Kuwait - Scotland 2010
 

Currently plotting a ride from Kuwait to Aberdeen after my work contract ends here in March. Present routing looks like Kuwait, Saudi, Jordan, Syria, a side step into Lebanon, back into Syria then Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, up through the Balkans to Italy, France and into UK. Any advice or hints and tips gratefully received, particularly on things/places on such a route 'not to be missed'. I'm also looking for buddies to join/meet on part/all of the trip although there are a couple of possibles already and some Kuwaitis who may well be riding at least to Lebanon/Syria, though timing isn't yet firmly fixed.
Cheers,
Dave

Sounds like a great trip, Dave. The first thing that pops into my mind is that if you get a carnet de passage for the trip, Lebanon will be the most expensive country and increase the amount of deposit required.

If you don't bother with a carnet (should be possible for the other countries you've listed), then I'm not sure about getting into Lebanon. Perhaps someone else has recent experience of that.

You can get European insurance (not Turkey & some Balkan countries) from Arisa (http://www.arisa.lu/) before you leave but it is now 105 euros (and not the previously very reasonable 22 euros) a month which will give you peace of mind should you have an accident or be stopped.

Stephan

Thanks
 

Thanks Stephan, that's all very encouraging. Lebanon's not absolutely essential, but having visited before on a coach(cage)trip and seen some of those beautiful mountain roads, I'd just love to do them on a bike. I've also heard they can be difficult about folk trying to take hire cars in so maybe that's just the way they are (knowing quite a few Lebanese expats, this maybe isn't so surprising - lovely, lovely people, but mad as a bag of cats). I also know a few Kuwaitis who ride to Lebanon every now and then so will check with them, though maybe it's different for Arab nationals. Ho hum, more homework to do...
Cheers, Dave

There's always the King's Highway up from Aqaba towards Petra etc instead..

And if you're coming from Saudi up to Aqaba, then don't miss Al Ula/Madain Saleh. Read this thread for important info. about security and getting a permit for Madain Saleh from Riyadh.
Stephan :thumbup1: