Route planning in Turkey
 

I'm going to make a tour across Turkey from Barcelona this summer. I'll take a ferry to from Barcelona to Rome and from Brindisi to Cesme.

Now I'm planning the route I will follow in Turkey. Does anibody know if there is an on-line route planning service (like viamichelin.com or mappy.com) that can be used in the east of Turkey?

Thanks,

Hi, there one route planner. address is:

http://www.mercedes-benz.com.tr/Internet/TR/Route/

it is full Turkish. e-mail me if you need more info.

However, you wont need a route planner for Turkey. just take a map with you. if you dont know what to do just ask somebody.

enjoy Turkey and ride carefully
ozhan u.
www.ozhanu.com
www.ortadoguturu.com

Map is enough
 

Hello Nomar,
As my friend Ozcan said, you don't need any spesific guidance. Only a good and detailed map is enough. Better if you have a planned route at hand befor your depart.
What kind of places do you interest and intended to see? Decide it. Take a look at the websites about Türkiye and take advices. Then, if you need any other info just ask.
You may ask Ozcan or me, no problem. Probably you will come to the center Türkiye, Cappadoccia; may be we meet there.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

P.S.: If you live seaside in Spain, may be you will not interest beaches of Türkiye but more Anataolia!

Sorry Ozhan
 

Hello Ozhan ,

Rellay sorry for written your name Ozcan by mistake. Feeling very sleepy now, it is nearly midnight and very tired. Wife looking at me very angry, finishing the computer and going to bed.

no problem hocam. if you dont write ozkan, then there is no problem:)

oz(hck)an
 

Let's make things more complicated. My surname is ozcan and I can guide whoever comes to Cesme and/or Izmir if the dates are ok with me. A group of bikers will be coming in august and we will be sharing some beers while discussing possible routes.

You are also welcome. Reply so that I can send you my personal contact info in PM.

cozcan
(can ozcan)

Thank you all for the replies.
My use of a route planner is for computing the distance/time for each journey, not for finding the details of the route. I have found some good free e-maps that are good enough for making a sketch of the route:
http://www.kgm.gov.tr/images/turkiye-yeni.jpg
and
http://www.adiyamanli.org/MapofTurkey/turk_map.htm
Anyway, I'm going to buy a good map when arriving at Turkey. Nothing as reliable as a good paper map once in the road.

But to compute distances and times, I find software more straighforward and precise than using a ruler and the map scale. Ozhan, I tried the one from Mercedes-Benz and I can use it. I don't understand nothing of the text :confused1: but after some attempts I managed to do what I want. Thank you very much.

Ramon

Hi all,

I have already planned my route. I have a sketch of it on:
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7...1600/Ruta2.jpg
Please, let me know what do you think of it. I'm arriving at (and leaving from) Cesme by ferry and I will stay 24 full days in Turkey. I accept any suggestions about possible changes.

I will spend some days in Cappadoccia in early August. Samy, if you are there maybe we can meet there for a talk.

I have (partly) followed advice from OMMRiders Full Moon Ride of Turkey (http://www.ommriders.com/ride_with_o...for_turkey.htm) and I extended the route to the East.

I was in Istambul for one week some years ago. I enjoyed it a lot. Altough I would like to go there again, I prefer to go to the east this time. Istambul is well connected with Barcelona, so it's easy to get there by plane in any other moment. The same applies for the north part of the aegean coast.
I'm not planning to spend days lying at the beach (as Samy put it, I can do this at home) but I have been told that there are some really nice roads.

Ramon

Hi Ramon,

I've tried t check your route, but unfortunately i couldn;t open the page. please check it again.

enjoy Turkey!

route
 

Hello Nomar, Hello Ozhan,

Ozhan what is wrong with Ozkan?

Nomar, I've sent you e-mail a few minutes ago and seen here afterwards. Looked at the route, I hope Ozhan also helps and tells about his opinions:
I lived some years in Mugla, Marmaris, Fethiye area. The road between Fethiye To Antalya and then to Mersin via coast is paved, tarmac but too many zig zags. They say when drivin a bus, before the tail of the bus is out of the turn (zig zag) the front of the bus goes in another one. Personally I drived in that route with car twice, though I like nature and photography too much but I think will not try it again.
Yeah it is an experience. If you have time, not in hurry, alone and riding a bike, you can try. Otherwise I will recommend this route:
Fethiye-Kemer-Seki-Elmalı-Korkuteli-Antalya. After Antalya ride east to Manavgat via Serik. After Manavgat I think it is 10 kms something you will take the road to the left for Konya.
Don't forget to visit the tomb of Mevlana in Konya and pray for yourself, all riders and humanity. We need it too much now. If you are not a believer, Mevlana is a great man and thank him for his goodness.
After Cappadoccia and Kayseri, you shouldn't go to Malatya for Urfa. I will advice to ride to Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep and Urfa. It is shorter and the nature is much more beautiful. You can taste infamous ice cream in K.Maraş and the desert in G.Antep, shish kebab in Urfa.
Sure you will drop a visit to Dogubeyazit in Agri area.
I also ridethe road between Erzincan to Trabzon by bike. It is ok, but after Ordu, not sure if you should ride from mountains. We can discuss in when you arrive here. I will recommend yo to ride to Carsamba from coast and ride to Amasya then. In Amasya don't forget to see historical houses near the river.
I think near Karabuk you will visit Safranbolu. It is ok.
Then we discuss more in Cappa area. If you look for the adventure you can keep the route on the coast, otherwise, you can't swim there, road is really bad to my opinion.
Have a nice ride,

