Let's go touring…
Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic
Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour, a journey not too far from home, but far enough to experience a different world.
Embark on this unforgettable journey through the four former Eastern block countries of Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
This Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour is a true Bohemian Rhapsody of history, culture, architecture, gastronomy, and perfect biking roads.
Throughout history and centuries, this part of Europe has been influenced by various migrations, invading forces and empires. Each left a mark on its history, tradition, culture, and customs.
Your flexible itinerary will allow you to journey back through history following the rise and fall of these former great Empires.
Historically, you’ll time-travel from the Roman and Tatar to Mongolian, Celtic to Slavonic, Prussian to Austro-Hungarian and Russian to modern times. You’ll also see the evidence of industrious Romans, migrating Celts, equestrian Mongols and retreating Prussians, as well as some more recent historical events. You’ll take in the charming atmosphere of the former Imperial cities.
You’ll explore the Eastern Block legacy while winding your way through the endless Panonian pusztas, the stunningly beautiful scenery of High Tatras, and the ever-green pine forests of Low Tatras. And you’ll dip your toes in the only remaining body of water from the Panonian Sea – Lake Balaton.
Gastronomically, this tour is a steaming cauldron of many diverse fusion cuisines cooked on a slow fire over the centuries. And socially, you’ll experience a black-and-white sense of humour, a no-nonsense view of life, and a warm, welcoming hospitality characteristic of the Eastern European people.
Hungary is your first destination in Eastern Europe proper. From your base hotel on the shores of Lake Balaton, you’ll experience Hungary’s rich Tatar, Mongol and Austro-Hungarian heritage, culture and cuisine. The theme of this part of the tour is Tokaji wine, paprikash, goulash, Cigany grill (gipsy grill) and freshly baked bread. And, of course, riding along the quiet, traffic-free country roads through the eye-pleasing landscapes enveloped by the fragrant summer scents of the endless Pannonian pustas.
“Hungary – Magyarország is a land where the people are welcoming, the food is religion, and the language is unpronounceable”.
Crossing into Slovakia, you’ll experience the same religion but different cultural, gastronomical and geographical influences. From a historical point of view, you’ll leave Atila the Hun and Genghis Khan behind and enter the domain of Slavs and, to a lesser extent, but culturally equally influential Hungarians and Russians. From the gastronomical point of view, you’ll enter the realm of Tatra tea, potato dumplings, sauerkraut soup and sheep cheese. And you’ll ride some great biking roads crossing the beautiful Low Tatras and crisscrossing equally stunning but more spectacular High Tatras.
“Slovakia – Slovenská Republika is a land where the people are welcoming, the food is delicious, and the language is unpronounceable”.
Next, you will continue to Poland and the great imperial city of Krakow. Here, you can explore the charming Old Town, the largest European market square, Wieliczka Salt Mines, St. Mary’s Basilica and Wawel Castle. However, if you fancy a more energetic approach to your free day in the city. In that case, you can lose yourselves in the city’s historic Jewish quarter and explore numerous local shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. While in Poland, you’ll also journey via many ski resorts and mountain towns dotted across this side of the majestic High Tatras mountain range.
“Poland – Polska is a land where the people are welcoming, the food can be quite spicy, and the language is unpronounceable”.
The Czech Republic is your final destination on the Eastern Europe motorcycle tour. Here, you’ll find the simple joy of riding your motorcycle meandering through the breathtaking countryside guided by nearly traffic-free highways and scenic byways. With the alluring magic of Prague, you’ll satisfy your inquisitive desire to visit one more Imperial city. During your free day, you’ll have an opportunity to explore this remarkably well-preserved Old Town with its impressive architecture, hilltop castle overlooking the town and river, a booming New Town crammed with Art Nouveau facades, and well-presented Jewish Quarters. Countless vibrant restaurants, bars, and cafes serving some of the best local and international delicacies, as well as enough museums, churches, and gardens, will be plenty to keep you busy.
