The Ultimate European Motorcycle Trip

Touring Europe on a motorcycle can be a trip of a lifetime, but how do you know where best to go? Well, here’s a thorough and easy to digest European motorcycle trip itinerary that will offer an unforgettable ride through five countries spanning two weeks. Many people wait for the perfect time in their lives to take a life-changing trip like the one below, but sometimes life gets in the way and it never happens. You may not have the time or you may not have the money. In my experience, sometimes you just have to go for it. Comparethemarket.com has compiled the hard part for you, bringing you one step closer to a trip never to be forgotten.

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Day 1: Munich to Zell am See

Around three hours
Distance: 170km (105.6 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £9.10 ($11.77)

This journey is a gentle 170 km, but you’ll see some spectacular scenery as you cover the distance. The city of Munich will become a mere memory as you take in the lakes that surround the town of Rosenheim. The route is steep enough to be challenging but satisfying, and the mountains of Kitzbühel make a great visual reward when you’ve completed the climb. Once you’ve arrived in Zell am See, it’s not far to the infamous Eagle’s Nest, which was presented to Adolf Hitler on his 50th birthday; the restaurant offers up some of the most celebrated food and views in Austria.

Stay at the Hotel Tirolerhof, Zell am See, from around £150 ($194.09) for a double room.
On a budget? Try the youth hostel on Seespitzstrasse, Zell am See, from £33 ($42.70) a night for a one- bed room.

Day 2: Zell am See to the Dolomites

Around four-and-a-half hours
Distance: 231km (143.5 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £12.37 ($16.07)

If you’ve got a head for heights, today’s your day. The ride out of Austria lets you check out some gorgeous views, and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road has 36 different turns, each with a unique vista. You’ll see the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner, and the largest glacier in Europe, the nine km-long Pasterze. Then, it’s onto the Dolomites, where you can view the shared geographical heritage of Italy and Austria.

Stay at the Stadt Hotel Citta, Bolzano, for around £130 ($168.21) for a double room.

On a budget? Try the biker-friendly youth hostel in the Imperina Valley, near Belluno, at under £20 ($25.88) per person per night.

Day 3: The Dolomites to Venice

Around five hours
Distance: 340km (211.3 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £18.21 ($23.56)

Take a day to explore Italy, driving through the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, which boasts mountain views and enchanted valleys, then enjoy a late lunch in St Mark’s Square in Venice, considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in the world.

Stay at Hotel Canal, Venice, for around £119 ($153.97) for a double room.
On a budget? Try the Generator Hostel on Giudecca Island, Venice, with private rooms from around £50 ($64.70).

Day 4: Venice to Bormio

Around four-and-a-half hours
Distance: 230km (142.9 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £12.32 ($15.94)

This route takes you to one of the most exciting views in Europe – Stelvio Pass is 2,575m above sea level and is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps. If you feel inclined, you can also go up Passo Gavia, which isn’t quite as well known, but it’s just as beautiful. Then it’s downhill to Bormio, famous for its skiing and relaxing hot springs.

Stay at the Eden Hotel in Bormio, for approximately £144 ($186.32) for a double room.
On a budget? Try the Ostello Alpino, Bormio, from £70 ($90.57) for a double room.

Day 5: Bormio to Andermatt

Around four-and-a-half hours
Distance: 270km (167.8 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £14.46 ($18.71)

It’s off to Switzerland, with a chance to drive through some breathtaking Alpine scenery. Some of the tight bends require serious concentration, but the views more than make up for it. And you can check out Lake Maggiore as you drive past the Italian-speaking resort of Locarno.

Stay at The River House Boutique Hotel in Andermatt, from £150 ($194.09) for a double room.
On a budget? Try the Basecamp Andermatt, starting at £40 ($51.76) a night.

Day 6: The Andermatt passes

Around three hours
Distance: 150km (93.2 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £8.01 ($10.36)

Take some time to explore the most spectacular riding spots of the region, and visit the thrilling Furka pass – famous for the Aston Martin DB5 car chase in Goldfinger. When you’ve got your breath back, check out the Rhône Glacier, the longest glacier in the Eastern Alps, or dare yourself to go up the Grimsel, Susten and Klausen passes.

Stay at Hotel Klausenpasshöhe, between Altdorf and Linthal, from around £50 ($64.70) a night.

