Transcontinental Motorbike Expedition: Go East

Transcontinental Motorbike Expedition's journey 

All adventure-loving motorbike riders who enjoy challenging riding, faraway countries, interesting people and foreign cultures should read on. Important: The official end of this tour is on the 34th day in Osh/Kyrgyzstan. From here you have the choice: Either you end your tour now, or you continue and plunge into the next exciting stage of our transcontinental expedition - Genghis Khan motorbike tour to Mongolia

Highlights of the tour:

• Tübingen
• Munich
• Salzburg
• Sofia
• Istanbul
• Cappadocia
• Tehran
• Isfahan
• Persepolis
• Ashgabat
• Samarkand
• Osh

Motorbike tour day 1 to 4: Across Eastern Europe by motorbike (approx. 490 km/day)

We all meet at the OVERCROSS office in Tübingen on Saturday morning and the motorbike tour can begin with a short stopover in Munich, where we enjoy Bavarian hospitality amidst the historic architecture and famous beer gardens. Further south-east, we quickly cross the picturesque landscapes of Austria and arrive in Salzburg to soak up the imperial splendour of Schönbrunn Palace, witness to the splendid lifestyle of the Habsburg dynasty.Here in Salzburg we meet up with the motorbike expedition participants and set off from the old town of Salzburg with the expedition group heading south-east to Serbia.

Belgrade beckons with a mix of historic fortresses such as Kalemegdan, witness to centuries of battles, and lively scenes along the Danube and Sava rivers. Further south-east, we enter Bulgaria's capital Sofia, where the ancient fortress of Serdica bears witness to Roman rule, alongside the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a symbol of Bulgarian national identity. Our motorbike tour through Bulgaria also reveals the Thracian heritage in the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, a masterpiece of Orthodox architecture in the Rila Mountains. Finally, our off-road expedition takes us to Turkey, where we arrive in Istanbul, a city with a rich Byzantine and Ottoman history. Here, the majestic dome of Hagia Sophia and the ornate tiles of the Blue Mosque reflect centuries of architectural innovation and cultural exchange. The Grand Bazaar offers a sensory immersion into the city's bustling trading history, while a boat trip on the Bosphorus highlights Istanbul's strategic importance as a bridge between Europe and Asia. As we conclude our unforgettable motorbike tour through Eastern Europe and into the vibrant heart of Istanbul, we experience first-hand the rich tapestry of civilisations that have shaped this cultural crossroads over millennia.

Motorbike tour day 5 to 12: Turkey (2460 km)

The very next day we cross the southern Sea of Marmara at Canakkale and we are already in Asia. This is where our Turkish adventure begins. Canakkale, known for its proximity to the ancient ruins of Troy, is our gateway to Asia and our journey continues to Sultanhani, where we visit the impressive caravanserai. This caravanserai, one of the largest and best preserved in Turkey, once served as a shelter and resting place for travellers and their animals on the ancient Silk Road. We continue to Cappadocia, one of the most fascinating natural wonders of the world. The surreal landscapes of tufa, formed by thousands of years of erosion, are home to the famous cave dwellings and underground cities. Here we have the opportunity to take part in a balloon flight and enjoy the breathtaking panorama from a bird's eye view as we continue our journey past Konya, the city of the famous Sufi mystic Rumi. In Konya, we visit the Mevlana Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of this great poet and philosopher. The spiritual atmosphere of this city offers a deep insight into Sufi culture and the mystical side of Islam, and after a week in Turkey we cross the border into Iran. Crossing the border is an exciting experience as we experience the different cultural and geographical landscapes up close.

Motorbike tour day 5 to 12: Turkey (2460 km)

The very next day we cross the southern Sea of Marmara at Canakkale and we are already in Asia. This is where our Turkish adventure begins. Canakkale, known for its proximity to the ancient ruins of Troy, is our gateway to Asia and our journey continues to Sultanhani, where we visit the impressive caravanserai. This caravanserai, one of the largest and best preserved in Turkey, once served as a shelter and resting place for travellers and their animals on the ancient Silk Road. We continue to Cappadocia, one of the most fascinating natural wonders of the world. The surreal landscapes of tufa, formed by thousands of years of erosion, are home to the famous cave dwellings and underground cities. Here we have the opportunity to take part in a balloon flight and enjoy the breathtaking panorama from a bird's eye view as we continue our journey past Konya, the city of the famous Sufi mystic Rumi. In Konya, we visit the Mevlana Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of this great poet and philosopher. The spiritual atmosphere of this city offers a deep insight into Sufi culture and the mystical side of Islam, and after a week in Turkey we cross the border into Iran. Crossing the border is an exciting experience as we experience the different cultural and geographical landscapes up close.

Motorbike tour day 23 to 26: Turkmenistan (760 km)

In Turkmenistan, we ride to Ashgabat, known for its white marble buildings and extravagant monuments. From here we continue to the Darvaza gas crater, the ‘gateway to hell’, where we spend the night nearby to experience the spectacular natural spectacle in the dark. Finally, we reach the historic oasis city of Khiva, an important trading centre on the ancient Silk Road.

Motorbike tour day 27 . to 33 : Uzbekistan 6 days | 1080 km

Our journey takes us through Uzbekistan, where we visit the cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, the pearls of the Silk Road. In Bukhara we take part in a guided tour and explore the imposing buildings and minarets of this ancient city. In Samarkand, we visit the famous Registan Square and the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum. Each of these cities offers a deep insight into the rich history and culture of the region.

Motorbike tour day 34 : Uzbekistan - Kyrgyzstan 410 km

Our last stage takes us over a well-developed pass into the Fergana Valley and immediately after the Kyrgyz border to Osh. We use the day before our flight home to visit the large bazaar in Osh and tour the city. In the evening before our departure, we sit together again in a cosy atmosphere, enjoy a delicious meal with a cold beer and tell each other about the exciting journey that lies behind us and will remain in our memories for a lifetime!

For those who still haven't had enough, there is the option of either ending the trip here or opting for another tour from Osh to Mongolia

Final word:

This motorbike tour is an expedition on which we ride NEW routes and explore new routes every year! IMPORTANT for every participant who is looking for adventure! This expedition is for motorcyclists who can take on new challenges EVERY day, think and act independently and, above all, can ride long distances on and off road. This trip is NOT for motorcyclists who are looking for an organised package tour with a motorbike guide who will point out any potholes on and off the road!