“The Czech Republic – Czechia is a land where the people are welcoming, the food is fit for a king, and the language is unpronounceable”.
This memorable Easter Europe selfguided motorcycle tour consists of several stages if you wish. On top of the four main Easter European destination stages, the transit to Eastern Europe and back will take us via the Belgian Ardennes, Luxembourg, the Black Forest, Bavaria, and the Austrian Alps. Therefore, labelling it as ‘the transit stage’ doesn’t do this part of your holiday justice. In reality, it’s much more exciting than on paper. It includes some of Europe’s most scenic roads and biking routes.
Please spend some time reading the day-by-day itinerary about the Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour / selfguided motorcycle holiday. You will find out more details about the destinations and understand the scope of this journey.
PLEASE NOTE: On rare occasions, the itinerary might slightly change depending on hotel availability.
For an alternative to the Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour, please use this link: Eastern Europe guided motorcycle tour.
If you require a motorcycle rental for the Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour / selfguided motorcycle holiday, please get in touch with our partner, RoadTrip.
Please visit our Facebook page for up-to-date information regarding Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour / selfguided motorcycle holiday.
Tour highlights:
- 3*** and 4**** hotels with leisure facilities
- Lake Balaton
- Medieval hill top Castle of Sümeg
- Low Tatras
- Traditional village of Čičmany
- High Tatras
- Ski resort of Zakopane
- Histric city of Krakow
- Historic city of Prague
- Astronomical Clock in Prague
Countries:
Motorcycle rental:
Day by day tour itinerary
Welcome to the start of your Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour.
A morning channel tunnel crossing will take you under the water to Calais. From there, you’ll be heading towards Belgium. The first half of the route will be on the motorways, giving you more time to ride the beautiful country roads in the afternoon. A great thing about riding through the Belgian Ardennes is you’ll always have breathtaking views.
The riverside town of Givet is an excellent place to stop for lunch and refreshments and take some nice holiday photos. The town has a lovely square with several cafés and restaurants offering a great selection of traditional specialities.
From Givet, you’ll continue your pleasant ride through the scenic countryside of Belgium towards our hotel.
Today, your Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour continues. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take a nice, relaxing ride through the heart of Luxembourg before crossing into Germany.
The border crossing involves riding over the dam on the river Rhine. The dam was the first hydroelectric power station built on the Franco-German post-war coalition. It is a masterful fit of engineering. You’ll ride beautiful country roads and biking routes for the rest of the day.
Your hotel will welcome you with comfortable rooms, traditional evening meals and warm German hospitality.
Once again, on the third day of your selfguided Eastern Europe motorcycle tour, country-hopping is the order of the day. You’ll spend most of the day riding a combination of smooth country roads, scenic highways, rural byways and some motorways. The scenery and geography will vary from the rolling foresty hills of the Black Forest and Schawabian Alps to the agricultural lands of Lower Bavaria and the rugged mountains of Bavaria proper and Austrian Alps.
And, just before the end of the ride, you’ll cross the border and arrive at your hotel in the beautiful Austrian region of Salzburgerland.
Today, your Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour will take you to Eastern Europe proper. You’ll leave one half of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire after an early-ish Frühstück and arrive at the heart of the other half just in time for vacsora (evening meal in Hungarian). Within a day’s ride from the lush mountains of Österreich (Austria), you’ll descend to the lush Pannonian plains of Magyarország (Hungary). The contrast between the two could not be greater.
Today’s suggested route is quite long, and you’ll spend your day riding a cocktail of motorways, scenic mountain routes, ancient Roman roads, old Mongol byways, and nostalgic maple tree-lined Royal highways.
What Hungary lacks in terms of iconic biking roads, it certainly makes up in terms of food and wine. Bull’s Blood (Bikavér), Borforrás, and Tokaji Aszu are just a few among many famous Hungarian wines. Hungarians are also renowned for their ‘Eat, Drink, Dance & Be Magyar’ party outlook on life.
