My wife and I are planning our spring trip and I have a few general questions.

A few years ago we shipped my old higher mileage KTM 990 to Europe and each year we manage to get 2-4 weeks traveling two up on the bike outside of Canada. This year we have a little over three weeks to spend on our trip

The bike is stored in Heidleberg in the off season. Our plans this year are to take the Venice -Petras Ferry , explore the Greek Island and spend some time in Turkey.

Here is our list of places we would like to see, realizing that we will not be able to visit them all

Istanbul (Aya Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi palace, Roman cistern, grand bazaar, etc.).

Ephesus, Roman ruins, near Izmir (formerly Smyrna).

Cappadocia (unique geography, early Christian caves, balloon rides).

Gallipoli (WWI battlefields).

Troy (Ionian ruins).

Bodrum (formerly Halicarnassus)

Obviously we plan to stay away from the the border areas with Syria, Iraq, or Iran and avoid the Ukraine.

From what we have learned from friends who have travelled that way recently we understand that the border between Greece and Turkey, can be a challenge, coming into Turkey moreso than in exiting and for that reason we are considering entering and exiting via Bulgaria. We know we can purchase our Turkish Visa online in Canada, to minimize our border wait.

Here are my questions

If we we were planing a route through the Greek Island what would people suggest as a good overview route?

Keeping a low profile in Turkey. We have a dark grey 990 and it is does not stand out like an orange one but still it is a tall larger motorcycle with black metal side cases. We strap a small soft bag on the back and attach it with a pack safe. We always cover the bike when we stop, park the bike overnight and do not look at all like we just stepped off a cruise ship when we are on the street. I am a hobby photographer and take very discreet camera with me and leave my SLR at home.

We have a limited decals on our motorcycle the CDN sticker and a reflective flag. I have always preferred to not stand out on the road and am wondering if we should even take the flag decal off the bike especially in light of Canada's involvement in the battles with ISIL? Our MC has a British Columbia license plate and were have Green Card Insurance.

Of course our families/friends are concerned that we are going to Turkey but my wife and I have travelled a reasonable amount including Africa, South East Asia, etc. We are not spring Chickens I will be 60 and she is 58 this spring and we don't camp on these trips but stay in reasonable Hotels.

My wife has a decent language skills including and can order meals , buy shoes, and get directions in French , Italian, Spanish, Swahili, and Khmer. I am not gifted that way and am for lack of a better term pathetically unilingual.


We have 3 weeks for our trip and will probably hire a guide for Istanbul.

Comments, suggestions, advice?