation. But unless you are in a town with a big convention, or in july at the seaside, you will always find a place to sleep without having to plan ahead.

Note however, that in France and Italy, many shops are closed down during august. It is very hard to buy motorcycle stuff somewhere during that month!

Finding good roads for motorcycling

You can't go wrong in the Alps or Pyrenees: every pass you take will be a joy to ride.

A beautiful signposted route through the French Alps is the Route des Grandes Alpes . And Best biking roads in the Alps offer good descriptions of many of the passes.

The Alps, passes and great roads shows and describes some of the passes we especially liked.

European Scenic Roads

There are several Cultural European routes . The European route of Brick Gothic , through Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Poland is one of them. The European route of Industrial Heritage is another example. Or you could choose the Transromanica , a route for Romanesque buildings, or the Hanse-route , leading you through the Hanse cities, which prospered in the Middle ages. There are many others.

You could also try to follow old Roman roads . There is even a Roman Routeplanner !

Scenic Roads in individual countries

Many countries have a system of signposted routes, that take you through beautiful landscapes or through picturesque villages.

Germany has its Ferienstrasses (site only in German, but you can use the map to find links to individual maps and sites for the routes, which often have a version in English).

Norway has several scenic roads .

The French Ardennes have six signposted tourist routes .

There is an overview of good Brittish motorcycle roads .

In Denmark, the Margueritruten takes you through the whole country over scenic roads (I can't find information in English).

Scotland has several signposted routes .

And there will probably be more signposted scenic rides that don't have an online existance as well.

Roads for motorcycle riders

There are also several resources on good roads for motorcycle riders. For the UK and Ireland for instance, try Great Motorcycle Roads online, UK and Ireland . Motoromania has a very good description of roads that are especially beautifull for motorcycle riders.

Spain, great roads for motorcycling shows and describes some of the roads in Spain we especially liked.

Comments, Q & A, on a separate page

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Belching Volcano and Flowing Lava Dent Tourism in Icelandic Region

In a country that relies heavily on visitors, hotels faced repeated evacuations, and one resort was temporarily shut.

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By Emma Bubola

Reporting from London

The Blue Lagoon resort in the south of Iceland is a scenic network of steaming azure pools surrounded by dark rocks, where tourists dip in the geothermal water, have spa treatments and enjoy what the resort advertises as “a universe of radiant well-being.”

But last week, a stream of radiant lava burst from a crater a few miles from the resort, forcing it to evacuate hundreds of guests, in yet another eruption of a volcano system in the Reykjanes Peninsula that had been dormant for 800 years.

The outbursts began in 2021, and the eruptions and earthquakes in the peninsula have destroyed some houses and forced villagers from their homes. One construction worker went missing in the town of Grindavik after falling down a crack caused by an earthquake.

The effects of the volcanic eruptions have rippled out beyond the peninsula, disrupting the tourism operations of a country that relies heavily on visitors.

Arnar Már Ólafsson, director general of the Icelandic Tourist Board, said that when a looming volcanic eruption led to the evacuation of Grindavik in November, it resulted in global anxiety that brought a drop in tourists.

“A spouting volcano doesn’t sound very inviting,” he said.

Icelandair, the country’s national airline, said it also saw a “significant negative impact on bookings” in the last months of 2023. And the low-cost Icelandic airline Play said that news of the eruption “cooled demand for Iceland as a destination.”

The tourism board did not release an estimate for the financial losses, and the airlines, while saying they experienced significantly slowed sales, did not quantify them.

Airline officials and the tourism board director stated emphatically in interviews and in the national news media that the reaction was unwarranted because the eruptions did not represent a direct threat to visitors or flights. They accused the news media of “alarmism.”

“In the international press, it just looks as if Iceland is ruined,” Birgir Jónsson, then Play’s chief executive, said in an interview published in December by a financial magazine.

