From bustling Bucharest to picturesque rural villages seemingly lost in time, all the way down to oriental Istanbul and the scenic Black Sea Coast, there is something for the sightseer in everyone.

Riding two of Europe's best roads - the majestic Carpathian Mountains' Transfagarasan Road and the equally challenging Transalpina - and then snaking through the astonishing Rodophe Mountains and Greece all the way to Turkey, there is something for every rider.


Join us as we motor through verdant hills and lush farmscapes dotted with ancient castles and painted monasteries, experience mystical Istanbul and relax on some of the best sandy beaches in Eastern Europe.

Romania to Istanbul Adventure

Tour overview

Culture:
Roads:
Scenery:
Road description
The whole tour runs on asphalt.
Highlights
Riding in Carpathian Mountains, Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu, Transfagarasan Road, Istanbul, Gallipoli, Transalpina, Black Sea
Countries:
Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey
Route
Mileage: 2.800 km (1.800 miles)
Mileage: 250 - 330 km (155 - 210 miles)
Tour starts / ends
Bucharest, Romania
Rest days
4; Plovdiv, Sibiu, Istanbul 2x
Accommodation
Comfortable, very nice hotels, mostly 4****

Day by day

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival to Bucharest

Welcome to Romania!

Your guides will welcome you at the airport and take you to the hotel in Bucharest. If you arrive early, you'll have some time to relax or do some sightseeing before the welcome briefing. Bucharest is definitely worth seeing. Due to city's elegant architecture, it was once known as the "Paris of the East." Major highlights include Old Princely Court, Parliament's Palace, Stavropoleos Church and many more. At 4 PM we'll meet for an introductory briefing. Welcome dinner will be held in a fine restaurant where traditional Romanian cuisine is complemented by lively Romanian folk music.

Day 2: Bucharest – Brasov

Today our motorcycle adventure begins.

Today our motorcycle adventure begins. First, we will head north through the Bucegi Mountains towards Peleș Castle, a masterpiece of German new Renaissance architecture, considered by many as one of the most impressive castles in Europe. The symbol of Transylvania, Bran Castle, is next. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend, Bran Castle owes its fame to the myth created around Bram Stoker's Dracula. We will end today's ride in the city of Brasov, bordered by the peaks of the southern Carpathian Mountains and resplendent with Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture

Day 3: Brasov – Sibiu

From Brasov we will continue our journey through mysterious Transylvania.

Our ride will be shorter but enjoyable as we will take small country roads and ride through the heart of Romania. Arriving early, we will have time to explore and relax in Sighisoara, a perfectly intact 15th century gem with nine towers, narrow passageways and cobbled streets. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara is also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, nicknamed Vlad the Impaler. It was Vlad who inspired Bram Stoker's fictional creation, Count Dracula. In the afternoon, we'll head towards Sibiu, European Capital of Culture in 2007.

Day 4: Rest day in Sibiu

Explore Sibiu and just relax in the lovely city atmosphere or ride the famous Transfagarasan Highway that was declared the best road in Europe by Top Gear Team.

Sibiu was the largest and wealthiest of the seven walled citadels built in the 12th century by German settlers known as Transylvanian Saxons. Sections of the medieval wall still guard the historic area, where narrow streets pass steep-roofed 17th century buildings with gabled overhangs. Before relaxing, the thrilling Transfagarasan Road awaits. The route climbs up to an altitude of 2.034 meters and links Transylvania with its neighboring province, Muntenia. Passing through dramatic scenery it offers spectacular views, particularly of the highest peak in Romania, Moldoveanu.

 

Day 5: Sibiu - Pitesti

Today we ride the famous Transalpina Road, that is, next to Transfagarasan, considered as one of the most spectacular roads of the Carpathian Mountains.

Looking back, the passage was already built by Romans in 2nd Century AD, to conquer Dacia, area of modern Romania. The road was built and paved in 1930 under King Carol II. It is therefore known as The King's Road ("Drumul Regelui"). Highest point is 2.145 m above sea level and offers formidable views over the surrounding valleys and mountain peaks. We will end our day in Pitesti visiting famous Pitesti prison, well known for its experimental brainwashing techniques

 

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Day 6: Pitesti - Veliko Tarnovo

Today's ride is going to be fast as we wind our way through flat Wallachia, the southernmost region in Romania.

This region is a producer of some of Romania's best red wines. Leaving Romania behind we'll ferry across the great Danube and enter Bulgaria. Veliko Tarnovo, the evocative capital of the medieval Bulgarian tsars, is our stop for the night. Veliko Tarnovo is dramatically set amidst an amphitheatre of forested hills, divided by the ribboning Yantra River. Commanding pride of place is the magisterial, well-restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

Day 7: Veliko Tarnovo - Plovdiv

As we weave through small rolling hills on country roads Bulgaria seems like an unpolished Balkan jewel.

