Tour to the Harz Mountains
The fall of the Berlin Wall was for many the public face of the re-unionfication of East and Germany, but in fact the actual border lay further south and the Harz Mountains and its summit 'The Brocken' was at the frontline with its minefields, fences and listening posts. Today I am pleased to say, the area is much quieter and has become a National Park welcoming visitors from all over Germany. Its terrain of craggy peaks, forest and river valleys do little to dispel the myth that this was the place where Europe's witches gathered on May Day Eve (Walpurgisnacht), for the orgy that damned Goeth'e Fauust, something the tourist shops even today seem reluctant to deny! However, there is no denying that there is much to see and do in the region, with old silver mines, steam railways and beautiful medieval villages. For those interested in WW2 history, both the historic site of Belsen and famous POW camp Colditz Castle are within riding distance, as is the more modern VW factory in Wolfsburg. Linking all these together are hundreds of miles of empty mountain roads, no wonder this is considered one of Germany's best kept secrets.
Our next destination is no stranger to us as we return to one of our favourite parts of Germany, the Rhineland. Dominated by the two river valleys of the Rhine and Mosel, the area has a climate perfect for wine growing, the steep river valley walls being dotted with vineyards, which have produced fine wines since Roman times. Riding the riverside valleys, you will pass-through chocolate-box villages with their half-timbered houses, like the Fairy Tale castles above unchanged since medieval times.
Overdosed on scenery? Then time to leave the valley behind and take the well-surfaced twisting roads to the heights above. There really are some great biking roads in this area, with everything from long sweeping bends across open farmland, to demanding forest hairpins. Want more? Time then to ride a legend, with a visit to the famous Nurburgring racing circuit - no wonder this is the playground for so many European bikers.
This tour will suit experienced riders and pillions and riders who are perhaps venturing onto the continent for the first time.
Tour prices are inclusive of the following:
- Return overnight Hull-Rotterdam ferry with 2 berth en-suite cabin or Eurotunnel crossing
- 6 Nights' en-suite accommodation at 4-star hotels
- 4 Evening meals
- 6 Regional breakfasts
- Full use of the hotels' leisure facilities including swimming pool
- Secure undercover parking
- GPX file routes
- Guided Day tours
- Services of experienced Tour Guide (Chris)
Not Included
Accommodation
A spacious en-suite cabin is included on both legs of your ferry crossing from Hull. After an overnight stop in the Eifel region, we spend three nights at a 4-star hotel in the Goslar region. Your stay includes the first nights evening meal, buffet breakfasts and full use of the hotels' leisure facilities which include indoor and outdoor swimming pools. All bedrooms are en-suite with all the facilities you would expect of a hotel of this standard; to make your stay even more enjoyable, we have reserved uprated rooms.
You will spend two nights at your third hotel, which is the best 4-star hotel in Boppard. The hotel enjoys an enviable position on the banks of the River Rhine. Run by the family Gawel, the hotel's ‘Art Nouveau’ style has welcomed many famous guests since it was first established in 1877. Renovated in 2003, it has retained its character whilst offering the modern facilities you would expect of a 4-star hotel. All guest rooms are en-suite and enjoy cable TV, hairdryer, mini bar etc.
Your stay here includes an excellent buffet breakfast and all evening meals. You will have full use of the hotel's leisure facilities which include gym, solarium, sauna and indoor swimming pool. Secure inside parking is also part of your package.
The tour itinerary is based on a Northern crossing with the option* to use a Southern crossing which will shorten the tour by two days.
Sunday 9th August: For those using the Northern crossing, you should make your way to Hull to catch the P&O overnight ferry to Rotterdam. You can board early evening, allowing you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the onboard facilities. A 2/4 berth en-suite cabin (for 2) is included in your crossing. The ferry will dock approx. 9.00am the following morning, giving you the full day to make your way to a 4-star hotel in the Eifel region (215miles).
