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Kraków (Cracow)

As the most fascinating city in Poland Cracow has a special flair and the sheer number of historical sites is just amazing: 140 churches and 5,500 protected historic buildings. The 700 year old castle, Wawel, is the most important historic site in Poland, as it is where all the kings were crowned and buried. The city square is one of the largest in Europe and certainly one of the most beautiful. And these are only a few major attractions!

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World Tour // Europe & Asia - North Route: Munich - Moscow - Bangkok ^1AN

China   |  Czech Republic   |  Germany   |  Kazakhstan   |  Kyrgyzstan   |  Laos   |  Latvia   |  Poland   |  Russia   |  Thailand

After having taken over our motorcycles and some sightseeing in Munich we ride the direct way towards East to Bangkok.

Quickly we cross Germany, Czech Republic and Poland before we reach Riga: The maintained medieval town centre and very welcoming citizens will put a huge smile on our faces. Heading to Moscow we will have a chance to visit some of the many highlights Russia has to offer, including of course the famous Kremlin. With our hunger for civilization sated and anticipation reaching fever pitch we head east into the great Mother Russia. Reaching Yekaterinburg we change course to South East and head for the Kazakhstan Border, which we will reach two days later.

Ever-changing scenery accompanies us, with endless forests giving way to rolling, colourful steppes, our companion all the way through Kyrgyzstan. Along the way we will visit both the new (Astana) and the old (Almaty) capital of Kyrgyzstan, the latter beautifully nestled amongst the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains. Kyrgyzstan´s natural beauty is a stunning surprise with topography similar to Switzerland.

One of the world´s highest frontiers is our gateway to China as we head to Kashgar, where we will receive our Chinese motorcycle registrations. Skirting along the 2nd biggest sand desert on earth we find ourselves in scenery very different from what we imagined China would be. We will ride through one of the world´s lowest points on dry land, climb the western reaches of the Great Wall and scale three 4,000 m passes in a single day, all before reaching the old capital of the Chinese Empire, X`ian, and the China of our dreams.

The surrounding nature changes too, from arid desert to lush, tropical forests with a bounty of mangos and other tropical fruit for us to try. We will visit a number of historical, religious and natural sights, all linked by sweeping turns in regions few motorcyclists have ever seen.

Crossing over the border into Laos is like stepping through a curtain. Everything feels more calm and relaxed as we ride through a country that seems more beautiful every day. Cities such as Luang Prabang and Viang Vieng emit an atmosphere of warmth welcome and the roads remind us of the twisties in the Alps.

The town of Vientane heralds our last border crossing of this section as we change from Laos to Thailand and from riding on the right of the road to the left. Our route will take us past countless temples and ancient sites (for example, the ancient capital of Ayutthaya) before reaching Bangkok and the end of our 11,800 miles (19,000 km) ride.

Attention

In Thailand, import and visa regulations may change on short notice and/or significantly.

Special Challenges

• Adventurous border crossings; only a few motorcyclists have attempted to cross these borders.
• Off-road experience and physical fitness are required in order to tackle the large variety of road surfaces and weather zones.
• Incredibly varied cultures require an open mind and the ability to accept rapid change. Whether it’s the food, the language or the writing, this is the most challenging section.
• The Chinese cities — with up to 17 million inhabitants, chaotic traffic and road etiquette far removed from anything you have experienced up to now. Be on your toes and stay safe!
• Left-hand driving in Thailand

Your expedition vehicle

To participate in the Edelweiss World Tour sections you will need to bring your own bike. If you prefer to join with a rental motorcycle we can send you an offer on request!

Karin and Gerhard from the World Tour Management will be available for you for any questions or concerns at expedition@edelweissbike.com!