Day 7: Andermatt to Chamonix

Around four hours
Distance: 353km (219.3 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £18.90 ($24.45)

Today you’re off to France. On the way you’ll be taking in the Swiss mountain resort of Zermatt and the mighty Matterhorn – Switzerland’s celebrated ‘mountain of mountains’ – as well as enjoying the terrific terrain around the picturesque spa town of Leukerbad.

Stay at Le Refuge des Aiglons in Chamonix, from £70 ($90.57) for a double room.
On a budget? Stay at the Chamonix Lodge Hostel in Chamonix, with prices from £26 ($33.64) a night.

Day 8: Chamonix to Briançon

Around three hours
Distance: 210km (130.5 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £11.25 ($14.56)

After taking in the spectacular Mont Blanc, it’s another day of highs and lows as you travel from the Maurienne Valley to the Col du Télégraphe, a climb of 11.8km, then on to the Col du Galibier. You’ll also be able to explore the majestic, mountainous Vanoise National Park en route.

Stay at the Résidence du Temple in Briançon, from £87 ($112.57) for a double room.
On a budget? Stay at the Serre Chevalier hostel in Briançon, for around £20 ($25.88) a night.

Day 9: Briançon to Ecrins National Park

Around two-and-a-half hours
Distance: 150km (93.2 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £8 ($10.35)

Spend a chilled-out day exploring one of France’s most beloved national parks. Take it easy and explore the beautiful woodlands, then put the pedal to the metal and get closer to the Barre des Ecrins, the highest peak in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

Stay at Hotel les Vallois in Vallouise, for around £58 ($75.05) for a double room.
On a budget? Try the Hotel Belledonne, Le Bourg-dʼOisans, for around £48 ($62.11) a night for a double room.

Day 10: Briançon to Aosta

Around three hours
Distance: 200km (124.3 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £10.71 ($13.86)

Some seriously dramatic vistas are on the cards as you head back into Italy via the Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved pass in the Alps at 2,764m. Admire the spectacular scenery of Tignes and Val d’Isère, and work up an appetite as you descend back to Aosta in time for dinner.

Stay at the Hotel Milleluci, Aosta, for around £180 ($232.90) for a double room.
On a budget? Try the Ostello Il Casello in Verres, for less than £48 ($62.11) a night for a double room.

Day 11: Aosta to Interlaken

Around three-and-a-half hours
Distance: 270km (167.8 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £14.46 ($18.71)

It’s a day to enjoy nature as you’ll be driving past some spectacular scenic lakes. You’ll be flanked by mountains as you head along the Grand St Bernard Pass and, on the descent, it will become obvious how Interlaken got its name, as it’s sandwiched between the tranquil Lake Thus and Lake Brienz.

Stay at the Hotel du Lac in Interlaken, for around £110 ($142.33) for a double room.
On a budget? Try the Jugendherberge Interlaken, for around £30 ($38.82) a night.

Day 12: Interlaken to Silvrettastrasse

Around two-and-a-half hours
Distance: 210km (130.5 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £11.25 ($14.56)

Today, you’ll be among some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe as you travel towards Lichtenstein, taking in the scenery around Lake Lucerne while experiencing some challenging hairpin bends. Visit the famous spa town of Bad Ragaz and take a detour through its famous forest.

Stay at the Hotel Silvretta in Kappl, from around £100 ($129.39) for a double room.
On a budget? Try the Backpacker Deluxe Hotel Capricorn in Laax, from around £70 ($90.57) a night.

Day 13: Silvrettastrasse to Innsbruck

Around two-and-a-half hours
Distance: 216km (134.2 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £11.57 ($14.97)

As you ride through Austria, you’ll have a chance to get close to the famous Wildspitze, the highest mountain in the Otztal Alps. After a day of tight corners and sharp ascents, you’ll gently descend into Innsbruck, which is magnificently set in the Inn Valley.

Stay at the Hotel Congress Innsbruck, for around £95 ($122.92) for a double room.
On a budget? Try the Hotel Gruberhof, Innsbruck, for around £25 ($32.35) a night.

Day 14: Innsbruck to Munich

Around two-and-a-half hours
Distance: 190km (118.1 mi.)
Petrol: approximately £10.17 ($13.16)

It might be the final day of the tour, but there are yet more mountains to experience, starting with the Zugspitze, one of the highest mountains in Germany. Check out the breathtaking views of Lake Kochel, before heading back to Munich on the Autobahn.

Stay at the Hotel Metropol Munich, for around £80 ($103.51) for a double room.
On a budget? Try Wombat’s City Hostel Munich, for around £22 ($28.47) a night for a dorm bed.