Hi All,

The route looks quite OK. However, Istanbul, Bursa, Konya, Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras is also worth to see. If you have been Istanbul before then you can ignore it. The road between Antalya-Mersin have a lot of curves and narrow passes, however, in my opinion, every biker has to ride this route ones in a life time for the beautiful scene. I dont know what you want to see in Malatya and Kayseri, you may ignore those two city if you dont have enough time. For Karadeniz (Blacksea) -where I have been for 6 years- try to ride from Samsun to Artvin. You will see lovely people and lovely views around there. You may ignore Erzincan.
For Akdeniz (Mediteranian) I agree with Samy, try to visit Konya. You may ride from Antalya to Konya (there is a shortcut via Korkuteli-where my house-mate used to live-), ignore between Antalya-Gazipasa. It is mostly full of hotels and touristic villages. Nothing different frmo Spain I guess.
After Urfa, try also visit, Gaziantep, Kahramanmaras and Adana.

Try to travel as light as you can. You can find whatever you want on your way.

I'll be in Istanbul between 3-9 August and in Izmir between 9-21 August. Then I have to return to England. My phone number in Turkey is +90 535 941 67 11. If you are dialing from Turkey, just dial 0535 941 67 11. Call me if you need any help or if you are in trouble -hope you won't-.

Enjoy Turkey
ozhan u.
ps: see the link for my route advice (follow the blue lines): http://www.ozhanu.com/Ruta2_ou.jpg

Americans in Turkey
 

How is the reception in Turkey for a white American? That reads blond! I would be riding a Vstrom most likely. I have heard the people are very gracious but then you read of kidnappings by folks who hate the US so I am a little leary of the greetings I will recieve. I do know how to be low key but is there anything I should be aware of to do or not to do?
Al

Hi guys, I'm very thankful for your help. Travel planning is one of my favourite hobbies and the possibility to have advice from local people makes it even better.

Yours is a really big country and with lots of really interesting places to see. It is very difficult to make my mind.

I have made some changes in my planification:
The part between Izmir and Antalya is where I'm having more doubts. I want to avoid very touristic places in the coast. I will be travelling in August and for sure all this part will be very crowded.
For sure I will go to Konya. After that, I have to make a decision on whether go directly to Cappadoccia to save time for the east or to go back to the coast to ride from Gazipasa to Mersin (I really like the scenics and the curvy roads!).

I was planning to go to Malatia to see Nemrut Dagi but maybe I can skip this part and spend more time in the south-east (Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Urfa). I have also changed the Karadeniz part so that I travel more along the coast.

Ozhan, I will be in Izmir on August 20 or 21. I take the ferry on Aug 21. I will try to contact you if if you would like to know how my trip went.

Again, thank you all very much. We will be in touch.

Ramon

Mount Nemrut
 

Hi Ramon,

You don't need to go to Malatya to go up to Mount Nemrut. It is near Kahta in the borders of Adiyaman city which is only 160 kms to Kahramanmaras. After Kahramanmaras you can visit Adiyaman for Nemrut and than come back down to Gaziantep or infact there is not much to see in Gaziantep ride directly to Urfa from Adiyaman Nemrut.

White and American ? !
 

Hi Paulsen,
As far as politics, situation in Israel and Iraq is not an issue with local people there is no problem though in that case nothing happens and nobody attacks or try to kick you, but it is unnacessary to make other people provoce.
As everybody say, Turkish people is very friendly and hospitable. I don't ever think you will have any problem in Türkiye when you ride (I don't know how old are you) if you are a student, working for a computer company etc but not a spy :biggrin:
Enjoy it

Hi Paulsen

No worries about kidnapping or any other danger. Don't even think about them. Just enjoy the beautiful nature of Turkiye, lovely Turkish people and the passion of riding. Rather them kidnap or hurt you, the local people supply you food for free if you need, place to stay is you desperate, if you have an accident or broken bike, you don't need AA or ADAC, they'l always be there.

