other thoughts?

For me it is important to drive my own bike in Israel. I will visit the territories by shuttle bus or taxi. I will most certainly explore the Negev Desert. It's absolutely fabulous........I visited Israel several times but this time on my own bike.........a big fat beemer 1150 gs adventure. I aim on staying on the tarmac as long as I can.......

Most probably a friend of mine is in Israel at that time.....can park the bike there if I need to or drop the "don't need them now luggage" an travel light....

Entering Israel will be exiting. I will try them to not to stamp anything in my passport. Maybe I will apply for a 2nd passport in the Netherlands in case a border guard is really eager on stamping anything.

I'm not sure if I leave Israel by ferry, if I have time and money left I probably will leave throug Jordan and Syria, if I'm almost broke and have little time I will take the overpriced ferry. And in case an unwanted stamp ends up in my passport I will take the ferry as well

I have spoken to somebody in the Haifa Port who told me that there are ferry's to Cyprus/Greece. (rosenfeld shipping) and Italy (Allalouf Shipping)

So we have the same backup plan...........

When are you going?

Good to hear about the friend, it is always nice to get as light as possible. I honestly cannot tell you at this point about times, but I will plan to leave Switzerland as some point towards the beginning of the year, and make my way out there. I guess I haven't thought about it too much yet in terms of weather, maybe I need to. I am just planning on heading off and seeing how things go, but can definitely be in touch.

It is interesting to know about the ferry. Do you have more detailed contact info for the two routes, a name or e-mail, phone, web site? Any specific idea of costs and departures, what paperwork needs to be done? Good to hear about another traveller headed eastern bound :thumbup1: Tom

Hey Thomas,

I contacted the port authority in Haifa. This is what they wrote to me

Hello,
The available transportation to Europe is from Haifa Port by cargo ferry : 1) by ferry to Greec- call Rosenfeld Shipping 972-4-8613613 . 2) by ferry to Italy- call Allalouf Shipping - 972-4-8611811.
Good luck and best regards
Mira- Passengers Terminal - Haifa Port.

The website of Rosenfeld is way out of date (all ships are suspended blabla).........I know if you visit the office in Haifa it will all go well.

So, when I visit Israel I first meet up with my friend in Caesarea and drop luggage. Go to Haifa to book the ferry at Rosenfeld office. Then go back and hook up with Yoni (veteran on the hubb, lives in Tel Aviv) for a few Maccabee beers and bring my bike to a dealer for some new tyres, oil and service. After the service of the bike I most certainly will explore the Nothern part of Israel before I will set sail to Cyprus or Athens.

You can also check index click on the left for English language. Hefty price but also a possibility and very laid back!

Don't know anything about paperwork, I will cross that brigde...........it is always a headache no matter what you do......

About the weather, I definately want to get out of the ME before june.......Too hot for me!

Cheers!

Im planning a similar trip this aug/sept. Im looking into getting out of israel, but can only find cargo ships for the bike, & they dont want to take me along.
I'd really prefer to travel with my bike.
Im still looking into it, & will update this as I find more information.
Of course if anyone else hears anything, info will be greatly appreciated :)

Doug