Monday 10th August (260 miles): Those using the Southern crossing should arrive in time for an early morning departure for their journey to Germany. Whichever crossing you have chosen, we will all meet up at the first night’s hotel in time for a drink and 'get to know session' with your fellow riders and guides, before sitting down for our evening meal. 4 Star, Dinner B&B
Tuesday 11th August (280 miles): We get to ride some of the roads of the Eifel region, before passing Koblenz and heading northeast to the Harz Mountains. Your stay for the next three nights' will be at a 4-star hotel ideally located for touring the area. 4 Star, Dinner B&B
Wednesday 12th August - Thursday 13th August (free days): You have two days to explore the area, your guide will be able to advise you as to what to see and do, which will include medieval cities such as Goslar (a UNESCO World Cultural heritage site), the castles of Quedlinburg and Werigerodesuch, a mine visit to Lautenhals Gluck or perhaps a fun day at the adventure Park of Seilbahnenf Thale. If you prefer spending your day on the bike, the network of virtually empty roads twist and turn across the mountains providing some great riding. Visit Torfhaus, the site of Northern Germanys greatest bike meet before heading for the Kyffhauser and its numerous hairpins. 4 Star, B&B
Friday 14th August (238 miles): Using a combination of roads we make our way back to Boppard in the Rhine Valley. Our route gives you the opportunity to visit the Edar and Mohnesee dams both of which were breached during the famous Dambuster raid. A 4-star hotel overlooking the Rhine will be our tour base for the next two nights. Evening meals and secure garage parking are included. 4 Star, Dinner B&B
Saturday 15th August (free day): Although we have visited many times, we never tire of this part of Germany, with its vineyards, river valleys and fairy-tale castles. You can explore on your own or join us for a guided ride-out of the Rhine and Mosel Valley. If you want a day off the bikes, Boppard has lots to see, with parts of the town dating back to Roman times. The nearby chairlift takes you to the 'Vierseenblick', offering fantastic views of the Rhine below. Although at the time of writing, the dates are not yet available for 2026, the Nurburgring is generally open at some point over the weekend. For those interested, there is the opportunity to ride around the circuit or just to sit and enjoy the spectacle of watching others testing their skills to the limit! 4 Star, Dinner B&B
Sunday 16th August: Following breakfast, we say goodbye to our fellow riders as we leave for the ferry port of our choice. Those using the Southern crossing (310 miles) will be at Calais in time for an late afternoon crossing, whilst those on the Northern Crossing (275 miles) head for Rotterdam and their overnight ferry. (see departure choice)
Monday 17th August: The ferry docks at 0830 hrs, giving us time to have breakfast and make our way home.
With customers from the whole length of the UK and Ireland, we understand that many of our northern clients dislike the ride down to the channel ferry ports – likewise it does not make sense for our many clients from the south to ride north to join a tour at Hull. Therefore, where possible, we arrange the first and last night’s hotel to be within similar riding distance of both Calais & Rotterdam.
For your increased comfort we have arranged more spacious 2/4 berth cabins (for 2) on all P&O Hull-Rotterdam crossings, and clients using the Southern crossing will have the convenience of crossing the channel using the Eurotunnel service.
Note:
The tour will be 2 nights shorter for those customers using the Eurotunnel and they will depart Monday 10th August and return Sunday 16th August.
As always, you may make your own arrangements and we will adjust costs accordingly.
Personal Travel cover and Breakdown Assistance Cover
On all European tours (including Southern Ireland) we require clients to take-out some form of Personal Travel and Accident/Breakdown cover. This is essential for repatriation of yourself and your motorcycle in the event of an accident or medical emergency. If you have an existing policy you should check that your company would repatriate your bike, even if undamaged, should you be unable to ride it (many do not!).
We also strongly urge you to take out insurance that includes cancellation cover in the event of accident, illness or redundancy when you make your booking.
| Tour Cost |
Hull ferry |
Eurotunnel |
| Two persons, one bike, shared room |
£1615 ea |
£1280 ea |
| One person, one bike, shared room |
£1755 |
£1400 |
| One person, one bike, own room* |
£1935 |
£1580 |
Deposit £100 per person
* (based on single hotel room & cabin share on ferry)