Roma - Jerusalén by bicycle

[Rafaelmadrid]

Hi all,

My idea is Rome, Bari, ferry to Durres, cross Albania and Macedonia, coast through Greece to Istanbul, go down through Turkey in a southerly direction to Alanya, take the ferry to Girne, coast to Paphos, plane to Amman, down through the mountains passing through Petra and the Wadi Rum to Aqaba, crossing to Israel through Eliat and up to Jerusalem surrounding the West Bank.

Places to sleep for pilgrims? Ferries? Borders?

Could you give me some advices?

Thanks!

[Jay_Benson]

As you are going to be going through Israel you my want to request a second passport so that you are not restricted in years to come as you have been to Israel. for instance Iran, Saudi Arabia etc will turn you back if your passport shows any sign of having been used to go to Israel.

[eurasiaoverland]

Sounds like a nice plan. If you enter North Cyprus then cross the cease-fire line into Greek Cyprus, I am not sure if you are allowed to leave by any route except back across the line into North Cyprus.

Worst case, you can fly from Turkey to Jordan. You could also try the Turkey - Lebanon (Tasucu - Tripoli) ferry, then either fly to Amman or go through Syria (though you will need a guide). At present Masn'a to Damascus is pretty safe.

You could get a second passport, but it would be much easier to just replace your passport after the trip. It will most likely be the same price (or cheaper) and without the hassle of having to prove that you need a second passport.

EO

[beebeer54]

Last time I was in Israel if you are there for less than three months they could stamp your immigration slip rather than your passport as you go in and out. When you've left the country just remove the immigration slip and you haven't visited Israel - easy!

[markharf]

Originally Posted by beebeer54

Last time I was in Israel if you are there for less than three months they could stamp your immigration slip rather than your passport as you go in and out. When you've left the country just remove the immigration slip and you haven't visited Israel - easy!

When I entered and departed Israel my passport was not stamped by the Israelis. However, it was stamped by the Jordanians. That amounts to the same thing. I haven't heard firsthand of anyone being denied entry based on an obvious exit from Jordan or Egypt at a spot which could only indicate entry into Israel, but it's certainly a possibility.

Mark