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Grand Europe self guided motorcycle holiday

Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour. Visit seven countries in fourteen days and experience a great mixture of Alpine, central and Eastern European traditions.

Since the beginning, the Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle tour has been our most ‘in demand’ long self guided motorcycle holiday. This fantastic journey embodies a true spirit of adventure as well as discovery.

The Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery of seven different European countries. These include the Champagne region, the Black Forest and Austrian Tyrol, as well as Slovenian lakes. Furthermore, you’ll explore the Croatian coast, venture to the Italian Dolomites and visit the Swiss Alps.

With its fantastic biking roads winding through the lush vineyards, the Champagne Region encapsulates everything great about motorcycle travel. Usually, drinking champagne and riding are not activities that should be done in tandem. However, there is nothing wrong with having a glass or two of bubbly once you park your bike. And there is certainly no better place to celebrate the start of your holiday than Troyes, the French wine capital.

The Black Forest is the land of rolling hills and cuckoo clocks, as well as Black Forest gateau and perfect biking roads. As a matter of fact, Germany is the land where the perfect tarmac comes from. The B500 is perhaps the most iconic and popular biking road in Europe, if not globally. As a bonus, you’ll also be riding through picture-postcard villages and towns and staying in biker friendly hotels.

Many other parts of Europe earn the status of ‘top motorcycling destination’. However, there are not that many that do it as well as your next destination. Austrian Tyrol ticks all the boxes on any biker’s list. But above all, this fantastic region has some of the best biking roads and the most spectacular mountain passes. The scenic Bregenzerwaldstraße, picturesque Gerlos and magnificent Großglockner, as well as enjoyable Arlberg pass, are just to name a few.

Over the years, Slovenia gained a reputation as an unexpected highlight of the Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour. However, it has all the attributes to be the main highlight of this fantastic self guided motorcycle holiday in its own right. It is the greenest country in Europe and is affectionately referred to as the ‘hidden jewel of the Alps’. Slovenia is also the home to the picturesque Lake Bled as well as one of the most challenging mountain passes. Vrsić Pass has fifty cobbled hairpins, and you’ll have the opportunity to swing it around every single one.

We love Croatia, not only because we come from there. But also because it adds a bit of Slavonic flair and Mediterranean flavour to the Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour. Discover the delights of the coastal towns of Rovinj, Porec and Pula. Taste the excellent regional cuisine such as the pršut and olives as well as seafood and outstanding local wines. Ride the scenic ancient Roman highways and byways of the beautiful Istrian peninsula.

Wherever you go in the Dolomites, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and roller coaster mountain passes. But as always, there are those few roads that are slightly more alluring than others. Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella as well as Gardena and Falzarego are just a few iconic passes, but the list goes on. This is literally and metaphorically the highest point of this great Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour.

With its serpentine roads and mountain passes, the Swiss Alps are a perfect way to conclude this dream road trip. This journey started with a glass of Champagne in France so let it finish in the same fashion in the majestic Engadin valley. And there is undoubtedly no better place than the glitzy mountain resort – Sankt Moritz.

Please spend some time reading the day-by-day itinerary to fully appreciate the magnitude of this fabulous Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour.

For an alternative to the Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour, please use this link: Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia self guided motorcycle holiday.

If you require a motorcycle rental for the Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour please get in touch with our partner, RoadTrip.

Please visit our Facebook page for up-to-date information regarding the Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour.

Tour highlights:

Julian Alps
Historic town of Porec
Pula Roman amphitheatre
Italian Dolomites
Lake Misurina
Mauria pass
Umbrail pass
Ofen pass
B 500 – Germany
Champagne region of France
3*** and 4**** hotels with leisure facilities

When to go:

May to September - during August, a high-season supplement is applicable

Countries:

France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Switzerland

Motorcycle rental:

Available

Day by day tour itinerary

Day 1 – Folkestone to Champagne Region (France) (Approx. 250 miles)

Today is the start of your Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour. After an early morning channel-tunnel crossing, you’ll make your way to the bubbly Champagne Region of France. At Reims, you’ll come off the motorway and continue your journey riding the country back roads.

As you arrive in this area, it will be the right time to start looking for a place to have lunch. Both Épernay and Sézanne are convenient places to stop. The town of Epernay is entirely surrounded by chalky hills and vineyards. Here you can take a walk down the Avenue de Champagne. It is occupied by famous Champagne Houses, so you can see why Epernay competes for the title of ‘Capital of Champagne’.

