As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we’re well and truly entering peak riding season. And for all you motorcycle enthusiasts, there’s no better excuse to plan a getaway, whether that’s an international adventure or a quick escape with your bike for a few days on the open road.

You may now be wondering what motorcycle tours are out there and where to start. With so many great options out there, it can be hard to know what the right tour for you is, which is why we’ve put together this list of our top ten personal favourites. 

When riding abroad, you need to check a number of things: 

• Original vehicle registration certificate or letter of permission from the registered owner. 
• Insurance certificate 
• A valid passport (within 3-6 months' validity beyond the trip) 
• Appropriate visas for the destination (if necessary) 
• Compliant travel health document 
• A UK sticker, displayed clearly on the rear of your vehicle 
• Valid tax and MOT 
• European/International breakdown cover policy documents
• International Driving Permit (IDP)

You do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK. However, you might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have either:

• a paper driving licence
• a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
• Check with the embassy of the country you will be driving in.

If you are planning on taking your own bike you will need to check which countries your insurance covers, or there is always the option of hiring a bike when you get there which may be the easier option. 

Travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement for motorcycle touring, but it’s strongly recommended for the added protection it provides on the road.

A good policy can help cover unexpected medical costs, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other issues that can arise while travelling.

When you’re riding in unfamiliar places, having the right insurance in place offers peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your journey rather than worrying about the unexpected.

Make sure to double-check the policy covers riding motorcycles abroad.

Distance:	How long will it take?	Best time to visit?	Visa required?
1,585km (985 miles)	13 days	June - September	Yes

Kickstarting us off, we have the Himalayan Heights tour, a motorcycle adventure through the rugged landscapes of the Himalayas, offering riders the chance to explore remote valleys, high mountain passes and jaw-dropping scenery. 

The tour includes highlights such as riding to Umling La, visiting the stunning Pangong Lake, exploring ancient monasteries like Lamayuru Monastery, and wandering the Tibetan markets in Leh. Along the way, riders experience hairpin mountain roads, water crossings and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas. 

• Be prepared for extreme altitudes, unpredictable weather and rugged terrain
• The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a popular choice 
• You will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) or a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for regions like Ladakh, Spiti, or Zanskar 

Distance:	How long will it take?	Best time to visit?	Visa required?
1,620km (1,007 miles)	10 days	3rd-12th June/19th-28th July	No

Next up is a 10-day journey through Vietnam's most picturesque roads from the BBC Top Gear special, but also including the roads missed. The route runs from the bustling capital of Hanoi all the way to Hoi An, combining mountain passes, jungle roads, and stunning coastal highways.

The ride passes through remote villages, highlands, and breath-taking scenery, with opportunities to visit historic sites and enjoy world-famous Vietnamese dishes like Pho and Banh Mi. Often ranked among the world’s greatest motorcycle adventures, it’s a ride that perfectly blends culture, history, and unforgettable roads.

• You must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement to be legally permitted. 
• Traffic moves on the right. In urban areas, speeds are slow, but be careful in the countryside as buses and trucks can be more aggressive - always wear a helmet and safety gear.

Distance:	How long will it take?	Best time to visit?	Visa required?
1,970 miles	13 days	July - September (May/October could work with luck)	No

Another unmissable tour is the Italian Dolomites. This is a self-guided tour with its peaks and mountain passes making for breath taking views. 

The trip leaves from Folkestone on the Eurotunnel to France, riding all the way through Germany and Switzerland to Italy, with 12 nights' accommodation, breakfast and a detailed itinerary including sights and suggested food and drink stops.

It includes highlights such as the B500, a truly iconic road in the biking world, the Timmelsjoch pass and Lake Garda. Not only this, but you also ride through the world-famous Stelvio pass and Route des Crêtes in the Vosges Mountains. 

• Prepare for hundreds of hairpin turns and steep gradients 
• The weather changes rapidly in the mountains 
• Traffic from the right often has priority, and speed limits are strictly enforced
• Helmets are compulsory

Distance:	How long will it take?	Best time to visit?	Visa required?
1,900 miles	12 days	May to September	No

Moving through the list is the North Coast 500, Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye motorcycle tour - one we also mentioned in our top 10 European Tours list!

The twelve-day guided adventure takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the UK, and covers around 1,900 miles.

You’ll ride along the legendary North Coast 500, visiting the rugged Isle of Skye, travelling alongside Loch Ness, and passing landmarks such as Glencoe, Culloden Battlefield, and Hadrian’s Wall. The journey also includes scenic rides through national parks like the Lake District, Cairngorms, and the Peak District, as well as the famous Cat and Fiddle road, making it an unforgettable motorcycle touring experience. 

• Expect single-track roads with passing places
• The pass to Applecross is steep and technical; avoid it in high winds 
• Watch for sheep, deer and cattle on the road

Distance:	How long will it take?	Best time to visit?	Visa required?
1,200 - 1,500km (746-932 miles)	7-14 days	May to September	No

The Tasmania Island Loop is a 7–14-day motorcycle trip (depending on whether or not you fancy a relaxed trip or not) around one of Australia’s most scenic islands. Starting from the Devonport ferry terminal, the route forms a full loop around Tasmania and can be ridden clockwise or anticlockwise, depending on your preference. It includes a mix of great paved roads with optional off-road sections, offering plenty of variety for riders.