Tourists used to flock to the Reykjanes Peninsula to watch the northern lights or bathe in the waters of the Blue Lagoon resort. But since the November earthquakes, the Blue Lagoon has had to close for some days . It said in a statement on Wednesday that it had also shut down from March 16 until at least Thursday and would continue to follow the authorities’ safety guidelines.

The Northern Light Inn, a family-run hotel, has also had to evacuate its guests four times since January and close for weeks, said Fridrik Einarsson, the inn’s owner. Now, they are compensating for the drop in tourists by serving lunches to the construction workers building protection walls in the area.

“If this continues for a long period of time, it will eventually be very, very challenging for us ,” Mr. Einarsson said.

Mr. Ólafsson said that any threat to the Blue Lagoon geothermal resort undermined a key component of Iceland’s tourism sector.

“Without the Blue Lagoon, it would be a different destination,” he said, “like Egypt without the pyramids or Paris without the Eiffel Tower.”

The resort is particularly popular with visitors from the United States, and every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the spa, according to the Blue Lagoon’s website. The spa is now protected by barriers.

The resort owes its existence to the geothermal energy generated by the volcanic system, which heats up its waters. But that same system is also now its main threat.

That paradox, many say, is at the heart of Iceland’s identity as an adventure travel destination where tourists seek out untamed nature in the form of waterfalls, glaciers and hot springs. And 130 volcanoes.

During the volcanic eruptions last year, as tourists flocked to sites where they could see the glowing river of lava, the government had to warn people to steer clear of the area since the situation could turn dangerous.

Now, Icelandic tourism operators say, the anxiety has eased somewhat, and tourism demand has gone up again since January. But for those remaining in the peninsula, there seems to be no immediate end in sight to the disruption of their businesses.

Last week, as Mr. Einarsson, the inn owner, evacuated his guests to another hotel because of the volcanic eruption, he said they could see lava from the parking lot.

“It’s quite a magnificent experience, to see a volcano,” he said.

Mr. Einarsson called his relationship to volcanoes a “tricky love and hate situation.”

On one hand, he said, “people are understandably concerned to stay in a hotel next to an eruption site.” On the other, he said, people come to Iceland for its nature, and the nature would not be the same without the country’s volcanoes.

“And I would not be in the business,” he said.

Egill Bjarnason contributed reporting from Gran Canaria, Spain.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in London, covering news across Europe and around the world. More about Emma Bubola

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Easter travel delays forecast for UK due to poor weather and rail disruption

Line closures and strikes coinciding with school holidays and turbulent weather are expected to hit travel plans

A long Good Friday looms for many drivers and rail passengers who are heading off for a UK getaway, as the Easter weekend collides with the start of school holidays, engineering works and turbulent weather.

With more than 14 million leisure trips planned by drivers over the coming days, motorists have been warned to expect delays on many routes. Additional cars could be forced on to the roads because of major railway line closures, with strikes hampering possible return train journeys next week.

According to the RAC, some car journeys could take twice as long as normal as many schools are breaking up at the start of the bank holiday weekend this year, leading to an increase in getaway traffic.

Meanwhile, all trains in and out of London Euston on the west coast mainline to cities including Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow will be cancelled from Friday to Monday, with passengers wishing to travel diverted via rail replacement buses to Milton Keynes.

Getaway hell was expected to kick off on Thursday afternoon, with the biggest potential for gridlock coming from the south-east after 2pm with many schools closing at lunchtime.

With normal commuter journeys contributing to the traffic, the RAC and transport analysts Inrix forecast peak jams between 4pm and 5pm on the western flank of the M25 motorway between the M1 north and the M23 for Gatwick, including the turnoffs for the west and south-west. A usual one-hour drive on that stretch of the London orbital motorway is expected to take 2 hours 10 minutes or more, they predict.

Most long car journeys are expected to be made on Good Friday, with the lengthiest delays likely between 11am and 3pm. Two popular routes for holidaymakers – the M5 southbound between Bristol and Taunton and M3 between the M25 and the south coast – could take twice as long as usual.