Today is your first day off on our Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour, and you’ll have several options. Visits to Sümeg Castle or a circular self guided ride to Lake Balaton are popular options.
Sümeg Castle is one of Hungary’s most beautiful and best-preserved medieval fortresses. The Castle stands on a barren hilltop overlooking the eye-pleasing countryside. The Castle is also home to the Medieval Equestrian Centre, where you can see medieval games, Knight Tournaments and feasts. A short walk or a taxi ride will take you to the Castle to see the ramparts, living quarters, dungeons, medieval armour and weapons collection. If you feel peckish, the Várcsárda (restaurant) serves a great selection of traditional Hungarian dishes. Please try goulash, paprikash or mixed grill.
Your suggested circular ride includes the nearby town of Hévíz, home to the largest thermal lake in the world. It started as a Roman spa town and, throughout its history, developed into one of Hungary’s most popular tourist destinations. The town is lovely to walk about, have a drink and relax. There are many cafés and restaurants, and it is easy to park. You’ll have a perfect opportunity to sample some of the best cakes ever. Or you can take a spin around the lake if you fancy a longer ride.
This is our recommended dessert menu of uniquely Hungarian calorie-dense cakes:
– Dobos torte: sponge cake with layers of chocolate buttercream.
– Esterházy torte: Royal Cake – alternating ground walnuts and rum-soaked buttercream layers.
– Krémes: custard slice similar to a Napoleon pastry.
– Flódni: rich cake layered with plum jam, apple, ground walnuts, and ground poppy seeds. Originates from Hungary’s Jewish community.
Today, your Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour will take you from the pancake-flat Pannonian plains to the not-at-all-pancake-flat Low Tatras.
Within a day’s ride from the lush agricultural fields of Magyarország (Hungary), you’ll ascend to the lush mountains of Slovakia (Slovenská republika). The contrast between the two could not be greater. Today’s suggested route is not that long. So, weather permitting, you can spend the entire day meandering along the big sky country roads and scenic mountain routes.
The initial part of our journey will follow the nearly traffic-free country roads towards the Hungarian/Slovakian border. As you approach the border crossing, you’ll leave the Pannonian plains – the sea of grass. From there, in the distance in front of us, you’ll see the first glimpse of the Tatras.
The scenic mountain roads passing through many dreamy villages and historic towns, affording some stunning vistas of the green valleys, flowery meadows and often snow-capped mountain peaks, will guide you to your next destination. The whole area is surrounded by the mountains Strážovské Vrchy and Malá Tatra, famous for its original log houses with the characteristic white exteriors ornamented in Celtic-looking but not Celtic geometrical patterns.
Today, as the Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour edges further into the Eastern frontier of motorcycle touring, you’ll leave the stunning Low Tatras and head towards the pristine High Tatras, often referred to as the “the smallest alpine mountains in Europe”.
From your hotel, a leisurely ride will take you straight to the heart of the Tatras mountain region. You’ll ride via the enjoyable valley roads and several not-demanding mountain passes, meandering through Low Tatras National Park, National Park Muránska Planina, National Park Slovensky Raj and passing through the town of Banska Bistrica. And you’ll get your kicks on the Slovakian version of Route 66.
As you continue your Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour, you’ll depart the land of the perpetual mountain beauty of the High Tatras in Slovakia and head towards the Land of Fields in Poland. A part-motorway-part-main valley roads route is possible. However, it should only be considered as an alternative if the weather decides to be temperamental. Otherwise, there is a more exciting, beautiful and scenic route available. The best way to start this fantastic journey is to have a relaxing, calorie-loaded Slovakian breakfast, load your bike and depart. So, make sure your camera is fully charged and enjoy the ride.
A relaxing cruise along some non-demanding mountain routes and stunning valley roads will effortlessly take you towards the historic city of Krakow.
Day nine of your Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour is also your second free day, and you can do whatever you wish. This suggestion might not make much sense as this is a motorcycle touring holiday. But by opting to go for a ride, you actually might lose out.
