France, Belgium, Luxembourg

Ardennes

A four-day guided motorcycle journey through the forested hills and river valleys of the Ardennes, focusing on distance, elevation changes, and smooth, uninterrupted riding rather than outright speed. The route links sweeping woodland roads, technical climbs, and fast valley sections across Belgium and Luxembourg, with carefully chosen overnight stops that offer comfort and space to relax after full riding days.

This journey is about flow: riding clean, well-surfaced European roads, eating well, and resting properly — then setting out the next morning to do it all again.

Experience Details

Trip Duration

4 days 3 nights

Pricing

£995

8th-11th Aug ‘26

Next Dates

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[ HIGHLIGHTS ]

Days spent carving through the forests and river valleys of the Ardennes — smooth surfaces, flowing elevation, and uninterrupted European roads.

Expedition Itinerary

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Day One:

Day One is about easing into the rhythm of the trip.

We roll off the train and settle into wide, open countryside — smooth roads, light traffic, and time to relax into the bike. It’s an unhurried start, giving everyone space to adjust and enjoy that first proper day riding on the continent.

As the morning unfolds, the scenery becomes more dramatic. A striking hilltop fortress rises above the river — the perfect mid-morning pause for coffee, photos, and that moment where the group properly clicks.

From there, the ride turns into one of the classic stretches of the region. The road traces the river’s edge in long, sweeping bends, cliffs rising on one side and water flowing on the other. It’s smooth, scenic, and effortlessly enjoyable — the kind of riding that doesn’t demand effort but delivers huge reward.

We arrive mid-afternoon in a beautiful riverside town framed by rock faces and a towering citadel. Bikes lined up along the water, late afternoon light on the cliffs — a relaxed, atmospheric finish to the opening day.

A measured introduction. No rush. No pressure. Just smooth roads, building confidence, and a taste of what’s to come.

Day Two: Tale of three countries.

We leave the riverside cliffs behind and climb quickly into higher ground. The morning opens with fast, flowing sweepers across elevated moorland — smooth tarmac, wide sight lines, and that effortless third- and fourth-gear rhythm that lets the group stretch its legs.

As the route bends east, the terrain tightens. Dense forest closes in and the corners become more deliberate — clean, linking bends that reward smooth throttle control rather than aggression. It’s engaging riding without being frantic, the kind that sharpens focus and builds confidence.

By late morning we’re weaving through upland roads that feel purpose-built for motorcycles — elevation changes, long arcs, then tighter sequences as the landscape drops into wooded valleys.

After lunch, the day turns into a border dance. We zig-zag between Luxembourg and germany, crossing quietly from one side to the other as the scenery shifts subtly — deeper forest here, open farmland there, then sudden river valleys cutting through the hills. It’s a varied, absorbing stretch that keeps the ride fresh and dynamic.

The final run follows a winding river corridor toward our overnight stop. The pace softens naturally as vineyards appear on the slopes and the valley widens. We roll in relaxed but satisfied — a proper rider’s day, with real variety and a strong sense of journey.

Day Three: Loop in Lux and onwards

We leave the southern valley behind and head north into protected highland terrain, where the roads narrow and the landscape becomes wilder. The morning begins gently, but it doesn’t take long before the route drops into a winding river gorge — smooth tarmac tracing the contours of water and rock.

The section along the Sûre is one of the most memorable of the tour. Tight bends stack into one another as the river twists below. Elevation shifts keep you working, but the rhythm is natural — it’s about flow rather than speed. Forested slopes rise on both sides, and traffic is usually light, giving the ride a calm, focused feel.

As we continue north through national park territory, the roads open slightly into longer arcs across elevated woodland. Occasional viewpoints break through the trees, offering sweeping valley panoramas — perfect pause points to reset and take it in.

Crossing back into Belgium, the riding stays engaging. The forests deepen again, corners linking in satisfying sequences before the road finally drops toward a historic hilltop town guarded by a dramatic medieval fortress.

We roll in mid to late afternoon, bikes lining up beneath ancient stone walls — a fitting end to a day defined by rivers, forests, and some of the finest flowing roads of the journey so far.

Day Four: Sunrise Ride & Farewell Lunch

We leave the fortress skyline behind and immediately drop back into rolling woodland. The morning section is classic border-country riding — quiet, undulating roads that link naturally as they follow river valleys south and west. It’s relaxed but engaging, a final chance to enjoy that easy group rhythm before the terrain begins to open.

As we cross back into France, the landscape widens. Forest gives way to broader farmland and long, flowing sweepers. The roads here aren’t tight and technical — they’re fast, smooth, and satisfying. Perfect for steady progress without losing that touring feel.