One curveball is the British bank holiday weather , with changeable sun and rain either luring or deterring more in the coming days. The worst was forecast by the Met Office for Thursday afternoon, including strong winds and heavy rain at times, with a yellow warning for wind across the south of England .

The RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “If you do need to travel between the busiest hours of 2pm and 7pm, keep speeds appropriate to the conditions and leave plenty of extra stopping distance.”

She said anyone who could delay leaving until later on Thursday or set off as early as possible on Good Friday was likely to have a better journey, but lengthy queues could be expected.

Network Rail meanwhile has advised train passengers to check their journey details with £90m worth of engineering works scheduled to land awkwardly on the getaway plans of anyone fleeing London for the north in the coming days.

As well as the west coast mainline closure south of Milton Keynes, there will be disruption and closures around Glasgow and Huddersfield.

Network Rail’s network strategy director, Lawrence Bowman, said: “There’s never a good time to do the work we need to do but the four days of the bank holiday, when fewer people are travelling, give us the opportunity to do major work we couldn’t do in normal weekend.”

Rolling 24-hour rail strikes next week from 5 to 8 April by drivers in the Aslef union will halt most long-distance trains in Britain next Friday or Saturday, further hampering potential train holidays. The strikes affect different companies on different days but firms affected include Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry on 5 April and GWR, LNER, Northern and TransPennine on 6 April.

Tourist board VisitEngland said around 11 million people in the UK are nonetheless planning an overnight Easter trip, generating an estimated £3.2bn boost to the economy.

Two million of us are, however, not taking that chance, according to travel association Abta, heading overseas instead. The somewhat balmier Canary Islands, mainland Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Turkey are the most popular destinations for foreign travel.

The Port of Dover has warned holidaymakers they may face delays due to tighter French border security after the Moscow concert attack, including controls in Dover before passengers board cross-Channel ferries. About 20,000 cars are expected to travel through the port this weekend.

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M25 reopens ahead of schedule

Motorists warned of long delays as M25 to shut for roadworks

Tourists heading to Europe could face 14-hour queues at Dover from October

Disbelief at plan to fix London potholes as part of Network North project

Watford Gap: M1 services that hosted Stones and Beatles faces demolition

Sunak ‘backs drivers’ with curbs on 20mph limits and bus lanes

Sunak expected to limit powers of councils in England to curb car use

True cost of Edinburgh tram line has exceeded £1bn, says report

Welsh minister says Tories waging ‘culture war’ over new 20mph limit

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The 5 Best Self-Guided European Motorcycle Tour Destinations

Welcome to the self-guided European motorcycle tour guide. If you want to take all the stress out of planning a tour, then this one’s for you. You’ll find 5 of the best biking tour destinations in Europe here from our touring expert, Simon Weir, along with info on how to ride these routes, links to downloadable pre-planned tours and much more.

Self-Guided Motorcycle Tours

What is a self-guided motorcycle tour.

First let’s start with what organised tours are. An organised motorcycle tour is where you pay a company to handle every aspect of your trip for you. These are brilliant, especially if you’re strapped for time. You just need to book your flights, turn up and everything will be taken care off including a rental bike, accommodation, route, meal stops and so on.

The difference with a self-guided motorcycle tour is that everything is still taken care off, but you go on your own bike (or a rental), not as part of a group and without a guide. The benefit of a self-guided tour is that you’ll go at your own pace and can go whenever and wherever you want to. There’s much more flexibility as you’re completely in control and not tied to an organised group. You can spend more time in a place you like, miss sections out, add sections on etc.   

If you’re more interested in joining a tour or renting a bike abroad, take a look at our recommended companies section. Simply click a country on the map to see what’s on offer. 

Read more:  Recommended Motorcycle Tour and Rental Companies

How to go on a self-guided motorcycle tour?

You’ve got two options here. You can go with a company who will supply you with a rental bike, sat nav and itinerary for you to follow (which is pretty much like going on an organised tour, except you’re on your own). Or, you can go on your own bike and just pay for and download a pre-planned self-guided tour from a touring expert. Option 2 offers the most flexibility and is what this article focuses on.

