A quality ride requires quality time. The multi-tour veterans of our first Recon Orient Express ride of 2007 applauded this itinerary for a pace that truly allowed them to enjoy the European touring experience. Iron Butt tourers may turn up a nose but if you have ever had a ride where you came away with just blurred memories of asphalt and hotel lobbies, you’ll understand why we have introduced The Orient Express as a riding holiday where what we do off the bike is as important as the time spent in the saddle.

This new MotoDiscovery offering begins in Italy, riding north into the Italian Alps, entering Austria then steering east to experience what we feel is the current “buzz” in European travel. Hungary along with new European Union entries, Romania and Bulgaria, were delightful surprises on our first Recon ride in July 2007, delivering not only fun riding but spectacular architecture, cultural interests, and a welcoming and fun loving population. Now free from nearly five decades of Soviet rule, these countries are all experiencing a vibrant renaissance. Now is the ideal time to witness the transition. Of course ending the Orient Express in magical Istanbul, Turkey is a thrill in itself.

Time is quality. We hope you’ll consider the Orient Express with MotoDiscovery for your Eastern Europe motorcycle tour experience. Tell your friends and start planning today.

Highlights

• The pace. Two night stays in Venice, the Dolomites, Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest are what gives this tour balance and quality.  Attend a symphony, people watch at sidewalk cafes, visit museums, enjoy a little night life or fill the days taking on a few extra mountain passes and exploring side roads.    

• Venice bustled during the 13th century classic period as the maritime trade center of the world and staging area for war ships sailing off to the distant Crusades. Canals meander among the 122 islands connected by over 400 bridges.
• The Dolomite Mountains invite sporting riding. The Italian Alps with their impeccable roads and scenic passes are made for motorcycling. We’ll settle in for two nights here giving you plenty of time to ride a multitude of roads or relax enjoying a passive day with a lengthy lunch in an Italian village. 
• The Grossglockner pass of Austria will unfold with breathtaking mountain vistas and twisty roads as the “icing” on the cake. (see Photo Album). Another two night stay, this time in Vienna with its stunning gothic architecture, high fashion centers and numerous venues for enjoying classical music. We’ll organize a walking tour through this classic European city. 
• Budapest will be the real surprise of this journey. Two nights are not near enough to take in this city that has ties with the Austrian empire as well as with the East.  This city is testimony to a resilient people, much of it destroyed in World War II and again heavily damaged during the revolt against the communists in 1956. Today it is a stunning example of restoration. You will love this romantic city along the Danube and its people.
• The wines of Eastern Europe (particularly the whites of Hungary) are some of the finest in Europe. A stay in a luxurious winery will not only allow opportunity to sample the tenderly nurtured nectar of the grape but to learn of the process.
• Romania along with Bulgaria are the freshmen entries to the European Union. These countries will also delight as you sense a more Eastern flavor in music language and traditions. Rolling hills offer great motorcycling where one will witness a blend of red tile roof villages, castles and Roman ruins.
• Dining is a celebration during this MotoDiscovery event. Mostly ala carte, you will be impressed from the first to the last course.
• The Orient Express will end in the electric city of Istanbul.  This has become one of our favorite cities in the world. Shoppers will delight especially if you like exotic hand made rugs and kilims. The cuisine is exquisite. Once you have witnessed the skyline accents of the Blue Mosque and the over 1400 year old Hagia Sofia, you will fall in love and hunger to return. Plan some extra nights here.
• The Orient Express will be selecting top hotels, many exceptionally grand and always permitting easy access to points of interest located in the heart of the action.

Tour Includes

• 20 nights of deluxe or best available accommodations 
• All breakfasts and dinners on travel days. (mostly open menu – ala carte dining)
• Guided walking tours of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest
• Boat transfers to the canal city of Venice, Italy
• Multilingual riding staff
• Support luggage van with staff assistant (non riding participants are welcomed to ride in the van)
• Most GPS waypoints for locating hotels and other points of interest
• Comprehensive map packet
• MotoDiscovery apparel gift
• Pre-tour information booklet
• For Riders, the 650GS BMW with option of upgrade to 1200GS

Does not include

• Any required travel visas or border crossing fees
• Fuel
• Mandatory highway vignette stickers as required by individual countries, obtained on entry into the country
• Tolls
• Alcoholic beverages
• Airfare or airport transfers
• Emergency Medical Evacuation (recommended)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Meals, entrances or other activities other than those specific to the itinerary

Mileage (approx)
Longest Day    290 miles
Shortest day    120 miles
Total              2,500 miles (all paved)
Note that opportunities exist throughout the Orient Express for optional riding to increase daily distances as desired. Exploration encouraged!

Dates
September 6 – 25, 2008
June 20 - July 9, 2009
Sept 5 - 24, 2009

Prices *
Rider on 650GS BMW       $8,949 US (double occupancy)
Rider on a 1200GS BMW   $10,449 US (double occupancy)
Includes carnet de passage, mandatory green card European insurance and unlimited miles.

Passengers or non riding participants   $6,995
Single occupancy supplement charged for anyone in a single room $1,195

* Prices are subject to change as a result of any dramatic currency fluctuations.

Deposit Requirement  $400 per person

Cancellation & Refund Policy