How Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman Took the Long Way Home Across Europe
Motorcycle lovers and travel enthusiasts alike have a new reason to get excited—Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman have returned with a fresh chapter in their legendary travel series, Long Way Home. This latest entry, now streaming on Apple TV+, brings their signature mix of scenic rides, cultural immersion, and personal growth to the forefront once again.
But this isn’t just another road trip. It’s a bold journey through 17 European countries on vintage motorcycles, blending nostalgia with a powerful message about adventure, human connection, and sustainability.
The Legacy of Long Way Series
To truly appreciate Long Way Home, you need to understand where it all began. Ewan and Charley’s motorcycle adventures started with Long Way Round in 2004, a 19,000-mile journey from London to New York via Europe, Central Asia, and North America. It was raw, real, and filled with breakdowns, border issues, and unexpected detours and audiences loved it.
That success led to Long Way Down in 2007, where the duo rode from Scotland to South Africa, and later Long Way Up in 2020, a daring ride from the southern tip of South America to Los Angeles on electric Harley-Davidsons.
With Long Way Home, they circle back to Europe, but this time, with a twist: they’re going old school.
Vintage Bikes with Classic Soul
Rather than choose cutting-edge motorcycles, McGregor and Boorman decided to ride restored vintage models, adding an extra layer of complexity and charm to their adventure. Ewan took the helm of a beautifully restored 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado, a V-twin Italian classic known for its laid-back character and rich exhaust note. Meanwhile, Charley brought a BMW R75/5 back to life a model famed for its reliability and timeless engineering.
These motorcycles aren’t built for speed or convenience. They require patience, a mechanic’s mindset, and a true rider’s spirit. The choice reflects their desire to slow down, appreciate the journey, and interact more intimately with the machines and people they meet along the way.
Top Experiences on the Road
Across the 17 countries they explore, Ewan and Charley seek more than beautiful roads. They immerse themselves in unique local experiences that reflect Europe’s diverse cultures and landscapes.
1. Kayaking in the Arctic Circle
In Norway, the pair brave icy waters for a kayaking adventure that showcases the serene and surreal beauty of the Arctic. It’s not your typical motorcycle pit stop, but that’s the point they’re expanding the definition of travel.
2. Paragliding Over the Alps
In Switzerland, the mountains call literally. They take flight over the Alps, soaking in snow-covered peaks from above. The aerial views give the audience a fresh perspective on just how small and interconnected the world feels from high above.
3. Living Like Vikings
In a fun and playful segment, the duo dons Viking gear in Scandinavia and participates in traditional reenactments. It’s a reminder that travel is about joy as much as reflection.
4. Visiting Historical Sites
Throughout the journey, they stop at castles, ruins, war memorials, and UNESCO heritage sites. History plays a major role, grounding their modern journey in the stories of those who traveled before them.
The Tech Behind the Adventure
Even though the motorcycles are vintage, the cinematography is anything but outdated. The production team uses high-end drones, helmet-mounted GoPros, 360-degree cameras, and stabilized rigs to capture cinematic footage.
From sweeping drone shots over European fjords to close-up helmet cam views of winding country roads, the viewer feels like part of the journey. The contrast between old and new the bikes and the tech—symbolizes how travel itself is evolving.
Climate, Community, and Connection
One of the strongest elements of Long Way Home is how it balances the thrill of travel with thoughtful reflection. Ewan and Charley tackle deeper topics that resonate beyond the motorcycle community:
Sustainability
Having previously tackled electric bikes in Long Way Up, the duo continues to explore eco-conscious travel. They engage with local communities focused on sustainability, discuss environmental challenges, and consider how riders can reduce their carbon footprint.
Humanitarian Work
Throughout the series, the riders visit local organizations helping refugees, preserving heritage sites, and offering youth mentorship through motorcycle culture. Their journey isn’t just about what they take in—it’s about what they give back.
Cultural Exchange
By traveling on two wheels, they remain approachable. Locals open up. Conversations flow. Food is shared. “Motorcycling is about connection,” says McGregor in one episode, and it shows.
Why Riders and Viewers Shouldn’t Miss This
Whether you ride a Harley, a Honda, or a Vespa, Long Way Home speaks to the core of what makes motorcycles special: freedom, discovery, and storytelling. Watching McGregor and Boorman navigate breakdowns, bad weather, and breathtaking roads offers both entertainment and inspiration.
They’re not trying to be perfect riders. They're real people having real experiences, and that authenticity is what draws viewers in.
Top Takeaways for Bikers from Long Way Home
-Adventure Doesn’t Require New Gear – Sometimes, older bikes bring more joy and meaning.
-Slowing Down Enhances the Ride – Don’t race the road; embrace the detours.-Film Your Journey – Drones and helmet cams add an incredible dimension to motorcycle travel memories.
-Share Stories, Not Just Stats – The miles matter, but the people and places matter more.
-Respect the Environment – Ride responsibly and leave places better than you found them.
Final Thoughts
Long Way Home is more than a travel documentary it’s a meditation on what it means to explore the world on two wheels. Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman show that motorcycle journeys aren’t about escaping life, but engaging with it fully through roaring engines, quiet moments, and everything in between.
If you're looking for the top motorcycle travel series to watch this year, this is it. And who knows? It might even inspire your next big ride
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