anyone tried the route that avoids Istanbul in Turkey

[andyb43]

We would like to go the eastern route in Turkey then accross the ferry. has any one tried it before. around canakke??

following the galippoli area?

[cozcan]

Definitely you can avoid Istanbul (but it is a big compromise and sacrifice in many ways) and the route towards Gallipoli, Canakkale, Troy and then East is also a very rich experience. A loop from the shores of Aegean and Mediterranean as well as a straight inland line towards East have their own unique flavors and tastes. From geographical and topographical point of view yes you can easily avoid Istanbul to go to East of Turkey but I'd recommend to go to Istanbul on your way while you're in Turkey. On the way back at least.

You can drop me a PM if you happen to be in and around Izmir when you're in Turkey.

can

[ozhanu]

agree with cozcan. there wont be any difficuties crossing canakkale to avoid istanbul. however, if you visit Turkiye, you should see Istanbul.

[Stephano]

Originally Posted by andyb43

We would like to go the eastern route in Turkey then accross the ferry. has any one tried it before. around canakke??

following the galippoli area?

Of course, the Istanbul route is well worth doing as mentioned above but if you absolutely don't want to go near the big city then I think your idea is a great one. You can cross from Canakkale to Eceabat by simply turning up and driving on to the next available ferry. It's a fairly short crossing with a tea shop/cafeteria on board.

The peninsula is beautiful in summer and a very moving place to visit.
Stephan

[MountainMan]

Perhaps jumping to conclusions, but I'm in Istanbul now and it's a great place. Rode in early morning, parked the bike at a place near the blue mosque and it's quite manageable to see the great main sites on foot and transit from there. Would definetly not miss it if you have not already been here. If you have, enjoy the other route. I've seen a few bikes, just passed GSA and Strom parked outside the four seasons. I'm sure they were at the hostel across the street but liked the lighting in front of the hotel.

[Samy]

Who knows if you will have a chance to see such a beautiful city once again?

Don't miss it...

[ejds]

Hi Andy

We have just returned to the UK from a trip to Turkey in a Land Rover I agree with the other replies you must visit Istanbul, we camped near the airport & used the local bus to visit the center, we then drove through the city to troy, then onto the ferry to the peninsula before heading back home

Eric

[andyb43]

Hi all we are just strapped for time but will visit Istanbul when we have more time we are off through greece then border crossing close to alexandra it is quieter we are now at Sakar Hills Touring Park wonderful campsite and right on the border. the owners are from the UK and are fantastic. well worth a visit

from troy down to family in Feteye then off to Iran around the 20th Sept.