Sézanne, on the other hand, is entirely the opposite. It is a typical French provincial town with a cobbled square, café, water fountain and a big church in the centre. Nothing much really happens there, but that’s the beauty of it. It is a perfect place to stop for lunch and people watch.

Located in the middle of woodlands, your hotel will welcome you with a comfortable room, gourmet meal, terrace and outdoor swimming pool.

"Among the many French inventions, some notable ones are the hot air balloon, guillotine, wing-suit and the parachute"

Day 2 – Champagne Region to Black Forest (Germany) (Approx. 250 miles)

Today, your Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour continues. You’ll travel to one of the most scenic and popular regions in Germany. The Black Forest is an area of vast forests, green pastures and rolling hills. Bad Bergzabern is a good place to stop for lunch. It has a good selection of restaurants, cafés and bakeries with easy parking as well. Also, a bakery in Scheibenhardt is a convenient alternative too.

If you wish, your route can include a section of the famous B500. It is one of the best biking roads, certainly in Europe and some would argue even the World. Lake Mummelsee is one of the most scenic locations for breaks we use on our tours.

Your family-run, biker friendly hotel is situated just a short ride from Titisee. It is a lively lakeside town and a perfect place to go for a little pre-dinner stroll.

If you wish, extra days can be arranged to extend your stay in the Black Forest.

"Germany boasts almost 1,000 varieties of sausages! The most popular is currywurst, sausages smothered in a spicy curry. Such is the popularity of this classic dish that there is a museum dedicated to it in Berlin. Does the expression "you silly sausages" come from Germany then?"

Day 3 – Black Forest to Austrian Tyrol (Approx. 200 miles)

Departing from the Black Forest, your route will take you to your first destination in Switzerland. The magnificent river Rhine waterfalls in Schaffhausen is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the region. There is a dedicated parking area for bikes, an excellent restaurant and several coffee places. You can also go on a short boat trip or visit the magnificent Laufen castle if you fancy it.

From here, the Rhine will guide you to the shores of the lake Konstanz. As you continue, the scenery will change to Alpine, and you’ll be heading towards some major Austrian ski resorts and several mountain passes.

Your route will pass through Warth, Lech and Zürs. And also over the twisty Bregenzerwaldstraße and the enjoyable Arlberg pass. Warth and Lech are both popular places with bikers and have many places to stop for a bite to eat.

For the next night, you’ll be staying in a traditional chalet-style hotel surrounded by stunning mountain views.

"In pre-Roman times Austria was occupied by many Celtic tribes coming from the British Isles"

Day 4 – Austrian Tyrol to Bohinj (Slovenia) (Approx. 270 miles)

Today is a long day on the Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour and includes quite a bit of motorway riding as well. Therefore, it would be good to have an early frühstück (breakfast) and leave for Slovenia.

You’ll head deeper into the Austrian Alps, following the route that will take you via the enjoyable Gerlos and impressive Großglockner pass. Both passes have a good selection of places to stop for breaks and refreshments.

There are many lay-bys along the way to stop to admire scenic views and take some stunning photos. With the big passes behind, you’ll continue towards the Julian Alps and enter Slovenia via a short and bumpy Wurzen pass.

The hotel is situated only a short stroll from the majestic lake Bohinj. Your friendly host will welcome you with a cold drink, a comfortable room and a delicious evening meal. If you arrive earlier in Slovenia, you can stop at the iconic Lake Bled to see the church on the isle. Also, when you check in to your hotel, take a stroll to the pristine Lake Bohinj.

"Prekmurian layer cake is a juicy Slovenian dessert. It is stuffed with poppy seeds, cottage cheese, walnuts and apples. However, it is also protected by the "recognised trademark of traditional reputation". Therefore it can only be manufactured under the original recipe in Slovenia. So all you cake forgers out there be afraid be very afraid"

Day 5 – Free day (Approx. 50-100 miles)

Today is when this excellent Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour adopts a true holiday spirit. You’ll have many choices regarding what to do, and therefore some “serious” decisions to make. If you prefer not to ride, you may opt to walk along the lake to the spectacular Savica waterfalls.

The water comes out of the cliff and tumbles down to form a river below. On your way there or back, you can take a cable car to the Vogel ski area. On the other hand, if you fancy only a short ride, then visits nearby Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge will work well. This is one of the most spectacular attractions in Slovenia. The wooden footpath is built on stilts snaking its way along the gorge wall above the water.

