Antwerp to Istanbul, Armenia, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria - Oct 200
 

My brother and I (and a F800Gs and 650 Dakar) will be arriving in Antwerp via cargo ship from the US around Oct 6th, 2009.

We're planning on riding a clockwise loop around the Mediterranean Sea. We have a basic itinerary through Germany, CR, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria to Istanbul. Then along the Black Sea coast in Turkey to Yerevan, Armenia where we'll be spending about 10 days in late October/early November. After that, south to Tabriz, Iran (visas permitting) and across southern Turkey into Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and on to Morocco.

We're looking for people to meet and ride with anywhere along the way. We're planning on taking a 2-3 months to explore and are interested in finding off-road alternatives to highway travel. We're especially looking for riders and contacts in Iran, Libya and Algeria.

Nate

The Algerian/Moroccan border has been closed for a long time.


You might find it useful, if not essential, to search the appropriate forums on HU for info, on many of the countries you want to visit.

Good luck

In Turkey
 

You can get support and info from ..:: OMM - One More Mile Riders ::.. and from me at volpara@homemail.com
Did you chek the border Armenia-Turkey? Two months ago it was closed

- Caminando - Hi and yes I have been researching the countries for the past 9 months (I've been lurking here and on ADV for a while and have found some fantastic info) As for Algeria/Morocco, we're planning on a ferry from Oran to either Ceuta (spanish run) or barring that to Spain and then back across Gibraltar. (as a surfer I can't skip Morocco) we're going through the visa process as we speak so that will dictate some of what we can and can't do. Any other info/input you have is greatly appreciated..


- Paolo - nice to meet you. I briefly checked out your OMMRiders site and read your Cautions for Riding on Turkish Roads - some good tips in there! As for the border crossing, we are thinking of using the Sarp crossing into Georgia first and then to Armenia. (I think it re-opened in March 2009) Thanks for your offer and I will be in touch - Nate

Hi, I'm glad you've been researching. There are some problems with the roundMed route which you seem to be on top of. If you're into surfing, Essaouira, Morocco, is really nice. I suggest the Hotel des Remparts, in the old town. I was able to park my bike inside; nice rooftop. It's a bit grotty but cheap.

In Istanbul, try Sinbad's backpacker hotel in Sultanamet. Chain your bike to the window bars, and the desk is manned all night. Good rooftop, overlooking the Bosphoros.

In some eastern European towns, I use university accommodation, when the students are gone; but maybe your travel dates dont permit this.

In Marrakesh, try the Hotel CTM right on Djemaa el Fna with covered parking next door. Also has a nice roof top for watching the fun in Djemaa el Fna. Eat at the restaurant Toubkal opposite. See Tim Cullis's Morocco knowledge base here and on UKGser.