Daniel K.
The guidance during the motorcycle trip through East Anatolia was excellent, provided by the German-Turkish tour guide. He led the group with clear daily briefi...
MOTORCYCLE-TOURS · TURKEY
Motorcycle trip East Anatolia along the Turkish Silk Road
Experience an unforgettable motorcycle journey through Eastern Anatolia, from Antalya to Mesopotamia. Discover the rugged Black Sea coast, ancient excavations, steep gorges, and endless steppes away from mass tourism.
How long?
15 Days
Price
$ 5,159
/ Person
The Journey
Discover the hidden treasures of Turkey on two wheels
A motorcycle trip awaits you that recalls Karl May stories. Trabzon, on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, is our starting point. The rugged, spectacular Black Sea coast scattered with remnants of cultures and empires, dizzying curves, many different landscapes, steep gorges, and endless steppes – offers everything you need for a varied motorcycle tour away from mass tourism.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
01
Adventure on the Black Sea Coast
01
Adventure on the Black Sea Coast
Explore the rugged Black Sea coast, popular with motorcyclists.
02
Discover Sumela Monastery
02
Discover Sumela Monastery
Visit the impressive Sumela Monastery, an architectural masterpiece in the mountains.
03
Explore the Euphrates River
03
Explore the Euphrates River
Ride along the Euphrates, one of the oldest rivers in the world, and enjoy the view.
04
Nemrut Dagi - Cultural Highlight
04
Nemrut Dagi - Cultural Highlight
Climb the impressive Nemrut Dagi and experience the monumental stone heads of ancient times.
05
Cultural Encounters in Mardin
05
Cultural Encounters in Mardin
In Mardin and Midyat, you delve into the fascinating mix of oriental culture and history. Wander through the old town and explore the traditional market. Get to know the local cuisine and enjoy locally produced delicacies in a charming restaurant. This journey takes you through the breathtaking steppe landscapes and gives you a deep insight into the regional culture and the heritage of ancient civilizations.
Days 1–15
Arrival in Trabzon
Welcome - Upon arrival at Trabzon Airport, you will be personally greeted and welcomed by us. The drive to the hotel takes about 20 minutes, where the motorcycles are already waiting. We will use the rest of the day to explore Trabzon with historical sites that tell a 3000-year history. While enjoying a cozy dinner, we will discuss the program.
Trabzon – Erzincan (approx. 250km)
To start this motorcycle journey, there is a leisurely ride where you can get accustomed to the motorcycle, heading to the Sumela Monastery (a Greek Orthodox monastery with historical architecture). We continue with a short ride on a highway before reaching the green forested mountainous region on the Black Sea coast, which offers us almost tropical vegetation. Riding in the mountains is really fun as we navigate one curve after another on a little-traveled road. At 2050 meters above sea level, we enjoy delicious Turkish lamb chops for lunch. The landscape increasingly transforms into a hilly steppe as we reach the city of Erzincan in the Anatolian plateau.
Erzincan – Malatya (approx. 300km)
We briefly navigate through the city's traffic before returning to the lonely roads of the Anatolian plateau. Today, we journey through changing landscapes to the Euphrates River, one of the most important rivers and the longest river in the Middle East. In the late afternoon, we reach the city of Malatya, the apricot capital of Turkey. We explore the city, which offers us an atmosphere of the modern Orient.
Malatya – Kahta (approx. 250km)
We show the Enduros what they were built for. The day full of culture and nature begins on flat rolling hills and continues on a winding, adventurous paved path. This somewhat challenging stage is rewarded with a fantastic view from the mountaintop at 2150 meters over the largest and longest river and reservoir in Turkey. After a short hike on foot, we reach Nemrut Dagi, the largest burial mound in the world with its giant stone heads. Here, we see monumental graves and statues, including a statue of Antiochos (a king ruling the region BC) and a statue of the Greek god Zeus. On the way back, we have another chance to enjoy the breathtaking panorama as we travel to our hotel in the city of Kahte.
Kahta - Mardin / Midyat (approx. 260km)
We leave the small town and drive back through the mountains along the Atatürk Dam. This is the reservoir we saw yesterday. We cross the dam on a ferryboat and reach the plateau of ancient Mesopotamian culture. A small stroll through the bazaar in Mardin gives us the feeling of being truly in the Orient. We get to know the famous cuisine of Mardin in a delicatessen restaurant. We continue through the hilly steppe landscape to the city of Midyat, where we conclude today's ride in a boutique hotel.
Mardin / Midyat - Tatvan (approx. 250km)
Today we ride our motorcycles through wind-swept hilly steppes and rugged rocky landscapes to the city of Hasankey, which lies in the rocks above the Tigris River and represents a kind of mini-Cappadocia. Part of the route leads along the Tigris and then through a hilly plateau. In the nearly untouched landscape of Lake Van (the largest lake in Turkey), lies the small town of Tatvan, our destination today.
Tatvan - Van (approx. 200km)
A new day full of impressions dawns. Accompanied by an unforgettable sweet scent from the wild flora of the region, fruits, and vineyards, we ride on an unpaved road for about 45 km to the crater lake of Nemrut Dag at 3050 meters above sea level. Here we have a breathtaking view of a large body of water surrounded by snow-capped mountains. On a detour from the lakeside road of Lake Van, we come to the best-preserved Seljuk graves, where we get a glimpse into the history of the Crusades, where this region was also an important battleground. Continuing on the well-developed coastal road, we reach Akdamar. Here we park the motorcycles and take a boat for about 3 hours to the Holy Cross Church located on an island in the lake. Late in the afternoon, we reach the city of Van, where our hotel for the day is located.