Why go on a self-guided motorcycle tour?

Easy. You’ll get all the benefits of a full-on organised bike tour such as a pre-planned route, the best hotels picked out for you already, points-of-interest marked on your maps etc. but without having to join a fixed-date tour group. You’ll get everything downloaded onto your sat nav taking all the stress and leg work out of planning a trip so you can go whenever you want and at your own pace.  

The Best Self-Guided Motorcycle Tours in Europe

Now we’ll move onto the 5 best self-guided motorcycle tour destinations in Europe. You’ll find info about them, why they’re so great and how to go about riding these awesome biking tours. You’ll also find links to Simon Weir’s pre-planned routes where you have the option to download the entire itinerary and route if you fancy going on a self-guided tour.

By Simon Weir

Former editor of RiDE magazine, author of Bikers' Britain and touring expert.

The classic motorcycle touring destination – amazing mountain scenery criss-crossed by a network of fabulous roads. If god rides a bike, it’s probably somewhere in the Alps.

The thing is, “the Alps” is a bit of a crude label for a huge area: an arc of interlocked mountain ranges running from the Adriatic in the east to the Mediterranean in the west. Each section has its own subtly different character, reflecting not only the planet-building forces that created the peaks but also the cultures of the people that live there.

The Alps pass through Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France, and brush up against the southern edge of Germany. You can have a very different experience, depending on where you go.

Read more: Europe Motorcycle Travel Guides

Where to stay

French alps.

The mountains with everything: high passes, deep gorges, scenic lakes, sleepy villages and mile after mile of astonishing roads. The French Alps are accessible – for UK riders, they’re two relaxed days’ ride from Calais (one-and-a-half days if it’s 50/50 motorway and good roads). There’s a full range of riding – from single-carriageway back roads to dramatic and challenging “balcony” roads cut into cliffs to broad, sweeping N-roads. For a town to use as a base, look at Briançon , Guillestre , Bourg St Maurice or Castellane .

The high passes of the Swiss Alps are stunningly beautiful and the roads are immaculate. Slightly further than the French Alps, it’s a good idea to get the Swiss motorway vignette to get there quickly. Look at Andermatt , Meiringen or Davos as a base town.

The Dolomites

Austrian alps.

Some of the best roads in the Austrian mountains have tolls on them – which is good. The money raised pays to keep them in immaculate condition and, better still, many are closed to lorries and caravans. Try Lienz , Zell am See , Bad Ischl or Mariazell as a base.

Slovenian Alps

This most easterly corner of the Alps, by the Italian and Austrian borders, still feels slightly undiscovered – they’re beautiful and often quieter than other areas. Where to stay? Has to be the lakeside town of Bled .

The very highest passes usually don’t open until the first week of June and will be shut by the start of November. Lower passes should be rideable from early May… but the higher you go, there’s a chance you’ll be riding between snow walls.

The best time to go to the Alps is September: in June and July, there may be roadworks as any over-winter damage is repaired; most of Europe’s on holiday in August so it’s busy – plus it’s roasting hot; but by September, the roads are in peak condition, they’re quieter and the weather is usually perfect for touring. The weather is usually good until mid-October, though it’ll be getting chilly in the mornings and at altitude.

Must ride roads in the Alps

Here’s a selection of the absolute best motorcycle roads and routes in the Alps. If you’re planning a biking tour to the Alps, make sure you include at least one of these. 

Route Napoleon, French Alps

Retracing the dictators return from exile, this route between Cannes and Grenoble cuts through the French Alps

Route des Grandes Alpes, French Alps

Running from Lake Geneva to Menton on the Med, this multi-day ride takes in many of the best passes in the French Alps.

The Five Passes, Swiss Alps

The network of Grimsel, Susten, Furka, Neufenen and St Gotthard passes is as close to a perfect mountain ride as you’ll ever get.

