Round the Mediterranean

[Tonykgs2000]

Hi all,

Has anyone ever circled the Med? Thoughts on difficult/impossible border crossings and recommended tracks would be appreciated.

I think this could be the trip!

Tony

[pietro.spera]

I did the Round the Med trip in 2002: ferry boat Genoa – Tunis, then Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Greece and back to Italy

As Italians we needed the visa in advance only for Libya and Syria. The other visa were issued at the borders.

It’s likely the Libyans pretend you to have an escort (guide + policeman) for the all time you are in the country, of course at you cost. It was not mandatory for small groups in 2002 (we were in two on one motorbike), it became mandatory for everybody later, now it’s quite uncertain, especially if you travel only along the coast. But it’s something that you should find out before asking for the visa.

The border Libya – Egypt it’s very slow and painful, it took almost the full day. The carnet is needed in Egypt, highly recommendable in Libya and convenient in Syria.

Finally, to go from Egypt to Jordan it’s recommendable to take the ferry boat Nuweiba – Aqaba. In this way you avoid to cross Israel: indeed neither the Libyans nor the Syrians allow you to enter their country if you have an Israeli stamp on your passport. To ask the Israelis to stamp their visa on a separate paper (they will do it) it’s useless, since you will have anyway the exit visa from Egypt in you passport.

[Tonykgs2000]

Ciao Pietro!

How did you like the trip when you did it? Did you write a report?

How long did it take you?

Thanks!

Tony

[pietro.spera]

I loved the trip! Actually, it was one of the best trips I ever made.
I think it took approximately 5 weeks.
I didn't write a proper report, except the very short one that you can find here:
Adventure Motorcycling - Trip Reports

[Chris Scott]

H Tony, in case you have not found out yet the only border you cant do for sure is Maroc-Algeria - all there rest are OK. Start from Tunis like Pietro did.

Ch

[Tonykgs2000]

This is looking good. I'll do a ride like Pietro did. Do either of you recommend good maps for the Africa / ME portion? Is there more than one way to go Tunis - Tripoli - Siwa - Cairo - etc?

Many thanks...

Tony