Fra-Bel-Lux-Ger
Black Forrest
A five-day guided motorcycle journey from the Channel coast into the heart of southern Germany, built around the sweeping ridgelines and panoramic curves of the legendary Bundesstraße 500. The route links the wooded climbs of the Ardennes with the precision-engineered roads of Germany and the high forest passes of the Black Forest, balancing distance, elevation and rhythm rather than chasing outright speed.
This journey is about flow and refinement: long sight lines, perfectly surfaced tarmac, and purposeful transitions from valley to ridge. Evenings are spent in carefully selected, comfortable hotels that allow time to unwind properly — good food, good company.
Trip Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Pricing
£1,595
8th - 12th May 2027
Next Dates
Engineered German tarmac, long flowing mountain curves, cross-border riding from the vineyards of Champagne to the sweeping ridgelines of the legendary B500, carving through the heart of the Black Forest and across the Vosges.
Tour Itinerary
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Day One: From the Channel Coast to the Ardennes
Our journey begins at the Channel coast, where wide skies and open horizons gradually give way to the quiet beauty of northern France’s countryside. As the day unfolds, the roads begin to climb and curve, leading us into the deep green forests of the Ardennes.
The drive becomes more intimate here — beautifully surfaced roads threading through woodland, gentle elevation changes, and that unmistakable sense of leaving everyday life behind.
We arrive in a historic spa town synonymous with Grand Prix heritage, home to one of the most revered circuits in world motorsport. It is a fitting and evocative setting for our first evening together — refined, atmospheric, and steeped in driving history.
Day Two: Into Germany’s Rolling Heartland
The morning begins with flowing forest roads and sweeping valley sections before crossing into Germany, where the quality of the tarmac and the precision of the engineering immediately elevate the drive.
Today is about rhythm — long, well-sighted curves, undulating countryside and increasingly expansive views. Forest gradually transitions to vineyard-covered hillsides as we enter one of Germany’s celebrated wine regions.
Day Three: The Black Forest High Road
We head south into the northern reaches of the Black Forest before joining the legendary Bundesstraße 500.
Here, the landscape opens dramatically. Sweeping ridgelines trace the horizon. The road flows with remarkable visibility and confidence, rising above the forest canopy with panoramic viewpoints that stretch for miles. The curves are generous and beautifully cambered.
This is one of Europe’s great touring roads — refined, purposeful, unforgettable.
We finish beside a serene mountain lake, surrounded by dense woodland and crisp alpine air — the perfect setting for a celebratory evening.
Day Four: From Forested Peaks to French Vines
A relaxed departure allows us to savour the final sweeping sections of forest road before descending toward France.
The landscape softens as the miles unfold — rolling countryside, neat vineyards and wide open horizons replace dense woodland. The pace becomes more measured, offering time to absorb the previous day’s highlights while still enjoying elegant, flowing sections of road.
By late afternoon, we reach the edge of Champagne country, where a comfortable and well-appointed hotel awaits.
Day Five: A Civilised Return to the Coast
Our final day carries us north through open countryside and quiet back roads before joining faster, efficient routes toward the Channel.
There is an unhurried confidence to today’s drive — the kind that comes from well-planned geography and perfectly judged pacing. Conversation at fuel stops turns to favourite moments: forest ridgelines, sweeping German curves, the thrill of driving roads designed with intent.
DIY Comparison
If you did this yourself:
4 nights quality hotels: ~£500-£700
Fuel: £200+
Route planning time: 10–15 hours
Navigation errors & research time
No support
No local knowledge
With Viking Overland, you get:
2 experienced ride leaders
Fully pre-ridden and refined European routes
Daily structured briefings
Surface-tested roads selected for flow
On-road support
Small, cohesive group (6–8 riders)
Carefully chosen rider-friendly hotels
Zero planning stress
B500 Overland Journey
4 Days / 3 Nights | Small Group | Guided
Four days of disciplined, high-quality riding centred around Germany’s legendary B500 and the surrounding Black Forest roads.
The B500 Overland Journey is designed for riders who appreciate precision, consistency and immaculate surfaces. You’ll experience the long, sweeping curves of the Schwarzwaldhochstraße before linking into quieter forest connectors and valley sections — each day built to deliver rhythm without fatigue.
Expect 180–230 miles per day of flowing European tarmac, shaped around elevation changes, panoramic sections and technical woodland stretches. There’s time for proper coffee stops, relaxed lunches, and comfortable evenings in carefully selected hotels where you can reset and prepare for the next day’s riding.
With just 6–8 riders per group, the atmosphere stays composed and focused. No circus. No oversized convoys. Just structured riding on some of Europe’s finest road surfaces, in good company.
Common Questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Typically 4–6 riders plus the lead.
Groups are intentionally small to maintain clarity, cohesion, and safety.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Yes. You are responsible for ensuring your own insurance, breakdown cover, and documentation are valid for the countries visited.
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We ride unless conditions are genuinely unsafe. Routes may be adjusted if required, but part of motorcycle travel is accepting varied conditions.
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No.
These trips are designed for riders who are already confident and capable on UK roads. The mileage and continuity require experience.