However, if you like a challenge, then head towards Kranjska Gora and “swing it around” the fifty cobbled hairpins of the Vrsić Mountain Pass. It is the most famous pass in the Julian Alps and a ‘must-do ride’.

"There are three climate zones in Slovenia. In one day you can choose from the Alpine, Mediterranean and Continental. With all that weather how the Slovenians ever know what to wear?"

Day 6 – Bohinj to Porec (Croatia) (Approx. 170 miles)

Today you swap the Alpine climate to the Mediterranean. You’ll notice it will happen as you approach Postojna. In your mirror, you’ll still see the Alps, but in front, it will look more like Tuscany. There are two major tourist attractions in Postojna.

You can visit the medieval cliff castle of Predjama or the spectacular Postojna Caves. If you opt to visit the caves, the mining train will take you deep underground. It will allow you to admire and fully appreciate the fascinating natural sculptures and cave formations. And believe it or not, you’ll see some unique and extremely rare wildlife as well. The human fish (Čovečja ribica – Slovenian name) is a kind of salamander species that can be found only in Postojna caves. However, there are also several species of pale looking harmless spiders and insects.

From here, you’ll cross into Croatia and traverse the Istrian peninsula. For the next three nights, you’ll be staying in a seafront hotel in Poreč.

"Nikola Tesla, physicist and electrical engineer who invented the modern alternating current electricity supply system was born in Croatia"

Day 7 – Free day (Approx. 100 miles)

Today is about half-way point of your Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour. Most people follow our proposed simple kind of “1,2,3,4” type of agenda.

– 1. Ride to Pula to visit the Roman amphitheatre. It was built by Emperor Vespasian and is one of the most famous and important monuments in Croatia. It is not a long ride from Porec, and the visit should not take longer than a few hours unless you fancy staying longer.

– 2. Ride to Rovinj for a stroll around town and have ice cream. A walk along the streets of Rovinj’s historical centre is a truly artistic experience. However, besides its beauty, one of the main reasons we go to this bussing little town is the ice cream. There are several ice cream parlours along the seafront, and every single one is worth an effort.

– 3. Ride to Hum – the smallest town in Croatia and have lunch. The town has a population of only seventeen people, yet it has its own church, town hall, post office and fantastic traditional tavern.

– 4. Ride back to the hotel and for the rest of the day, do whatever you wish.

"Pula's Politeama Ciscutti is the only theatre in World that kicked the Fascist leader Mussolini out for spreading the Nazi propaganda. Apparently, the locals were not overly impressed by the Duce"

Day 8 – Free day (Approx. 100 miles)

Today, you are free to arrange your own agenda. From our experience, most people go on a boat day trip to Venice or around local islands. The trip to Venice departs very early and returns quite late. So you will need the whole day for this excursion.

Another popular option is to join a full-day boat tour with a visit to Vrsar and Rovinj, sail via the Lim Fjord, the Pirate cave, and take some free time to swim in the refreshing Adriatic Sea. Alternatively, you can just spend your day on the beach. Porec has several Lagunas within an easy walk from the town. The Blue and Green laguna are the most visited and the best choices.

Also, if you wish, this free day can be transferred to another destination of your choice. Some clients opt to have one free day in the Dolomites rather than two free days in Croatia.

"In Croatian, the country is named Hrvatska, and the language is called Hrvatski"

Day 9 – Porec to Dolomites (Approx. 260 miles)

Leaving Croatia behind, once more, you’ll be heading towards the Alps. Your next port of call is one of the most attractive biking regions in Europe. You’ll enter the Italian Dolomites via the enjoyable Mauria pass and continue towards Corvara. With only a small deviation from the original route, you can swing it by the majestic Lago Misurina.

This is one of the most tranquil places we use on our tours for breaks and lunches. On our guided tours, we usually stop at the restaurant Locanda Al Lago. It offers an excellent menu, lakeside tables and easy bike parking. From here, you’ll continue over the twisty Falzarego pass to your comfortable hotel.

During winter, Corvara is one of the busiest ski resorts in the Dolomites. However, during the summer, it becomes a motorcycling Mecca surrounded by some of the most iconic mountain passes.

Tonight, glorious sunset over the rugged mountain peaks, Italian wine and mama’s cooking will be waiting for you.

"The average Italian consumes 25kg of pasta per year"

Day 10 – Dolomites to Sankt Moritz (Switzerland) (Approx. 160 miles)

In our opinion, today’s ride is the best one so far on the Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour. Your journey will take you over Compolongo pass, Pordoi Pass, Tonale pass and Bernina pass.