Midday towns offer natural coffee and fuel stops, their old squares and fortifications hinting at the history stitched through this region. The riding remains varied — pockets of forest, open straights, gentle curves — but the tone gradually softens as we push north.

The final leg toward the coast feels different. The air changes. The roads flatten. You can sense the journey closing. It’s an easy, reflective run — helmets quiet, everyone replaying favourite sections from the past few days.

We roll back into the port relaxed, satisfied, and already talking about the standout corners, the river valleys, the forest runs.

DIY Comparison

If you did this yourself:

  • 3 nights quality European hotels: ~£450–£650

  • Channel crossing (ferry or Eurotunnel): ~£120–£180

  • Fuel (continental mileage): £220+

  • Tolls / incidental costs: £30–£50

  • Route planning & research: 10–15 hours

  • Uncertain road selection and surface quality

  • Navigation errors and mid-route adjustments

  • No structured daily briefings

  • No on-road support if something goes wrong

With Viking Overland, you get:

  • 2 experienced ride leaders

  • Fully pre-ridden and refined Ardennes routes

  • Daily ride briefings and clear structure

  • Roads selected specifically for flow and surface quality

  • On-road assistance and group support

  • Small, cohesive group (6–8 riders)

  • Carefully chosen rider-friendly hotels

  • Zero planning stress

Ardennes Overland Journey

4 Days / 3 Nights | Small Group | Guided

Four days of flowing, uninterrupted riding through the forests, river valleys and high plateaus of the Ardennes.

The Ardennes Overland Journey is designed for riders who value surface quality, rhythm and elevation over spectacle. You’ll leave traffic-heavy corridors behind and settle into sweeping woodland roads, long valley sections and technical climbs — each day shaped to feel progressive without becoming punishing.

Expect 180–220 miles per day of varied European terrain, built around smooth momentum and clean route design. There’s time for relaxed coffee stops, proper lunches, and comfortable evenings in carefully selected hotels where you can switch off and recover properly for the next day.

With just 6–8 riders per group, the tone remains steady and focused. No chaos. No oversized groups. Just well-organised riding in good company.

Common Questions

  • You should be a confident UK road rider, comfortable with sustained daily mileage and riding in a small group.

    You don’t need to be fast. You do need to be consistent, aware, and able to maintain steady progress without supervision.

    If you’re unsure, get in touch — it’s better to have a short conversation beforehand.

  • Daily mileage varies by trip:

    • Wales: approx. 170–220 miles

    • Ardennes: approx. 180–230 miles

    • Black Forest & B500: approx. 220–280 miles

    The focus is on steady progress rather than speed. Routes are designed to feel complete, not punishing.

  • Steady and considered.

    We make good progress when the roads allow it, but there’s no rushing, no racing, and no pressure to prove anything. Regroup points are planned, and the structure is clear from the outset.

  • Typically 4–6 riders plus the lead.

    Groups are intentionally small to maintain clarity, cohesion, and safety.

  • Within reason, yes — but these are guided group journeys.

    We use a clear regroup system. You are not expected to ride in formation, but you are expected to respect the structure of the trip.

  • Mid-sized to large capacity road bikes are ideal.

    Tourers, adventure bikes, sport-tourers and modern classics all work well. You should be comfortable riding your bike for multiple consecutive days.

    If in doubt, ask.

  • In principle, yes — but only if both rider and passenger are comfortable with the daily distances and structured pace. It’s worth discussing before booking.

  • Independent 3–4 star hotels or high-quality inns with secure or monitored parking wherever possible.

    Comfort matters. Proper rest is part of the design.

  • Breakfast is included.
    Evening meals are sometimes pre-booked, sometimes left flexible depending on location. Details are confirmed in the rider pack.

    Lunch stops are planned but not prepaid.

  • For European trips, we provide guidance on recommended crossings and timings. Riders book their own tickets to allow flexibility, but we coordinate departure times so the group arrives together.

  • A deposit secures your place. The remaining balance is due before departure (details are provided at booking).

    Places are limited and trips run with small groups.

  • Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair and transparent. A plain-English summary is available at booking, and we strongly recommend personal travel insurance.

  • Yes. You are responsible for ensuring your own insurance, breakdown cover, and documentation are valid for the countries visited.

  • We ride unless conditions are genuinely unsafe. Routes may be adjusted if required, but part of motorcycle travel is accepting varied conditions.

  • No.

    These trips are designed for riders who are already confident and capable on UK roads. The mileage and continuity require experience.