The Sella Ronda, the Dolomites

Four great passes surrounding one of the most spectacular of the Dolomitic peaks – a short but brilliant ride sure to be the highlight of any trip.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

Perhaps the perfect mountain road: built specifically to be good for driving, scrupulously maintained and evolved as vehicles improved.

Self-guided motorcycle tours in the Alps

If you want to go for a fully pre-planned motorcycle tour in the Alps, take a look at these self-guided options. 

Relaxed French Alps tour

Take nine days (Saturday-to-Sunday) to discover the finest passes, gorges, towns and villages of the French Alps. Minimal motorway, maximum wow factor.

Ultimate Swiss Mountain tour

A one-week (Saturday-to-Sunday) celebration of the fabulous riding of the Swiss Alps: more highlights than a hairdressing competition.

Ultimate Austria

A flexible two-week trip packing in not only the best riding in the Austrian and Bavarian Alps but also plenty of amazing places to visit.

Discover the Dolomites

Want to go to heaven and back? Biking heaven, that is… Take this nine-day (Saturday to Sunday) trip to Italy’s most beautiful mountains.

The Pyrenees

The Pyrenees may not be quite so lofty as the Alps but they’re still packed with amazing riding. The roads have a slightly different character, depending on whether you’re on the French or Spanish side of the mountains… and many of the best biking roads are the passes that cross between the countries.

It’s a fair way from the UK to the Pyrenees – at least two days or even three if you’re staying off motorways as much as possible – but fine riding isn’t confined to the high peaks. The foothills of the Pyrenees are also stuffed with great roads, so the fun begins even before you get to the mountains. However, it’s possible to get to the mountains more quickly by taking a ferry to Santander.

With fine weather, great scenery, amazing local food and fantastic places to stay, this is definitely one of Europe’s best touring destinations.

Read more: France Motorcycle Travel Guides

French Pyrenees

So many fantastic towns. To ride the high passes of the Tour de France, try basing yourself in Pau or Bagneres de Luchon . For the wilder, narrower roads of the eastern French Pyrenees try Ax les Thermes or Foix .

Spanish Pyrenees

From Pamplona to the Med, the N260 offers up a succession of great places to base yourself to explore the mountains. Consider Jaca , Ainsa , Sort , la Seu d’Urgell or Ripoll as base towns.

As they’re lower and slightly further south, the Pyrenees have a slightly longer riding season than the Alps. There’s good riding from April to the end of October, though we’d favour going in May/June or September, as it can get seriously hot in the valleys at the height of summer

Must ride roads in the Pyrenees

Here are the must ride routes and roads in the Pyrenees. No trip there would be complete without tackling one of these beauties. 

The N260, Spanish Pyrenees

This iconic road runs the length of the mountains on the Spanish side, packed with corners and views.

Col du Tourmalet, French Pyrenees

The highest pass in the Pyreness is so beautiful – and challenging – it’s the only pass to have featured in every Tour de France since the cycle race began.

Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, French/Spanish Pyrenees

This quiet, high pass delivers mountain riding with a twist: a complete 360-degree corner at the ski centre near the summit.

Self-guided motorcycle tours in the Pyrenees

Northern spanish mountains.

The best roads in the Spanish Pyrenees – and the best roads in the Picos as well. Ties in with the Santander ferry schedule.

More than just the mountains, nine days of amazing riding through some of France’s finest riding regions, building up to the spectacular passes of the Pyrenees. Setting off from Calais on a Saturday and returning the following Sunday, this is an unforgettable tour.

The Picos de Europa

The rugged northern coast of Spain is like a compact version of the Dolomites, with grey peaks rising above the beautiful valleys. The big differences are that the roads are usually far quieter, plus it’s easy to have a day at the seaside…

Though everyone talks about “the Picos” that’s just a section of the coastal range that runs from the Basque Country in the east through Cantabria and Asturias, to Gallica in the west. Each section of the mountains is packed with great riding.

