The Secret Roads of a Different Europe

This tour is a 7-day loop with 5 days of riding from Thessaloniki, through northern Greece and Albania: Kastoria, Gjirokastër and Berat, listed by UNESCO, the wild Vjosa valley and Lake Prespa. We ride almost entirely on small mountain roads. The Road of the Gods starts in Athens and loops around the Peloponnese, with a few short stretches of track.

There is hardly any off-road, but the days are long: about 652 miles (1,050 km) over 5 riding days, 71 to 155 miles (115 to 250 km) a stage, on narrow, winding and sometimes uneven roads. This tour suits riders with stamina who ride regularly. If it is your first motorcycle tour, talk to your travel advisor. Some stages are far from medical help: the support vehicle follows the group.

A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, serviced by our mechanic, who follows the group with the spare parts. If your height makes you hesitate, either way, talk to your travel advisor before booking.

Yes, this tour is also designed for couples: very little off-road, and the luggage travels in the support vehicle. The tour costs £1,790 (€1,990) per rider and £1,490 (€1,690) per pillion. The stages are long: your pillion should be comfortable with full days in the saddle.

An English-speaking motorcycle tour leader, a mechanic and the driver of the support vehicle, which carries your luggage and the spare parts. The group is limited to 10 motorcycles (12 participants with pillions).

£1,790 (€1,990) per rider and £1,490 (€1,690) per pillion. The price includes the motorcycle, fuel, the team, accommodation, full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7, entry to the planned archaeological sites and monasteries, and transfers from Thessaloniki airport. You pay for your flights, drinks, tips and a €600 deposit per motorcycle.

We cross the border between Greece and Albania on the way out and on the way back. EU passport holders need neither a visa nor an International Driving Permit: a valid passport and your motorcycle licence are enough. For other nationalities, including UK passport holders, your travel advisor confirms the formalities. The details are in our help centre.

The tour starts and ends in Thessaloniki, Greece, and you book your own flights. Our team meets you at the airport on day 1 and takes you back on day 7, according to your flight times. Depending on when you land, day 1 leaves time to explore the city before meeting the group. To arrive earlier or stay on, ask your travel advisor about the options.

Departures run in May, then in late September and early October, away from the summer heat. Mornings can be cool in the mountains: bring a warm layer and rain gear.

In standard hotels and guesthouses: simple comfort, in towns and villages that still see few tourists. The support vehicle carries your luggage: bring a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase.