Advice? S. Italy,Greece,Turkey, Black Sea

[MCP]

Need some advice on travelling from S. Italy arriving in Greece, then aross southern Greece via Thessaloniki to Instanbul and on up the coast of the Black Sea from there?

Questions are:
Istanbul, is it worth it?
Is the southern route via Thessaloniki, scenic?
What about the Black Sea coast?
Haven't looked into Athens to Izmir and on up to Istanbul???

I did get some good advice on parts of Bulgaria, not the Black Sea area though.


Any other helpful hints appreciated.

Thanks to those that reply.

[omar mansour]

hi biker
i think i will do the same route.i want to go to turkey and why not to the black see,
i will start from france ,
when you going to start??
for istanbul its a good place to visit although i didnt visit it before,but i did it from south of turkey ,to greece via izmir and it was greattttttt,
its a cheap country,and you will have alot of good time there,maybe we can ride together just be in touch
bye omar
egypt

[plumbob]

hi MCP, I've just returned from riding a similar route. went from Ancona to Cesme on a 2day 3 night ferry, into Turkey round the Agean and med coast then inland to Konya, Cappadoccia and east to Sivas, Erzerum, then Hopa on the Black Sea Coast and then west across the black sea coast to Istanbul, into Greece via Ipsala, following the coast to Athens and back to Italy from Patras to Ancona, 20 hours. Black Sea region worth a look, Sumelli Monastery near Trabson worth a look, Synop also a nice place. Ca'nt say about Istanbul cos we only travelled passed it on our way to Greece. the coastal route from here to athens is a mostly good scenic route. D o call and see the Acropolis well worth the effort, likewise Siena and Florence in Italy. the only downer was the speed limits in Turkey, 70 kph on ordinary roads and 90 kph on motorways and yes there are speed traps, everywhere so enjoy your trip and watch out for the Radar, Plumbob.

[This message has been edited by plumbob (edited 11 May 2003).]