Winding your way towards Switzerland, the scenery will not change that much. It will go from dramatic and rugged to slightly less dramatic and rugged. But what will noticeably change is the temperature. It will go from very hot and hot around Bolzano to not that warm and cold on top of Bernina pass. The Engadin Valley is a beautiful place, and your hotel is located just outside the glamorous ski resort of Sankt Moritz.

Regarding the lunch and breaks, we usually stop at Jolly Bar in Edolo, Tonale pass and Bernina pass. However, there are many other cafés and restaurants along the route so you can pick any-one you fancy. Sometimes it is better to be flexible with your itinerary as the opening times might be subject to the proprietor’s interpretation (especially in Italy).

"Snowboarding, skiing, and mountaineering are popular sports in Switzerland. But interestingly none of them was actually invented in Switzerland"

Day 11 – Sankt Moritz to Interlaken (Switzerland) (Approx. 170 miles)

Today the Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour continues. And, except for the mileage, everything else is big. It’s a big ride, big mountains, big passes, big glaciers, big marmots in the middle of the road and hopefully a big lunch.

Your destination today is Interlaken – a town between the lakes. You’ll arrive here via two big passes. The Grimsel and Furka are back to back ascents and descents, a type of ride. It will provide you with a few hours of guaranteed smiles on your face. Both passes have many convenient places to stop and take photos. Also, on your way up Furka pass, you can stop and take a walk inside the glacier tunnel. This is an excellent place to have “a big lunch” as well.

The mountain scenery here, for some reason appears to be more stunning than anywhere else in the Alps. You’ll arrive at your hotel just in time to get ready for an evening meal.

"Car, motorcycle or any other type of road motor racing is banned in Switzerland. It is deemed to be too dangerous. And yet downhill skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, base jumping, caving, white-water canoeing… it's all good and perfectly safe"

Day 12 – Free day (Approx. 100 miles)

The best way to use your free day in Interlaken is to go on one of many train journeys. Get a copy of the train timetable, make your choice and off you go. The most popular journey is the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. However, many other trips are just as good.

One of the other popular day trip options is to take a train or short motorcycle ride to Lauterbrunnen to visit the dramatic Trümmelbach waterfall in Lauterbrunnen. The fall runs inside the mountain, and from various galleries and viewing platforms, you can take some spectacular photos. It can be quite a chilly and dump experience, but it is worth an effort. From there, you can take a cable car to Schilthorn, where one of the iconic James Bond movie scenes was filmed. Here you can have lunch and enjoy the full mountain vistas from the famous Piz Gloria 360° revolving restaurant.

"Switzerland has more banks than dentists"

Day 13 – Interlaken to Champagne Region (Approx. 290 miles)

Today you will close the loop of this glorious Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour by heading back to the Champagne Region. As you leave the Alps behind, you’ll ride into the French countryside.

Goumois is a small border town on the river Doubs. It is good and perhaps the only place to have lunch. Your route will take you along some beautiful highways and byways. For most of the day, you’ll be surrounded by rolling hills, green pastures and dense forests. Continuing north you’ll arrive at your comfortable hotel in Troyes.

The town is one of the most popular destinations for wine connoisseurs. So much so that even the town centre is designed in the shape of a champagne cork. With its fantastic medieval part lined with half-timbered houses and excellent restaurant and bar scene, it is a great place to bring this fabulous tour to its conclusion.

"Apparently more than half of the World's roundabouts are in France. At least there is no problem with U-turns"

Day 14 – Champagne Region to Folkestone (Approx. 250 miles)

Today is the last day of your Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle-tour. To celebrate it, have a delicious French breakfast and take one last leisurely ride through the Champagne Region. Your channel-tunnel will be booked for afternoon crossing.

Thank you for joining this fantastic Grand Europe self-guided motorcycle tour and RidingWithUs.

We hope you had a great self guided motorcycle holiday and we also hope to hear from you again soon.

"So much of who we are is where we have been"

What's included?

Price

Includes

13 nights b&b accommodation
6 evening meals
Return Eurotunnel crossing
GPX routes
Trip check list
Daily itinerary
Suggested tourist attractions
Emergency services numbers

Excludes

What our customers say

Thank you again for the great experience we had on our Grand European tour. You did a great job making sure everything went perfectly well for us.”

Eva & Don Black

South Carolina, USA, 2019