Munich to Istanbul Map
A Motorcycling Odyssey – From Europe to Asia and Return

This 35-day SuperTour begins and ends in Munich, includes 15 different countries, a total of 8 free days and covers approximately 6,000 miles of exceptional motorcycle travel. From Germany, the tour continues through Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, and Turkey. After exploring Turkey, the trip returns to Germany via Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Czech Republic. There is virtually no repetition of the eastbound route during the return to Munich.

(The map is for illustrative purposes only and does not always reflect the fact that we often use secondary and more rural roads.)

Highlights include:

    • Historical cities and world heritage sites such as Split, Dubrovnik, Budapest, the Meteora Monasteries in Greece and the sites of ancient Troy and Ephesus in Turkey.
    • Extraordinary motorcycling along such world-class destinations as the Croatian coastline, the Turkish Sea of Marmara, the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania and the winding roads of Austria’s back country.
    • An afternoon at the Plitvice Lakes in the mountainous area of Central Croatia – A UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Two free days in Greece: one in a top spa & wellness hotel in the Greek mountains and the other on the “Green Island” of Thassos – an island located in the Aegean Sea that is famous for clean beaches, hospitality, tasty wine and magnificent honey.
    • Several free days in Turkey, including Akyaka – Turkey’s “seaside secret” – a beautiful village beach resort that sits at the head of the beautiful bay of Gokova.
    • Two free days in Istanbul, a “transcontinental city” that straddles the Straits of Bosphorus – the dividing line between Europe and Asia.
    • The Transylvania region of Romania, including a free day in Brasov and one night in Sighişoara. The small town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. It’s also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula (also known as Vlad Tepes – Vlad the Impaler), who inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional creation, Count Dracula.
    • A free day in Budapest, Hungary – an extensive UNESCO World Heritage Site and a city that has been cited as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

At a Glance Your Munich to Istanbul Adventure

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 1

Welcome to the “beer capital of Germany”! On the official arrival day we will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Walk around and try out one of the famous Bavarian beergardens, before we meet for the motorcycle handover in the later afternoon. Riders arriving early can visit the BMW museum, a close by beer garden or do some sightseeing in downtown Munich. We’ll have a kickoff meeting in the evening, followed by our first dinner together!

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 2

After a short ride on the German “autobahn” we turn off towards Austria and dive into the alpine mountain range. One possible option is the “Großglockner” – Austria’s highest mountain pass – or we may follow the road through popular alpine resorts, before we end up in Kärnten, Austria’s southernmost state. It is famous for its lakes and scenic beauty and Millstatt is a typical and historical little town for our overnight stay.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 3

Although Slovenia is a small country, the variety of landscapes is something we can enjoy on our bikes! The capital, Ljubljana, with its well-preserved historical city center is today’s destination. It’s a great place to have a walk before dinner.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 4

Croatia is on our list today and several route options (including a section of the Croatian coast road) lead us to one of the country’s highlights: the Lakes of Plitvice National Park.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 5

Only one country today! After an early start we make it straight down to the coast and go for another twisty section of the scenic roads there. Following the coastline more inland we end up in Split; the historical city center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Bring your camera and you may be able to capture your own “once in a lifetime” shots.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 6
From one World Heritage Site to another! The way to Dubrovnik – also called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” follows the coastline; a ferry brings us to the peninsula of Peljesak. Another 50 miles brings us to Dubrovnik, one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic, a seaport and the center of Dubrovnik-Neretva county.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 7
Dubrovnik has so much to offer that it is well worth it to spend a rest day there. Take one of the guided city tours, enjoy yourself getting lost in the marvellous city or just hang around having a glass of wine and watch people walking by!
Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 8
Today it’s getting serious! Via Montenegro, with a population of well less than 1 million, one of the smaller European countries, we reach the border to mountainous Albania. Only 25 years ago it was prohibited to own a car! Our destination, Durres, is one of the largest cities and an economic center of the country.
Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 9

We continue our ride through Albania south on a wonderful coast road and then turn west into the mountains towards the border to Greece. For the rest of the day we stay in the beautiful Greek mountains and finish our day in a wonderful spa & wellness hotel in Aristi, a small village in the middle of spectacular scenery!

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 10
Enjoy the surroundings of Aristi on your bike, go for a hike or just lean back and relax on our free day in this peaceful place!

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 11

It’s only a short distance, but some quite interesting options for the route! The twisty, old mountain roads are really enjoyable – but we have to make sure to arrive in Kalambaka early enough for a visit of the world-famous Meteora monasteries!