Today we are up for some mountainous riding. For dramatic and majestic vistas, few routes in Bulgaria match crossing Shipka Pass. We'll stop in Koprivshtitsa, a unique village filled with Bulgarian National Revival-period architecture, cobblestone streets and and bridges. By the end of the day we reach Plovdiv, vibrant city with innumerable art galleries, exuberant spirit and great nightlife. Many Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Bulgarian antiquities can be found in Plovdiv's old town, the most being the Roman amphitheatres – the best preserved in the Balkans.

Day 8: Rest day in Plovdiv

Today is a chance to relax or explore the wonderful city of Plovdiv.

This most popular destination in the region is a city described during Thracian times as "the biggest and most beautiful town in all of Thrace." Gorgeous Plovdiv still is the jewel in Bulgaria's crown, with a long and varied history. 

Day 9: Plovdiv - Alexandroupoli

Today we head south towards Greece, riding through the astonishing Rhodophe Mountains.

It will be a fast ride with beautiful scenery as we'll be riding into Greece. Before entering Turkey the next day, we'll spend a night in Alexandroupoli.

Day 10: Alexandroupoli - Gallipoli

Today we leave Greece behind and enter Turkey. Gallipoli peninsula awaits.

 With 31 war cemeteries as the great remains of the Gallipoli Campaign during the World War I, where Turkish and Allied Australian and New Zealand soldiers are buried side by side. The peninsula is surrounded by the Aegean sea on the west side and the Dardanelles straits on the east. "Gallipoli" derives from the Greek "Kallipolis," meaning "Beautiful city."

Day 11: Gallipoli - Istanbul

We’ll take the main road along Dardanelle canal, a narrow strait, which separates two continents.

We continue our way on the north shore of the Marmara Sea, passing small fishing villages, often neglected by foreign tourists. Heading toward today's destination, some nice scenery and fairly easy riding awaits before meeting the mystic Istanbul.

Day 12: Rest day in Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, constituting the country's economic, cultural, and historical heart.

For nearly sixteen centuries following its reestablishment as Constantinople, it served as the capital of four empires: the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empires. On our first rest day we'll visit the historic center, the famous church turned into a mosque, Aya Sofya, the amazing residence of sultans, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and many more. What a city!!!

Day 13: Rest day in Istanbul

Cruising around the beautiful Bosporus Strait, following a route that includes views of Istanbul’s top attractions – all enchantingly illuminated at night, is just one of the things on today’s list.

You can explore the wonderfully colored Grand Bazar, sip Turkish coffee or çay (tea) in the local coffee shops while observing the street buzz' or simply relax in the baths of hamam. Make sure not to miss the whirling dervish show or the attractive belly dancers. But most of all, put your taste buds on alert - the food and the Turkish delights are amazing.

Day 14: Istanbul - Nesebar

Leaving behind mystic Istanbul we are heading back to Bulgaria.

We'll be riding through Strandzha Mountains, passing some ancient cities and admiring the nature diversity, being surrounded by the lakes, forests and sea. On the way to Nesebar we can explore the swaths of stunning beaches and picturesque bays of Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. Nesebar's most distinctive features are the cobblestone streets, the well- preserved medieval churches and the timbered houses dating back to the 19th century. Soak in the unique combination of Bulgaria's ancient culture and modern life, or hop on the sandy beach.

Day 15: Nesebar - Bucharest

Today we leave the Black Sea Coast behind and head back to Bucharest, hopefully arriving with just enough time to let you walk around the city before our farewell dinner.

Today we leave the Black Sea Coast behind and head back to Bucharest, hopefully arriving with just enough time to let you walk around the city before our farewell dinner.

Day 16: Flight home from Bucharest

Today you will say good-bye to your guides and new friends as you return home with great memories. Till we meet again for another great motorcycle adventure!

Pricing

Motorcycle 2024 Price for the RIDER *
Based on sharing a double / twin room
6.280 €
6.550 €
6.880 €
7.650 €
7.930 €
8.760 €
Your own motorcycle 5.040 €
Passenger 4.600 €
820 €

Book a single room with your tour.

7.50 %

Purchasing trip cancellation insurance allows customers to receive a refund for a tour when a customer must cancel a tour for reasons covered by this insurance. Trip cancellation insurance costs 7,5% of the total listed price of the tour, including supplements like motorcycle upgrades, single room requests, and passenger costs. 