If you be good, everyone be good to you. If you respect, everyone respects you.

Enjoy Turkiye!!!

I agree with the comments above, Paulsen. Only in Iran have I found people as freindly and helpful as the Turks. One of the great pleasures of riding out East in Turkey is the regular invitations to a glass of tea you get when you stop for petrol. It's a great opportunity for a rest and a chance to converse (even if it is sometimes by sign language!) with the locals. Being American should present no problems. We are fed such bullsh*t by the media about what the East thinks of us. I saw a locals motorcycle in Iran that, amongst other stickers, had a Stars and Stripes with 'USA' printed on it, on its petrol tank. Hardly the action of a hate filled 'Mad-Mullah' in a country where we have been told the very whisper of 'USA' has people out burning flags and screaming 'Death to the West' in the streets. And this was sitting parked in the street, ignored by the locals, in ultra-conservative Qom.
Matt

real?
 

the best is to experience yourself like Matt did.
It is true there is dangereous places we should avoid in the world but generlayy Eastern world is much more humanity oriented (I speak for each human being, not politicians), especiallay Iran, Pakistan, Afganistan, Türkiye, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, (also Vietnam), Laos, whole Middle East, North Africa.

Can we say Western world is more material oriented and the East is Soul.
Politicians spends huge amounts for psychological issues to obtain everybody share their opinions; means die when they order.

This kind of sites and forums are very helpful for this purposes.

I have been only once in Turkey but my impression was of a very safe place, even in a big city like Istambul, and full of friendly people. I felt safer there than in any european city I have been.

Western media give most of the time a very biased image of non-western countries. I don't know if turkish media do the same.

From experience i would say do not carry Israeli shekels... I once had some left over and it was seen when i paid for something..
you can take local money from cash points in most towns...so no need for anything else.

Of course there might be some crminal events as every contries. But in general, you'll feel safe in Turkey.

Be carefull for your wallet or try to not to forget strictly zipped your bags as you must do in every country..

You may see some people who hates US Government but that hate is not againist white Americans ;-)

One more thing.. You do not need to hide your shekels in Turkey ;-) while I'm writing these, one of my friend just next to me and he is smiling now... Because he is a Jewish ;-) He enjoyed hiding shekels in Turkey ;-)

Keep well and regards...

Through Turkey
 

I rode through Turkey a month ago. In fact, I'm back in Turkey after having escaped from Syria the other day. My route and details are on my website, with the locations, pictures and drawn-in map.

www.nohorizons.net

Gas prices in Turkey are the highest in the world, just so you know.

hi kberetta

nice to hear from both of you. can jan give more info about lebanon and bombing?

thanks

Hi all of you out there, Kathy and I are planning a ride down to Turkey 21 Sept to 8 Oct, I know it is not that long but I know we will enjoy it. We have got lots of information from OMM, and also this website. You can see our rough route at www.rtrider.co.uk

Our route will also be dictated by the weather, hopefully it will not be too hot in land, and we would also like to do a bit of the north coast. We have booked no accomodation yet, but I am hoping the hotels will be getting quiet then, so they will be after some trade.

We have got a map of Turkey, and a street plan of Istanbul, so I suppose we will do a lot of the tourist areas, however we want to get out and meet the real people, not having everyone to try and sell us a carpet:biggrin: The GPS only shows the major roads in Turkey, but I am sure we will be fine.

We are really looking forward to visiting Turkey, we have heard how nice and welcoming the people are:clap: :clap: and I can't wait to taste that tea again...

Our bike, a BMW R1200RT is covered by BMW assurance, however we have to get the bike insurance at the border, has anyone an idea of the cost??
I have aslo read that the speed limit is different than cars, is this also correct??

Many thanks, George and Kathy

İ'm travelling now in Turkey, from west to east. Until the moment I'm having a really wonderful experience. People is very, very friendly and the place is really ıncredıble, really. Food is also excelent.

Heat has not been a problem for now in the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and also in Anatolia (Konya, Cappadoccia). Ok, it is hot but you can stand it. Only remember to drink a lot. Local drink 'ayran' is perfect for keeping you hidrated.

No problems with hotels for now. I always find a room in the fist place İ try.

Roads can be dangerous because of gravel and some speedy drivers but ıf you pay a lot of attention you should have no problems. Gasoline is very expensive. After some days I decided to ride at 90 km/h at most. It's safer and I spend less money.

My spanish insurance covers me in Turkey but at the arrival İ could see a place to get insurance 5 meters from the passport control office. Sorry İ did not look at the prices.

Good ride in Turkey!

I forgot: traffic in big cities is complicated. Try to get maps of the ones you are going to visit. Otherwise, you can make lots of turns until you find the place yo are looking for.