Find and book motorcycle tours to Turkey

Motorycle Tours in Turkey

Situated on the ancient crossroads between the West and the East and containing millenia of the world's most fascinating history, heritage, and cultural layers, Turkey is one of the best motorcycling destinations in Europe. It‘s incredibly diverse terrain perfect for off-road riding, the majestic Taurus Mountains crashing into the Mediterranean Sea, the dreamlike Bosphorus, the magical region of Cappadocia and the beaches of Antalya make Turkey one of the most motorcycle-friendly and intriguing places to ride, and the centuries-old Greek, Roman, and Ottoman ruins scattered around the country are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Motorcycle tours in Turkey offer it all: mind-blowing scenery, countless dirt trails, winding mountain roads, and Turkish hospitality unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

From the might of Istanbul all the way to the mysterious Cappadoccian cave dwellings and the small villages of the mountains, Turkey is a country of contrasts, incredible landscapes, and history so rich it’s worth exploring over the course of several weeks. Riding motorcycles in Turkey, you’ll travel through Mars-like landscapes of red rock formations, snow-capped peaks of the Taurus Mountains, and meandering Mediterranean Coast routes, see the awe-inspiring remnants of the long-gone Greek and Roman civilizations, visit ancient ruins, and experience Turkish hospitality. Everywhere you go, locals will likely invite you for a tea and a chat, and you simply can’t say no – there’s no better way to get to know Turkey than to connect with its people.

Although motorcycle tours in Turkey are all about those off-road trails, mountains, and jaw-dropping views, expect Turkish cuisine to wow you just as much as the country’s scenery. In Istanbul, be sure to try the traditional baklava, a delicious pastry with a recipe dating right back to the times of the Ottoman Empire, and wash it down with a strong, black Turkish coffee before getting back on your bike.

Turkey is a large country, and you can spend weeks - if not months - exploring all that it has to offer. If you’re thinking of going on one of the guided motorcycle tours in Turkey, however, here’s what to expect along the way:

Motorcycle Tours in Turkey: Highlights

Istanbul
No visit to Turkey would be complete without seeing Istanbul, one of the most majestic and awe-inspiring cities in the world. Straddling the strait of Bosphorus, Istanbul has served as the gates of Europe for centuries: first as the ancient city of Byzantium and Constantinople, later as one of the most important trading ports on the Silk Road, Istanbul remains one of the most important cities in world‘s history. Steeped in centuries of rich, layered heritage and culture, imposing in its sheer size and scale, and boasting some of Europe‘s most beloved buildings such as the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul is a must-see on your motorcycle tour in Turkey. The country‘s official capital may be Ankara, but Istanbul is its beating heart.

Antalya
When you think of Antalya, what probably comes to mind is holiday packages and seaside resorts. In a way, seaside tourism is indeed a big part of the Antalyan life: this is the Turkish Riviera, and holidaymakers tend to flock here over the summer months to enjoy the city’s numerous beaches. However, sun and sea aside, Antalya also boasts several awe-inspiring monuments like the ancient Hadrian’s Gate, and a lot of motorcycle tours in Turkey use the city as a gateway into the nearby Taurus Mountains where the motorcycle tour adventure truly begins.

Taurus Mountains
Situated East of Antalya in the southern part of Turkey, Taurus Mountains is the country’s most rugged, sparsely populated, and scenic mountain range. Separating mainland Turkey from the seashore, Taurus Mountains create a natural off-road riding playground: out here, countless little dirt trails cross the mountains back and forth revealing breathtaking views of the rocky ridges, valleys, and gorges. Motorcycle tours in Turkey focus on the Taurus Mountains region because of the scenery and the limitless off-road access offering something for every level of skill.

Cappadocia
Traveling a little north of the Taurus Mountains region, you’ll discover Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s most iconic regions famous for its strangely shaped rock formations and the world-famous hot air balloon rides. Cappadocia is one of the oldest and most mysterious regions in Turkey, inhabited as early as 1800 BC. The area’s red rock outcroppings resemble a painting by Salvador Dali, with a generous helping of the Bryce Canyon landscape in the US: here, the red, orange, and pink rocks rise from the ground in the most bizarre shapes imaginable, and Cappadocia’s unique landscape has inspired an equally unorthodox way of living. Fleeing Roman oppression, early Christians dug out cavernous caves to hide from the persecution, and eventually, the ancient Christian monasteries and cave hideouts became homes. Cave dwellings can be viewed and visited on foot, and if you have the time, it’s an extraordinary experience not to be missed.

Practical Information for Touring Turkey

Most motorcycle tours in Turkey run year-round as this country, especially its coastal regions, is warm and sunny most of the time. However, winters can be cold in the mountains, so aim to ride here between April and October. If you’re planning to ride off-road, you can stretch the date of your motorcycle otur to mid-November when the temperatures cool down.

Turkey uses the lira as the official currency, and it’s a budget-friendly country to travel, especially by motorcycle. Expect to spend $30-$40 a day for your food, fuel, and accommodation. While you can pay by card in places like Istanbul or Antalya, it’s always good to carry some cash when venturing out into the more remote areas and small villages.

Turkey is a safe country to travel, as long as you stay well away from its borders with Syria and Iraq. Western and southern Turkey, however, is a fantastic place to travel and you can ride here with confidence. Turksih people are incredibly welcoming and friendly, and safety is not a concern in Istanbul, Antalya, Taurus Mountains, and Cappadocia regions.

Turkey is best experienced off-road, so pick a dual sport, adventure, or dirt motorcycle capable of tackling those gorgeous dirt trails and gravel roads. Most motorcycle tours in Turkey will offer Honda CRF or Yamaha XT series, and we recommend going with smaller, lighter bikes to be able to really get the fun factor when riding here.