350 €

VIP & Super VIP Insurance

For a fixed cost of 25 EUR per day VIP Insurance lowers your security deposit for the motorcycle, while Super VIP Insurance reduces your security deposit to zero (0 EUR) and costs 40 EUR per day. VIP and Super VIP Insurances are available on all our tours and rentals of 7 days or more. Riders must have at least 2 years of riding experiences and must be at least 25 or less than 75 years old to obtain VIP or Super VIP Insurance. Riders with less than 2 years of riding experiences are responsible for full motorcycle value. See the chart below:

Motorcycle Models
Standard
Security deposit (deductable)
VIP
Security deposit (deductable)
Super VIP
Security deposit (deductable)
BMW G 310 R
Suzuki V-Strom 650
Yamaha MT-07
2.300 EUR 700 EUR 0 EUR

BMW F 750 GS
BMW F 850 GS

BMW F 900 XR
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
Honda Africa Twin 1100

2.800 EUR 900 EUR 0 EUR

BMW R 1250 GS
BMW R 1250 R
BMW R 1250 RS

2.800 EUR 900 EUR 0 EUR

BMW R 1300 GS
BMW R 1250 RT

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
BMW S 1000 XR

2.800 EUR 900 EUR 0 EUR
Ducati Multistrada V4
BMW K 1600 GT
Harley Davidson Street Glide
3.500 EUR 1.000 EUR 0 EUR
560 €

VIP & Super VIP Insurance

For a fixed cost of 25 EUR per day VIP Insurance lowers your security deposit for the motorcycle, while Super VIP Insurance reduces your security deposit to zero (0 EUR) and costs 40 EUR per day. VIP and Super VIP Insurances are available on all our tours and rentals of 7 days or more. Riders must have at least 2 years of riding experiences and must be at least 25 or less than 75 years old to obtain VIP or Super VIP Insurance. Riders with less than 2 years of riding experiences are responsible for full motorcycle value. See the chart below:

Motorcycle Models
Standard
Security deposit (deductable)
VIP
Security deposit (deductable)
Super VIP
Security deposit (deductable)
BMW G 310 R
Suzuki V-Strom 650
Yamaha MT-07
2.300 EUR 700 EUR 0 EUR

BMW F 750 GS
BMW F 850 GS

BMW F 900 XR
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
Honda Africa Twin 1100

2.800 EUR 900 EUR 0 EUR

BMW R 1250 GS
BMW R 1250 R
BMW R 1250 RS

2.800 EUR 900 EUR 0 EUR
BMW R 1300 GS
BMW R 1250 RT
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
BMW S 1000 XR
2.800 EUR 900 EUR 0 EUR
Ducati Multistrada V4
BMW K 1600 GT
Harley Davidson Street Glide
3.500 EUR 1.000 EUR 0 EUR
Total: {{ sum.formatPrice(2) }}
Romania to Istanbul Adventure includes:
  • Late model motorcycle with lockable hard luggage plus a Third party liability insurance and Comprehensive vehicle insurance.
  • Experienced guide on a motorcycle.
  • Support van for luggage, souvenir purchases and one or two passengers.
  • 15 nights' accommodation in quality 4**** hotels.
  • 15 complete buffet breakfasts in the hotel.
  • 11 dinners, mostly in traditional local restaurants.
  • Guided tour of Plovdiv.
  • Guided tour of Istanbul.
  • Airport transfers up to 5 days prior to the tour start, on the last day of the tour and one day after the tour. 
  • All maps with marked routes for the region being toured.
  • Extensive tour booklet.
  • GPS with all the routes uploaded.
Not included in the price:

Air ticket, dinners on rest days, most lunches, drinks, gasoline, tolls, personal spending, and tips.

Tour Cancellation Insurance: more information HERE. 

* 2025 prices will be set in October 2024. If the increase compared to the 2024 prices is more than 5%, you can cancel the tour without a fee until Oct 31, 2024.

Guided Motorcycle Tour - it’s definitely not just about the riding

24. 02. 2022

Do you think choosing a guided motorcycle tour for your holidays will force you to ride from morning till dawn? Well ... Not exactly. A guided motorcycle tour is much more than just riding. Especially if you're about to ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. The experience can't get much more colorful than that. Ladies and gents, meet the Romania to Istanbul Adventure!

More on our Blog

Rider Magazine covering our tour from Romania to Istanbul

09. 07. 2021

At the crossroads - the article was written by Jim Horton, an Adriatic Moto Tours customer. We invite you to read Jim's experience of the crossroads.

More on our Blog

Our clients say

1.) Mitja and Jure were excellent as the guides. They were very organized and thorough with all the many details. They clearly enjoy what they do and helped make the tour a lot of fun. Mitja also demonstrated a lot of patience with a couple difficult situations.

Testimonials

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Adriatic Moto Tours

SMTours d.o.o., Trpinčeva 37a 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija, EU

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