Van - Igdir (approx. 260km)
Today the tour starts later, so we have more time to savor the famous breakfast from Van. Our route today takes us away from the largest Turkish lake towards Ararat, the highest mountain in Anatolia. The landscape is almost untouched and enchanting, and the view of Ararat leads us to a unique complex of castle, palace, and mosque named Isak-Pasha. We enter into religious history, as according to legend, Noah's Ark is located in the Ararat region. To see this region and the panorama, we take a detour of about 7 km on an unpaved road through villages before reaching the provincial capital of Igdir in the evening.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Igdir - Kars (approx. 190km)
We ride towards the 5127-meter-high Ararat, while the fascinating views increase along the well-paved road. Parallel to the border with Armenia, the route takes us to the city of Kars.
Surroundings of Kars (approx. 110km)
Today we don't have to change accommodation and make a leisurely day trip through the surroundings of Kars. Through a steppe landscape, we reach the ancient city of Ani. The ruins of this magnificent capital of the former Armenian kingdom of Bagratuni lie on a windy plateau, from where we have a good view of the Arpa Cayi canyon and the Armenian border. In the afternoon, we park our motorcycles and take a city tour through Kars, where we see the historical influences of the Azeri, Armenians, and Russians. We will also indulge in the famous delicacies of Kars, such as honey, yellow cheese, and dried fruits.
Kars - Artvin (approx. 280km)
Today we ride along the bird-rich Cidir Lake, a picturesque lake. The tranquility around the lake creates a wonderful atmosphere. For an incredible view over the lake, we drive to Seytan Kalesi (Devil Castle). We have lunch in the city of Ardahan, trying the region's specialties. After lunch, we ride along a narrow and winding route, the idyllic landscape resembling a painting of rivers, mountains, and forests. In the evening, we reach Artvin.
Artvin - Yusufeli (approx. 250km)
Out of the steep-hilled Artvin, we ride through forests, mountains, and alongside rushing rivers. The area is charming Caucasian territory. A well-paved but narrow and winding route takes us through this breathtaking landscape. Today we overnight in the modest town of Yusufeli.
Yusufeli - Anzer Yaylasi (approx. 170km)
Further in the mountains of the Caucasus, we ride towards the peaks of Anzer Yaylasi, an agricultural region with farming settlements. Mountaineers will find their joy here. A simple local guesthouse is our accommodation for the night, and dinner will be a delicious lamb chop.
Anzer Yaylasi - Trabzon (approx. 180km)
Our unforgettable motorcycle journey through East Anatolia (eastern Turkey) is coming to an end. After a rich natural breakfast, as is customary in the Yaylas region, we ride through the idyllic Soganle mountains towards the coast. The unique culture of the Black Sea region allows us to taste a few specialties from local cuisine. Passing coves, tea plantations, and beaches, we arrive back in Trabzon, where we say goodbye to each other.
Return Trip
With countless memories composed of culture and nature in our travel luggage, it is now time to head home. A transfer will take you to Trabzon Airport. We will gladly assist in organizing accommodation for an extended stay upon request.
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
Verified Reviews
What participants say about Motorcycle-tours in Turkey
5.0
Philipp K.
The motorcycle journey through East Anatolia places high demands on experienced riders. Especially the leg from Trabzon to Erzincan requires concentration, as t...
Marc R.
The motorcycle trip through East Anatolia proved to be challenging, especially the demanding routes from Trabzon to Erzincan. The paved roads and gravel tracks...
PRICE
from
$ 5,159
/ person
Additional Options
Single room surcharge
$ 443
Upgrade Honda Africa Twin 1000 deductible €1,600
$ 774
Upgrade Yamaha XTZ 700 Ténéré deductible 1,500 €
$ 774
Upgrade Tenere 660 deductible 900 e
$ 466
Upgrade BMW F850GS deductible €1,800
$ 1,070
Trip includes
- 15 hotel overnight stays
- Breakfast & dinner
- German-speaking tour guide
- Rental motorcycle: Yamaha XT660R or Honda CRF250L
- Motorcycle luggage system (Top case - luggage roll)
- Airport transfers
- Support vehicle (from 5 participants)
- Taxes
- Liability and comprehensive insurance with €700 deductible
FAQS
-
This tour is aimed at advanced motorcyclists who have experience riding on winding, mountainous, and partly unpaved roads.
-
The tour lasts a total of 6 days, with approximately 250-300 km ridden each day.
-
Overnight stays take place in hotels, boutique hotels, and occasionally in simple accommodations to ensure an authentic experience.
-
The tour is conducted with powerful enduros or touring motorcycles that are suitable for off-road terrain.
-
It is recommended to bring your own motorcycle gear such as a helmet, protective clothing, and gloves. Additional equipment such as bags may be provided.
-
The tour includes daily meals, including typical Turkish dishes. Drinks are not always included and can be purchased additionally.
OVERCROSS note on itinerary
The above travel description is a non-binding online proposal and does not represent a binding travel itinerary. We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the route, schedule, and accommodations (§ 651d BGB in conjunction with Art. 250 EGBGB). The terms and conditions of OVERCROSS apply.Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS
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