The most practical way to get to the Picos from the UK is by boat, with a ferry to Santander or Bilbao. Which adds cost, but saves several days, maximising your time riding these roads. Some riders will take the ferry down and ride back (or vice versa). Whichever way you get here, it’s worth the effort. This is a fabulous place to ride a motorcycle.

Read more: Spain Motorcycle Travel Guides

Cantabria & Basque Country

Most riders get off the ferry at Santander and head west – but there’s so much great riding in the quieter mountains to the east of the port. The coastal resorts of Laredo , Zarautz and San Sebastian all make great bases.

Asturias and Galicia

The beating biking heart of the Picos is Potes – within easy reach of the ferry and surrounded by amazing roads. It’s a great town to use as a base, but so too is nearby Cangas de Onis . Further west, Cangas del Narcea inland or Luarca on the coast are good bases – and in the far west, it has to be the pilgrimage centre of Santiago da Compostela .

The mountains on Spain’s north coast are low and have a temperate climate, so snow isn’t usually an issue by March – but it’s not called the Costa Verde for nothing and April showers can have the full authority of the Atlantic Ocean behind them. We’d look to ride this area between May and mid-October, possibly avoiding August when it’s seriously hot and not so good for anyone wrapped in Gore-Tex or leather.

Must ride roads in the Picos

N621, san glorio pass.

This popular biking road runs from Potes to Leon and includes a viewpoint with the most-photographed statue of a deer in Europe, if not the world…

AS14, Palo Pass

A fantastic road through the Asturian mountains: broad, twisty, quiet and spectacular. It’s also part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago, so though there’s usually almost no traffic you should keep an eye out for pedestrians.

From the coast to the plains, this amazing road cuts through the Cantabrian mountains in a flurry of challenging bends and long straights with even longer views.

Self-guided motorcycle tours in the Picos

Northern spanish mountain tour.

Discover the best roads in the Picos as well as the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. Ties in with the Santander ferry schedule.

The Picos and Portugal tour

From the mountains of Northern Spain to the mountains and valleys of Portugal, this laid-back trip ties in with taking the ferry to Santander.

If you want perfect biking weather – especially when the rest of Europe is still struggling to shake of the cold hand of winter – look no further than Portugal. While other touring areas suffer typical soggy springs, Europe’s most westerly nation will be bathed in warm sunshine. But you don’t really come to here for the weather: you come for the riding, which can be frankly astonishing.

Portugal does have slightly schizophrenic roads: they’ll either be immaculate or challengingly rough; there will either be a village every ten feet or you won’t see any signs of human habitation for mile after mile. The good news is the roads in the best condition are normally the quiet ones in the wild, open areas, curving across rolling hills, climbing mountains or hugging rivers in the bottom of gently curving valleys. And by “best condition” we mean “immaculate surfaces” and when we say “quiet”, you’d think you were the only person with petrol sometimes… It’s riding heaven.

Read more: Portugal Motorcycle Travel Guides

Northern Portugal

The towns of Bragança and Chaves make great bases in the very north of the country, but for exploring the Port-producing Douro Valley, try Peso da Regua . One of the key riding areas is the compact Sera da Estrela mountain range: base yourself in Covilha to explore it.

Central and Southern Portugal

There’s sublime riding everywhere in Portugal, with Sertã and Coimbra unlocking the central region. Moving south, the fortified town of Elvas is a fascinating base, while Faro and Portimão on the south coast are ideal points from which to explore the Algarve.

To be honest, unless you have mesh riding kit we’d avoid late July and August: it can simply be too hot. If you’re riding to Portugal, especially having taken a ferry to Bilbao or Santander, going in May to early July or in September or October is pretty much perfect. But if you fly to the Algarve and hire a bike, you can enjoy great, sunny riding in November, March and April as well.

Must-ride roads in Portugal

Running north to south through the centre of the country, Portugal’s N2 deserves to be Europe’s Route 66. It has everything: history, character and mile after mile of brilliant corners.

The terraces of the Douro Valley create a surreal, stunning landscape – best appreciated from this fabulous and scenic road.

