Motorcycle trips Europe to Kyrgyzstan Silk Road adventure

We all meet on Saturday morning at the OVERCROSS office in Tübingen and the motorcycle tour begins with a short stop in Munich, where we enjoy Bavarian hospitality amidst the historic architecture and famous beer gardens. Continuing southeast, we quickly traverse the picturesque landscapes of Austria and arrive in Salzburg, where we immerse ourselves in the imperial splendor of Schönbrunn Palace, a witness to the lavish lifestyle of the Habsburg dynasty. Here in Salzburg, we meet the motorcycle expedition participants and start from Old Town Salzburg with the expedition group towards the southeast to Serbia. Belgrade entices with a mix of historical fortifications like Kalemegdan, witnessing centuries of battles, and lively scenes along the Danube and Sava rivers. Further southeast, we enter Bulgaria's capital Sofia, where the ancient fortress of Serdica testifies to the Roman dominion, alongside the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a symbol of Bulgarian national identity. Our motorcycle 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 sensual immersion in the bustling trading history of the city, while a boat ride on the Bosphorus highlights Istanbul's strategic significance as a bridge between Europe and Asia. With the completion of our unforgettable motorcycle tour through Eastern Europe and into the vibrant heart of Istanbul, we experience first-hand the rich tapestry of civilizations that have shaped this cultural crossroads over millennia.

Already the next day, we cross the southern Sea of Marmara at Canakkale, and we find ourselves in Asia. Here our Turkish adventure begins. Canakkale, known for its proximity to the ancient ruins of Troy, is our gateway to Asia. Our route takes us further 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 rest stop for travelers and their animals on the ancient Silk Road. We continue to Cappadocia, one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the world. The surreal landscapes of tuff stone, shaped by millennia of erosion, house the famous cave dwellings and underground cities. Here we have the opportunity to participate in a balloon ride and enjoy the breathtaking panorama from a bird's eye view. On our onward journey, we pass through Konya, the city of the famous Sufi mystic Rumi. In Konya, we visit the Mevlana Museum, 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. After a week in Turkey, we cross the border into Iran. The border crossing is an exciting experience as we experience the different cultural and geographic landscapes up close.

After Turkey, we cross the border into Iran and reach Tabriz, one of the oldest cities in the country. Tabriz was once a significant trading center on the Silk Road and is famous for its historic bazaar, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Tabriz, we continue to Tehran, the vibrant capital of Iran. Tehran is a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers stand next to historic palaces. We visit the Golestan Palace, a masterpiece of Qajar architecture, and the National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts. Our journey takes us further to Isfahan, one of the most beautiful cities in Iran. Isfahan was once the capital of the Persian Empire and is famous for its Islamic architecture. The Naqsh-e Jahan Square, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Imam Mosque and the Ali Qapu Palace. In Yazd, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, we experience traditional Persian architecture and Zoroastrian culture. Shiraz, the city of poets and garden culture, offers further cultural highlights. Here, we visit the tomb of the famous poet Hafez and the Eram Garden. On our route lies Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Persian Empire. Our Iranian leg ends in Kerman, where we visit the old mud city of Bam. This historical city was heavily damaged by an earthquake but is being rebuilt piece by piece.

In Turkmenistan, we travel 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 stay overnight nearby to experience the spectacular natural phenomenon in the dark. Finally, we reach the historical oasis city of Khiva, an important trading place on the ancient Silk Road.

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.

Our final leg takes us over a well-developed pass into the Fergana Valley and right after the Kyrgyz border to Osh. The day before our return flight, we take the time to visit the large bazaar in Osh and tour the city. On the evening before departure, we gather together again, enjoy a nice meal with a cold beer, and share stories about the exciting journey that is behind us and will remain in our memories for a lifetime! For those who haven't had enough yet, there is the option to either end the journey here or choose another tour from Osh to Mongolia.