Motorcycle travel Europe to Kyrgyzstan Silk Road

We all meet on Saturday morning at the OVERCROSS office in Tübingen, and the motorcycle tour begins with a brief stop in Munich, where we enjoy Bavarian hospitality amid historic architecture and famous beer gardens. Further southeast, we quickly traverse the picturesque landscapes of Austria and arrive in Salzburg to immerse ourselves in the imperial splendor of Schloss Schönbrunn, a witness to the opulent lifestyle of the Habsburg dynasty. Here in Salzburg, we meet with the motorcycle expedition participants and start from the old town of Salzburg with the expedition group heading southeast to Serbia. Belgrade beckons with a mix of historical fortresses like Kalemegdan, a witness to 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 empire, alongside the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a symbol of Bulgarian national identity. Our motorcycle tour through Bulgaria also reveals the Thracian heritage at the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, a masterpiece of Orthodox architecture in the Rila Mountains. Finally, our off-road expedition leads us to Turkey, where we arrive in Istanbul, a city rich in Byzantine and Ottoman history. Here, the majestic dome of Hagia Sophia and the intricate tiles of the Blue Mosque reflect centuries of architectural innovation and cultural exchange. The Grand Bazaar offers a sensory immersion into the bustling trade history of the city, while a boat trip on the Bosporus underscores Istanbul's strategic importance as a bridge between Europe and Asia. With the conclusion of our unforgettable motorcycle tour through Eastern Europe and into the vibrant heart of Istanbul, we experience firsthand 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 are already in Asia. Here begins our Turkish adventure. Canakkale, known for its proximity to the ancient ruins of Troy, is our gateway to Asia. Our journey 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 resting place for travelers 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 tuff, shaped by millennia of erosion, are home to the famous cave dwellings and underground cities. Here we have the opportunity to take part 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, 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. After a week in Turkey, we cross the border into Iran. The border crossing is an exciting experience as we encounter the various cultural and geographical landscapes up close.

After crossing the border into Iran from Turkey, we reach Tabriz, one of the oldest cities in the country. Tabriz was once an important trading center on the Silk Road and is known 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 alongside 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 Hafiz and the Eram Garden. On our route is also Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Persian Empire. Our Iranian leg ends in Kerman, where we visit the ancient mud city of Bam. This historic city was severely 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 'Gate to Hell', where we stay nearby to experience the spectacular natural spectacle at dusk. Finally, we reach the historic oasis city of Khiva, an important trading place on the old 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 impressive 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 last leg takes us over a well-developed pass into the Fergana Valley and immediately after the Kyrgyz border to Osh. The day before the flight home, we take the opportunity to visit the large bazaar in Osh and sightsee in the city. The evening before our departure, we gather once more in a cozy setting, enjoy a fine meal with a cool beer, and share stories about the exciting journey that lies behind us and will remain in our memories for a lifetime! For those who are still not satisfied, there is the option to either end the journey here or choose for another tour from Osh to Mongolia.