Nicknamed the Portuguese Stelvio, this fantastic mountain road climbs from Covilha to the summit of Torre, the highest mountain in Portugal, at the heart of the Sera da Estrela mountains.

Self-guided motorcycle tours in Portugal

Enjoy the mountains of Northern Spain on the way to the riding treasure-trove of Portugal’s Douro Valley and Sera da Estrela on this laid-back trip that fits in with the ferry to Santander.

Portugal Fly-Ride

Got a week of work? Want to ride non-stop amazing roads? This trip allows you to fly to Faro on a Saturday, ride for seven days, then fly home on a Sunday. It’s as relaxed as it is fabulous.

Corsica and Sardinia

Some of the finest riding in Europe isn’t on the mainland – it’s on these mountainous islands in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. They’re so close together that it’s easy to ride the pair on one trip.

The two islands have a lot in common: staggering coastal roads with beautiful sea views and rugged interiors criss-crossed by miles of great tarmac. Both have quirky, beautiful towns to visit and neither has too much traffic – especially on the exciting inland roads. Best of all, both are blessed with a fabulous hot-but-temperate climate.

Getting there from the UK does take a bit of commitment: it’s a long ride to the south of France for a ferry (Toulon and Marseilles have the most regular crossings) and it’s even further to the Italian ports of Genoa and Civitavecchia that have the most crossings. But it’s more than worth making the effort: as a touring destination, either Corsica or Sardinia would be mind-blowing enough; riding both on one trip is truly out of this world.

Read more: Italy Motorcycle Travel Guides

Most ferries from mainland France come into Bastia and Ajaccio , both of which make decent bases, but Porto on the west coast and Porto Vecchio on the east also make great base towns.

On the north or west coast, consider basing yourself in Alghero or Castelsardo ; on the east coast Dorgali or Tortoli are lovely, while at the south of the island we’d stay in Villasimius .

As with many southern parts of Europe, we’d avoid going August: not only is it too hot but also the islands will be at their busiest with holidaymakers from the mainland. As they’re islands, all the sea air means spring can sometimes be moist, but from late April onwards, they’re divine – and they hold onto the great riding weather until the end of October, too.

Must-ride roads in Corsica and Sardinia

D80, corsica.

The road that hugs the coast around Cap Corse, the peninsula at the top of Corsica, is packed with brilliant corners and exceptional views. Surface quality is variable, but it’s still amazing

D268 Col de Bavella, Corsica

There are several amazing mountain passes in Southern Corsica but the long, scenic and fabulous-to-ride Col de Bavella is the pick of the bunch.

SS125 Strada Orientalis, Sardinia

As a great touring route, the road that follows the eastern coast of Sardinia is up there with Australia’s Great Ocean Road and California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

Self-guided motorcycle tours in Corsica and Sardinia

Corsica and sardinia – the best of the med.

A relaxed two-week trip packing in not only the amazing riding on Corsica and Sardinia but also great touring routes across France to and from the ferries. Genuinely more great riding than you can shake a very large stick at…

About the Author

Simon Weir  is the author of the best-selling Bikers’ Britain series. He has been riding bikes since he was 15 and spent 17 years working on motorcycle titles. He quit his job as editor of RiDE at the end of 2018 to ride his Kawasaki Z1000SX to Australia. He now runs a motorcycle-touring website with downloadable routes across the UK and Europe, as well as planning bespoke tours for people.

Check out Simon’s comprehensive guides to touring by bike in Western Europe. Bikers’ Europe  and  Bikers’ Europe: Hidden Gems are packed with routes from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, from Slovenia to Portugal, all supported by downloadable GPX files to make touring easy. 

• Visit his site for downloadable routes  www.simonweir.co.uk
• Simon’s books are available from his  website or Amazon .
• Read more of Simon’s articles on the Contributors Page

Read more on motorcycle touring in Europe

Thanks for checking out The Best Motorcycle Tour in the Pennines Guide. We hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a few more articles on motorcycle touring in the UK and Europe that we recommend you read next. 

• Motorcycle Touring Guides
• Europe Destination Guides
• Motorcycle Travel Guide: Europe
• Motorcycle Touring for Beginners
• What to Pack for a European Tour
• Motorcycle Tour and Rental Companies

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If you enjoyed this European motorcycle tour guide or have any questions, please post your comments below. We’d love to hear from you. 

14 thoughts on “The 5 Best Self-Guided European Motorcycle Tour Destinations”

Thanks for this.

I am planning a literal once in a lifetime trip to Europe next year to rent a bike. I’ll be there 3 weeks and want to take in as much as possible. I’ll be renting a bike in Munich.

Do you think it is practical to take in all the major highlights of the Alps and also the Pyrenees in a long loop in that time? And in regards to accommodation, i plan to travel in June/July… would i need to book ahead or is it easy to find somewhere at the end of each day? It would be my preference to have no plans, but don’t want to have stress over somewhere to stay.

It’s absolutely possible to cover that area in the time – and pack in plenty more besides. With a bit of careful planning, pretty much every mile can be eye-opening and rewarding.

For one person, finding accommodation on the day is achievable even in the height of tourist season, but you may not always get the best price (and sometimes you may have to go a few miles further – unless you’re in the same area of France as the Tour de France, in which case you’ll probably have to go a fair way…) The busiest period is August, so in June/July you’ll be fine.

I have customers flying into Portugal and riding to Rome with their hire bike, others flying into Rome and out of Milan, others doing a circular route from Milan – it can be a practical option now Hertz has a network of hire-bike locations (NB: it’s much more affordable to return the bike to where you picked it up – there’s a premium for dropping it at a different site). They’re flying in from California, Guatemala, Thailand… A hire bike the easiest way to experience a lot of Europe.

Putting together these one-off, trip-of-a-lifetime itineraries is what I do – making sure you don’t miss the hidden gems along the way. Have a look at the bespoke tours service on my site (www.simonweir.co.uk) or grab a copy of Bikers’ Europe and Bikers’ Europe: Hidden Gems (available from Amazon) to help refine your wish-list of roads to ride and places to visit!

Simon, Tried to get your European motorcycle book from Amazon. Not available We will be traveling to Germany to start a tree month ride and would really like a copy. Can you help?

Hello Bryan. The new book A-Z Europe for Bikers supersedes the older volumes. It’s available everywhere that sells books – including Amazon for international purchase or UK readers can order a signed copy from my website http://www.simonweir.co.uk

Simon, Thank you for the response! The spiral bound is not available through Amazon until August! Is there a way to get a copy before then? We will be starting our trip in Germany mid July. Bryan

August? Where are you based, Brian? It’s on next-day delivery in the UK and has been since it was published in March. It should also be available for next-day delivery across the EU (amazon.de / .fr / .nl etc). In the US, Australia & New Zealand it’s generally a five-to-seven-day delivery. If you’re there and it’s showing longer than that, email me through my website and I we can work out postage for me to send one

Simon, we are in Texas, USA if we can work shipping let me know cost and how to get funds to you. We can send address if possible. All the best Bryan

Okay: I can ship to the US but you may have to pay duty when the package arrives.

Go to my website and use the form on the Contact page and we’ll get it sorted out for you.

https://www.simonweir.co.uk/contact

Simon, Me again, tried to order on your website the Europe A-Z and UK A-Z When to checkout and site says not available in our region. Couldn’t proceed any further for shipping. Yikes! Little help? Cheers! Bryan

Yes, as I put in the previous two replies: go to my website and use the contact form to speak to me directly, rather than on the public comments section of a third-party website

Hi Simon For some reason the links to the Self-Guided tours in the Alps are not working. Have tried Safari and Google Chrome. Any ideas.? (Im in Australia)

Cheers Ross

Hi Ross. I’ll flag it with Andy who manages this site. But all the tours are at http://www.simonweir.co.uk Cheers

Hi Ross, all the links are now working and correct. Cheers and happy touring! Andy

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