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 12

There are enough reasons to spend a night here.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 13

The greek mountains close to the Bulgarian border are still home to stone eagles, wolves and of course twisties! A loop well worth the effort, before we head south again and jump on the ferry that brings us to the island of Thassos.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 14

Greece has more than 3,000 islands, so we should have a closer look to at least one of them! A restday on Thassos makes sure that we get an idea of how life – and riding – is on one of the many small paradises in the Aegean Sea. The optional riding could add about 62 miles to your day.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 15

After the ferry back to the mainland we go for a loop into the mountains with great view into the Nestos Canyon. Later, the highway brings us to the Turkish border. After the crossing we continue through smaller cities to the ferry that brings us across the Dardanelles to a different continent and the city of Canakkale. Welcome to Asia! The hotel at the waterfront is right next to the original Trojan Horse from the movie “Troy”.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 16
An early start will ensure that we are among the first ones to visit world-famous Troy. There are a lot more sites to visit in this region, such as Assos and Bergama, so it’s going to be a long day full of history and good riding. A stay in an exclusive Boutique Hotel in Foça is today’s reward!

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 1

The highway around the metropole of Izmir will bring us quickly to one of the most impressive sites of Turkey’s past: Ephesus! A walk in this anchient, historical city is a must for anyone who visits the country. The afternoon is dedicated to having fun on the scenic Turkish backcountry roads, before we arrive in the resort village of Akyaka.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 18

The highway around the metropole of Izmir will bring us quickly to one of the most impressive sites of Turkey’s past: Ephesus! A walk in this anchient, historical city is a must for anyone who visits the countr. The afternoon is dedicated to having fun on the scenic Turkish backcountry roads, before we arrive in the resort village of Akyaka.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 19
Depending on how much time you would like to spend walking around on the famous travertine terraces of Pamukkale, you can make it a fairly short ride or start early and do almost 248 miles on some wonderful roads, before you end your day.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 20
After a late start we can fully concentrate on some fantastic riding today. It’s all about picking the small and twisty roads – no need to rush, there are no ruins to visit, just a 5-star Spa/Hotel waiting for us at the end of the day.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 21

Today we reappear on the more “busy” stage of Turkey: after playing around on some more twisty roads and a major mountain pass, we arrive at the coast of the Marmara Sea. From Yalova we take the ferry back to Europe and to Istanbul – avoiding three hours of dense traffic. We’ll enjoy the evening in a nice restaurant here in the capital of Turkey – where Europe and Asia meet.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 22

Welcome back to Europe and one of its oldest and most impressive cities! One day is not enough for a visit here, so we just stay for two days! A half day city tour will show you the most important sights like the Hagya Sofia, the Blue Mosque and the Golden Horn. Walk through the “Grand Bazar” and just get involved into the hubbub of this marvelous place!

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 23

Today you are completely free to dive into the streets and monuments of this fascinating city. Enjoy your last day in Turkey!

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 24

We better get up early to avoid the dense city traffic of Istanbul. It’s 124 miles to the Bulgarian border, which we will cover mostly on the highway to save some time. Once in Bulgaria, we continue inland to the historical city of Plovdiv with its fascinating old town. Make sure to go for a walk before we meet for dinner! And one more thing. Keep your eye open for sheep dogs (see photo of sign taken in Bulgaria during scouting trip).

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 25
Can you pronounce “Koprivsctiza”? No? Well, at least you will know this wonderful place on our way to the former capital of Bulgaria. A visit to the beautiful Orthodox Shipka Monastery and the famous pass road round out the day. In Veliko Tärnovo, walk around the hotel and go for some really beautiful souvenir shopping.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 26

After about one hour we cross the border to Romania, heading for the famous Transylvanian mountains! Watch out – Romanian roads can be very bumpy, but somehow they belong to these never ending villages with their horse carriages and picturesque old houses. Romania rocks…! The city of Brasov offers all kinds of activities and we will check it out on the following free day.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 27

The old town of Brasov has lots of sights – like the Black Church and the main city square. Walk through Romania’s narrowest street and the different parts of the old town, or take the cable car up the mountain to get the best view of the city. And there is the famous Castle Bran, about 18 miles away, where Count Dracula once stayed.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 28

After a visit the castle, which is marketed today as the home of the titular character in Bram Stoker’s Dracula we continue our ride towards one more highlight: the Transfagarasan Highway. It’s a spectacular mountain road – the second highest paved road in Romania. It connects the historical provinces of Transylvania and Wallachia.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 29

The highway will help cover this long distance to the baroque city of Eger in Hungary. Leaving Romania, we will return to the 21st century and ride through various Hungarian landscapes. The city of Eger was once very successful in fighting off the invading Turkish army – thanks to the local women and the wine. We will check out some more of its history on a walk through this baroque masterpiece.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 30