Highlights along the way include the rugged town of Queenstown, the stunning Central Highlands, the beautiful east coast, and iconic riding roads like Jacob’s Ladder, known for its tight switchbacks and incredible views.

• A national park pass is required for many scenic routes and can be purchased on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry or online 
• Ensure you use the provided sturdy straps for securing your bike on the ferry 

Distance:	How long will it take?	Best time to visit?	Visa required?
2,770km (1,721 miles)	9 days	December to March	No

This pavement-only motorcycle tour begins on the west coast of Patagonia and crosses the region all the way to the Atlantic coast in the east. The journey starts in Pucón, the capital of southern Chile, riding into Argentina and eventually looping back around. You’ll cross the Andes Mountains twice, making this an incredibly scenic and memorable route.

There are plenty of opportunities for adventure throughout the trip, including climbing the Villarrica Volcano, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and a bunch of watersports. Some of the standout riding highlights include stretches along Chile’s Pan-American Highway and Argentina’s famous Ruta 40, both offering amazing landscapes.

• A temporary import permit (TIP) is required for foreign motorcycles entering Chile. 
• Carry a satellite communicator, as cell service is rare. 
• Ride with caution as side winds can be fierce.

Distance:	How long will it take?	Best time to visit?	Visa required?
400 miles	4 days	November to February	No

Yet another one to add to the vision board is the Mae Hong Son Loop! It’s one of Thailand’s most famous motorcycle routes, taking riders through the mountainous landscapes of northern Thailand on a loop that begins and ends in Chiang Mai. The route is around 400 miles long and usually takes at least 4 days to complete, winding through forests, mountain passes and remote villages while offering some of the best riding roads in Southeast Asia.

Highlights of the journey include visiting Pai, riding through the mountain town of Mae Hong Son, and passing scenic caves and waterfalls along the route. The road has thousands of curves and sweeping bends, making it a dream ride. So if you’re fancying a trip to Thailand, here’s the perfect excuse! 

• You must have an international driving permit with a motorcycle endorsement (category A) to be legal
• Expect police checkpoints checking for licenses, helmets and registration. 
• Beware of hazards; the road is famous for having 1,864 corners 

Distance:	How long will it take?	Best time to visit?	Visa required?
664km (413 miles)	10 hours OR 2-3 days	March to May OR September to November	Yes

Now, this is a shorter one to throw in the mix, and it's one of the world’s most scenic coastal rides. The Great Ocean Road offers an unforgettable motorcycle journey along Australia’s dramatic south-eastern coast. The route begins near Melbourne and runs along the Victoria coastline, delivering ocean and cliffside views and beautiful seaside towns.

You’ll pass famous landmarks such as the towering limestone stacks of The Twelve Apostles and the cliffs of Loch Ard Gorge. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop in relaxed surf towns, explore coastal rainforests and spot wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos.

Although it's not the longest ride, it’s considered one of the most spectacular coastal motorcycle routes in the world thanks to its mix of winds and bends, ocean cliffs and laid-back Aussie culture.

• Speed limits are heavily monitored and vary from 60km/h in towns to 80-100km/h elsewhere. 
• Be cautious of wildlife 

Distance:	How long will it take?	Best time to visit?	Visa required?
1,900 miles	17 days	September to November OR March to May	No

This 17-day journey around southern Peru makes it the longest of tours on our list, so if you’re in for a lengthy break, this could be the one for you! Starting and ending in the very historic city of Arequipa, you’ll ride through the Pacific Ocean and coastal desert, the high Andes, and the Amazon jungle, so be prepared to be blown away. 

You’ll have the chance to try exciting activities like dune buggy riding and sandboarding. Highlights of the trip include the Amazon Experience excursion, staying in a jungle lodge, riding along the cliff walls of the Colca Canyon, and watching the sunsets over Lake Titicaca.

• Peruvian drivers can be aggressive, so be mindful.
• Ensure your bike runs well in thin air and monitor for altitude sickness - you’ll be over 4,000 metres in the air. 
• The speed limit on the Panamericana and other major roads is usually 100km/h with traffic cameras. 

Distance:	How long will it take?	Best time to visit?	Visa required?
2,515km (1,572 miles)	10 days	September to October	No

The Pacific Coast Highway is a personal favourite of mine, and definitely one I’d have on my bucket list, and you actually have the choice of a full or shorter route depending on what you fancy!

The full journey runs from Seattle, Washington, to Los Angeles, California, covering around 1,572 miles (2,515 km) of spectacular coastal riding, while the shorter option focuses on the famous California section of the route. 

This tour follows the iconic Highway 1 and includes riding through Santa Monica, Malibu and Santa Barbara, visiting Solvang, exploring the coastline near San Simeon and Pismo Beach, and finishing with a memorable ride back to Los Angeles, possibly via the legendary Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills.

• Ride North to South to stay on the ocean side of the road - easier stops 
• You’ll likely need anti-corrosion spray for your bike due to the salt air 
• Check the California Department of Transportation reports, as parts of Big Sur are known for closures and mudslides.

There you have it! I have to say there are some absolutely incredible tours on this list; hopefully, one that tickles your fancy…

Last but not least, if you’re looking for insurance, you can get a motorbike insurance quote directly with Lexham!