3 of the best motorcycle tours on the planet

Motorcyclists cruising down a road in Cape Town, South Africa.

Motorcyclists cruising down a road in Cape Town, South Africa.

When we talk about the world’s best road trips, you probably think about taking a convertible down the ol’ stretch of Route 66 in the United States, or getting a whiff of the sea air while cruising Australia’s Great Ocean Road. You may envision four wheels, a gear stick, someone in the passenger seat and great tunes on the radio.

But road trips aren’t just for cars – two wheels are just as good as four when it comes to travelling overland. If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or fancy trying something different, why not go touring on a motorbike? Read on to discover three of the best motorcycle tours across the globe.

Cape Town Circuit, South Africa

Looking down the Cape Town coastline is one of the world’s most breathtaking sights.

Looking down the Cape Town coastline is one of the world’s most breathtaking sights.

The continent of Africa is home to some of the world’s most stunning and renowned landscapes, and you can find a stretch of this natural beauty when travelling from Cape Town to Kimberly. On this exhilarating route you’ll traverse spectacular mountain passes, stop in famous, picturesque towns as well as passing through some of the region’s most popular areas including the Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula.

Starting in the coastal city of Cape Town, you’ll visit iconic sights such as False Bay and Table Mountain, before heading through the winelands where there will be ample opportunity to eat and drink, which includes the locally-produced wines and fine, French-inspired cuisine.

Then it’s a turn towards the centre of South Africa, travelling through Robertson, Montagu and Matijesfontein before heading to the Swartberg Mountains and stopping at a game lodge, where a 4x4 vehicle will be your chariot for a drive through the nature reserve. Experience more of the scenery including Treasure Route and Orange River before finally arriving in Kimberley.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Twelve Apostles - a popular sight of the Great Ocean Road.

The Twelve Apostles - a popular sight of the Great Ocean Road.

Starting in Torquay and stretching all the way to Allansford, the aforementioned Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s quintessential experiences. Most take this route by car, and some even choose a motorhome as their vehicle of choice, but why not try something a little different and do it on a motorcycle?

While there are various tour companies that you could use, the Great Ocean Road can be easily done on your own, with Australia being perfectly safe, in addition to the availability of motorcycles in the area. Along the Great Ocean Road, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the country’s awe-inspiring natural attractions such as the limestone sea stacks commonly known as The Twelve Apostles, the Gibson Steps, London Arch and a multitude of first-class beaches that line the Victoria coastline.

Ceylon Roads, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya - Lion Rock in English - is, arguably, Sri Lanka’s top attraction.

Sigiriya - Lion Rock in English - is, arguably, Sri Lanka’s top attraction.

Although Sri Lanka is an island nation, staying in one place makes it difficult to explore everything the former British colony has to offer. So, why not take a trip on the route known as the Ceylon Roads and get more than just a flavour of this cultural melting pot?

Vintage Rides offer several Sri Lanka motorcycle tours including one called ‘Ceylon Roads’ – an exotic motorcycle trip which takes you on an exotic trip along the island’s mesmerising thoroughfares. This 12-day trip can be taken from December to April, and riders will be treated to a variety of landscapes and stops including the Cultural Triangle (Sacred City of Anuradhapura, Ancient City of Polonnaruwa and the Ancient City of Sigiriya), tea estates, rainforests and natural parks.

 

Have you done any of these motorcycle rides or know one that’s even better? Let me know down in the comments! 👇