It’s only a short half day’s ride to one of the most beautiful towns of Europe. Budapest has a lot to offer and we start to explore it this afternoon! Free day in Budapest. Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest’s extensive World Heritage Sites includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second oldest in the world. And there are many more highlights to discover.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 31
Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest’s extensive World Heritage Sites includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second oldest in the world. And there are many more highlights to discover.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 32

It’s a fairly short ride to Bratislava – if we want, we can simply follow the river Danube and use the afternoon to walk around the beautiful capitol of Bratislava. The city is strongly influenced by people of different nations and religions like Austrians, Czechs, Germans, Hungarians, Slovaks, and Jews.

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 33
Before we leave Slovakia, we cross the “Little Carpathians” and take a small border crossing into Austria. On backcountry roads we ride through northeastern Austria and cross into the trip’s last new country: Czech Republic! What can give us a better impression of this country than to spend the night in World Heritage Site Cesky Krumlov and taste great Czech beer?

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 34

Our last riding day leads us across the Bohemian Mountains into the Bavarian Forest and later on to the “Three River City” – Passau. We continue through the Bavarian lowlands and arrive, where we started from 5 weeks ago: Munich!

Munich to Istanbul Motorcycle Tour in Europe, Day 35

Breakfast and airport transfers. We hope to see you on another Adventure soon.

Total ~ 3,728 miles

The route is entirely paved, although there be some options to ride some short gravel (5% or less). Some tough road
conditions (potholes, rough surfaces, animals on the road). The trip is intended for experienced riders.

45%

45%

10%

Please contact us about low frame and/or low seat options for our bikes.

      • Includes BMW F750GS
      • Additional charge of $800 for a BMW F850GS
      • Additional charge of $800 for a BMW F850GS Adv
      • Additional charge of $2,700 for a BMW F900XR
      • Additional charge of $3,450 for a BMW S1000XR
      • Additional charge of $2,700 for a BMW R1250R
      • Additional charge of $4,000 for a BMW R1250GS
      • Additional charge of $4,700 for a BMW R1250GS Adv
      • Additional charge of $3,760 for a BMW R1250RS
      • Additional charge of $6,030 for a BMW R1250RT
      • Personal motorcycle: deduct $4,150 from the rider price.
Standard Inclusions
      • Late model, low mileage motorcycle
      • Upscale accommodations
      • A’ la carte dining
      • Two Ayres Adventures professional tour leaders
      • Airport arrival/departure transfers
      • Luggage handling
      • Comfortable support vehicle for non-riding companions
      • Comprehensive pre-trip planning and assistance
      • Customized trip booklet with day-by-day itinerary and attractions
      • Two commemorative shirts
      • Adventurer Club travel award credit
Meals
      • All breakfasts
      • 27 dinners
Special Inclusions
      • Guided city tour in Istanbul
      • Ferry to Istanbul
      • Round trip ferry to Thassos
      • Entry fees for the lakes of Plitvic, Troy, Assos, Ephesus, Pamukkale

Deposit per person: $1,600

Single room supplement: $3,750

2024 Schedule
Date2024 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
May 4 - June 7Munich And Istanbul35 days$24,750$17,300
2025 Schedule
Date2025 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
May 3 - June 6Munich And Istanbul35 days$24,750$17,300

Full payment is due 90 days prior to scheduled commencement

Cancellation fee and refunds
FROM DATE OF
SCHEDULED COMMENCEMENT
AMOUNT FORFEITED
More than 90 days 50% of deposit
90 days or fewer but more than 60 days100% of deposit
60 days or fewer but more than 45 days50% of full tour payment
45 days or fewer 100% of full tour payment

Norway is the most beautiful country I have ever ridden a bike in

Norway is the most beautiful country I have ever ridden a bike in. It is a combination of Chile and Argentina, New Zealand, Ireland, but scenery wise better than the four of them combined.

It is one scenic beauty after another. You never knew what the scenery was gonna look like around the next corner or when you came out the next tunnel. And the North Cape is pretty spectacular when you consider where you are at that moment.

I will do this tour again, with better raingear.

The group of fellow riders on this tour were the nicest people I've ever been on a trip with. Nice, caring, funny, intelligent, accomplished riders and they were extremely nice to invite me to do things with them.

John's Adventures include:
Southern Cross
Munich to Istanbul
Mystical Ireland
Barcelona to Lisbon
Norwegian Midnight Sun
Spain and Morocco

John Dinges
Lebanon, OR

The best way I can think of to see 15 different countries

Testimonial, Ayres Adventures

This tour is the best way I can think of to see 15 different countries in one tour which means 15 different cultures, different geographies, different customs, and best of all 15 different nationalities of people.

While the rest of the group was touring Dracula’s Castle, I went out for a ride by myself up in the mountains. An old sheepherder (pictured) waved at me as I rode by and I turned around and went back to say hi. We had about a half hour conversation with neither of us speaking the others language but with pantomiming he was able to tell me his story. He pointed out the house he grew up in and still lived in. Ninety-three years old and still riding a motorcycle. I figured out that he had a 10-year-old Ducati Monster 600 bike, and rode it out to the pasture where the sheep were.

He relished looking over my bike and indicated BMWs were great bikes. This type of encounter is one of the main reasons I like to go on Ayres motorcycle tours. The freedom to explore on your own and not always have to be with the group sets your company apart from most of the others. There isn't the pressure to stay with the group and I never would have gotten a chance to meet this fella if I wasn't by myself. You don't get this interaction with the locals driving a car.

John's Adventures include:
Munich to Istanbul Adventure
Roof of Africa
Southern Cross
Taste of Chile (and Dash of Argentina)
Portugal, Spain, Morocco
SA Splendors
Escape to Ushuaia
New Zealand Grand Tour
Rendezvous in Rio

John Dinges
Lebanon, OR

If I have to pick one word, it's "professionalism"!

Geoffrey R Smith, Testimonial, Ayres Adventures

I guess after six trips with the gang from Ayres, I should write something about why I keep coming back for yet another tour. If I have to pick one word, it's "professionalism". Although they make each day look easy in terms of getting from point A to point B, on reflection it becomes so apparent that each route is well thought out and chosen for specific reasons, whether it be the scenery, road conditions, or degree of difficulty. It all seems to work so seamlessly which allows the rider to focus on the ride and his or her surroundings. Whether it's Claus or John or Axel, you know that one of them has your back, especially when you tackle a road that a month ago was paved but is now a mess and foot deep in mud or the road is closed and the detour a real challenge. And finally, at the end of the day, they're a hell of a lot of fun to have a drink with! In the final analysis, it makes for pretty much a perfect vacation.

Geoffrey's Adventures include:
Under the Tuscan Sun
Machu Picchu Excursion
Ushuaia and Antarctica
Norwegian Midnight Sun
Munich to Istanbul
The Epic Journey Riga to Hong Kong
Iceland Adventure
North Pole Adventure

Geoffrey has written several articles/blogs about his experiences on our tours:
BMW Owners News - Antarctica
BMW Owners News - Iceland
Blog – Under the Tuscan Sun

Geoffrey R. Smith
West Hollywood, LA

We’re already signed up for the Alps and Morocco

I’ve ridden eight Ayres Adventures tours, three of them IBA (Iron Butt Association) specific rides and haven’t been disappointed. All have been first class, unique, and full of very pleasant surprises. Ron and his staff have always been courteous, helpful, and patient. In fact, he has found some special tour leaders and guides. By the end of the tour, they become friends that we look forward to seeing again.

Each tour had it’s own highlights. The IBA tours fit our style of riding since we are interested in seeing as much as we can and not spending a lot of time at the destination hotels. If you ride one, be prepared to cover some distance in all kinds of road and weather conditions.

Ushuaia had been one of those must see places for us and the South America IBA ride was the perfect way to do it, we ended up with more than we expected. The scenery was spectacular, the food was excellent, and this group of riders made it a ride to remember.

We enjoyed this one so much, we’re already signed up for the Alps IBA ride this September and the Portugal, Spain, and Morocco tour next year.

Tom and Mona's Adventures include:
IBA Ushuaia Tour
IBA Africa Tour
IBA Extreme Alps Tour
Machu Picchu Excursion (Empire of the Incas)
Spain and Morocco
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Namibian Splendors (Africa)
Russia - Beyond the Golden Ring
Munich to Istanbul
Japan Cherry Blossoms and Mt. Fuji
The Epic Journey - Moscow to Hong Kong

Tom and Mona Loftus
Vista, California

START CITY: Munich

  • Nearest international airport: Munich Airport
  • Airport code: MUC
  • Approximate distance from city centre: 18 miles/29 kms

END CITY: Munich

  • Nearest international airport: Munich Airport
  • Airport code: MUC
  • Approximate distance from city centre: 18 miles/29 kms
Private Tour Inquiry

We are happy to book any of our motorcycle tour as a private tour. For most tours, we require a minimum of 8 bikes, or 12 participants (riders plus co-riders). We can provide a private motorcycle tour for smaller groups, but a surcharge may apply. We can also customize any of our regular tours for a private group.

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