Krakow is one of the most stunning and surprising metropolises in Europe. Krakow is also one of Europe’s most beautiful, picturesque, and greenest cities. Its charm has been marked by different periods of history, most evident through its vibrant atmosphere, perfectly manicured parks, versatile cuisine and many tourist attractions.
The famous Old Town is an excellent place to start exploring this beautiful city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit the Wawel Royal Castle, the Main Square, the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Krakow Jewish Quarter.
If you are more interested in people-watching, you can find a table at one of many pavement cafés, bars and restaurants and people-watch as long as you wish.
Today is one of those rare long days in the saddle where the mileage is longer than average, and you just need to suck it up and get on with it. So a hearty breakfast and early departure are recommended.
On the tenth day of the Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour, you’ll swap one beautiful historic city for another beautiful historic city. You’ll also leave the pristine plains and lush valleys of Poland and head towards the rolling hills and green forests of the Czech Republic.
You’ll enter the central European region by gradually departing from the Eastern frontier of motorcycle touring. The suggested route mainly consists of motorways, some scenic country roads and faster national routes.
Your hotel will welcome you with a comfortable room and a charming city atmosphere.
Prague, often called the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Central Europe, is one of the most visited cities in the Czech Republic and the place where you’ll spend the third free day of your Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour.
The must-see places are the Old Town, the hilltop castle of Pražský Hrad overlooking the town and Vltava River, the famous astronomical clock, the New Town and the Jewish Quarters.
And again, if you are more interested in people-watching, you can find a table at one of countless vibrant restaurants, bars, and cafés and people-watch as long as you wish.
Another good day of biking is ahead of you on this great Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour. Today, you cross the border and return to Western Europe, leaving the Eastern frontier behind. The Northern Bavarian Region, also known as Franconia, can be described amongst the motorcycle touring fraternity as “the less travelled region”.
You’ll ride a combination of motorways but also follow some great country roads surrounded by rolling hills, green fields, and forests. It is an enjoyable day that will give you plenty of time to enjoy the ride, taking in the gradual change in geography, scenery and architecture. And gastronomically, you’ll leave the land of soups, stews, meat, and potatoes behind and enter the land of pretzels, schnitzel and weiβwurst (white sausage).
Your host hotel in Germany will welcome you with a comfortable room and a delicious evening meal. It also has a well-visited bear garden.
Today, unless it’s your own preference, you can use motorways as much or as little as you wish on your way to the next destination. This transit journey will take you from the green pastures and thickly forested hills of Northern Bavaria to the green pastures and thickly forested hills of the Ardennes.
You’ll pass through picturesque rural villages, ancient Roaman spa towns and typically Germanic marketplaces. It might be an average long day in the saddle, but having an early-ish breakfast and departure is worth it.
You’ll stay in a comfortable hotel in the heart of the Ardennes region tonight.
On the last day of this fantastic motorcycle tour, you’ll travel through the rolling hills and green pastures of the Ardennes. Eventually, you’ll join the motorway that will take you to Calais to board your afternoon crossing.
Thank you for joining the Eastern Europe selfguided motorcycle tour and RidingWithUs. We hope to hear from you again soon.
What's included?
Price
- Rider and pillion £ 2,105 pp
- Solo rider sharing twin room £ 2,255 pp
- Solo rider single room £ 3,250
- During August, a high-season supplement is applicable
Includes
- 15 nights b&b accommodation
- 7 Evening meals
- Return Eurotunnel crossing
- GPX routes
- Trip check list
- Daily itinerary
- Suggested tourist attractions
- Emergency services numbers
Excludes
- Meals other than those specified
- Admission charges
- Toll charges (vignette)
- Petrol
- Hotel parking
What our customers say
"This was our first tour WithRideWithUs and it was great. Could not be happier and we'll be back for more."
Paul & Andy
Liverpool, UK, 2024