maps Middle Est
 

Hi All,

I am flying my bike from Vancouver to Istanbul in April. Will be travelling thru Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and exiting our of Isreal. My question is what are the best road maps for these countries? I used LP's India Map Book when I ws in India and it was great!!

Thanks Kevin

hi
i have insight travel map of middle east. it is not very very detailed but it'll help you to find your way.

drop me a line when you are in Turkiye, if you need accomodatio for free.

have fun.

Hi Ozhan,

I don't think I'll need a place to stay but I will Definatly look you up!!I have been to Turkey twice before and look forward to seeing your beautiful country again!!

Take care of yourself,

Kevin

I just did a similar trip starting from Germany. I had planned to ride directly to Iran but... it's a long story involving paperwork frustrations.

Anyway, because I found myself scrambling and hadn't picked up the proper maps in advance, I mostly relied on free tourist maps that you can find in any major city or at most attractions. They proved to be great resources, and as I had no guidebooks either, they pointed the way to some interesting places, too.

However, if you don't want to "wing it," you can try International Travel Maps: Maps for travel, City Maps, Road Maps, Guides, Globes, Topographic Maps

They're good. They're based out of Vancouver, too. But they don't cover much of the Middle East.

For that,

There should be plenty of highway and tourinst maps available in Turkey. If you need topographic maps they're hard to find. I've used aeronautical charts there for the remote areas.

Perhaps vito smartmap will help you.

It is simpel and cheap (4$) software for PDA/GSM.

VITO Technology - Windows Mobile & iPhone Software

If this website is not updated try google with "Vito smartmap".

Good luck.

map of Israel
 

Hi Kevin
can help you regarding maps for Israel and also in planning your route in Israel.
Case you arrive I will be happy to join you in order to show you the beauty of my country.

Shay

Hi Shay,

Sweet, I have been to Israel before and loved it. Stayed 2 weeks in Jerusalem. When to Bethlehm on Christmas eve!! I will look you up when I arrive.

Hey man do you know if I can get visas at the boarder for:

Turkey - arriving by air into Istanbul
Syria - not sure of the point of entry but it will be through Turkey and overland. I will need a multi entry visa.
Lebanon - I am not sure the point of entry but it will be through Syria overland.
Jordan - I am not sure the point of entry but it will be through Syria
Israel - The point of entry will probably be through the Allenby Bridge via Jordan.

And do I need a Carne for any of these countries?

Thanks Kevin

I used my Carnet for Syria, Jordan and Lebanon, but I met a German rider who made it to Syria, at least, without one. Well, he had one, but he refused to use it unless they demanded it from him.

As for the visas, it depends a bit on your nationality. I'm Canadian. I had no problems getting visas at the border for all these countries. Now, you may meet people that will say you can NOT get your visa at the border for Syria, but this is not true! It can be done. You do, however need to use a major crossing for this to work. And, of course, when they ask you in Syria if you plan to visit Israel (which they will) the answer is emphatically NO.

You're going to have a blast on this trip! Don't miss Crac des Chevaliers in Syria.

When I was in Lebanon they did not allow motorcycles to ride south past Sidon, but it's worth a look. You may need to park it in Beirut and take public transportation from there... with military permission.