Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Middle East
Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree2Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Oct 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
Turkey by Boat to Egypt - The backup Plan

HI Everyone,

I am currently in Iran, trying to get my Syrian Visa (Im a New Zealander with no Syrian Embassy in NZ) in Tehran. However they are causing problems despite telling me on the phone I could get it, now they have decided I need to be a resident.

So, my plan it to try the Turkey/Syria boarders as I should get a VOA (since I do not have an Embassy in my country) and see if I get in. However, I this fails I am trying to work out what the cheapest and warmest method to get around Syria and get to Africa.

I have been looking into ferry's between Turkey / Greece onwards to Greece / Egypt but nothing has been too clear for me. As some boats have been cancelled.

Any suggestions? I need to cross Syria mid December and I particularly do not want to cross Europe due to cost and weather! Im on a super budget and would just love to drive through Syria.

Please help...
Thanks
Danielle

Motomonkey Adventures Home
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Oct 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
Hello Danielle:

Of all the places in the world I would not want to visit at this moment, I think Syria would be at the top of the list. I'm not sure how attentive you are to the news these days, but the feces is really hitting the ventilator in Syria right now...

Anyway, apropos of ferrying around Syria, I know there is ferry service from Israel to Greece (for the bike, not for yourself - it is not a passenger ferry). There has been a discussion here in the forum recently about that, and last month I met a couple in Greece who had shipped their Gold Wing by sea from Israel to Greece.

I'm wondering if Egypt to Turkey might be a more popular route, or perhaps 'somewhere' to Cyprus, then Cyprus to either Turkey or Greece (depending on which end of Cyprus you happen to be in).

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Meise Belgium
Posts: 40
Syria

Danielle,

Why don't you make contact with Harry, an Austrian who is actually
in Teheran and has been refused entry Syria some weeks ago.
He should know about back-up plans!

Harry's site: Harald ( Harry ) Häninger | freedom-on2wheels

regards geert
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Oct 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
Thanks a lot for the suggestions - i wonder which border Harry tried... I better get in contact with him as im in Tehran now too!

Thanks again
Danielle
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Oct 2011
Mehmet Zeki Avar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: istanbul
Posts: 755
There is no ferry line from Cyprus to anywhere else except Greece and Turkey...Just a wrong direction and waste of time and money...
Last month some bikers didnt pay attention to my words and already tried this..They are all back in Turkey now.

Visa is not possible for Syria in all 12 bordergates..
Suriye
Yayladağı (Hatay) · Cilvegözü (Hatay) · Islahiye (Gaziantep) · Çobanbey (Gaziantep) · Karkamış (Gaziantep) · Öncüpınar (Kilis) · Akçakale (Şanlıurfa) · Ceylanpınar (Şanlıurfa) · Mürşitpınar (Şanlıurfa) · Şenyurt (Mardin) · Girmeli (Mardin) · Cizre (Şırnak)

Harry had got his visa in A.. but unfortunately was not able to ride straight through Syria even he had visa so he stayed in a friends house in Şanlıurfa to try it several times.(Akçakale border gate).It was planned to be a group ride..
You will read it all in Harry's blog..
The same house with garden is arranged for your bike..

Be sure I will be the first one to tell it tou you when there is another option and better solution..Your trip in my agenda is number 1 and really willing to be helpful to you, too...

These are bad news..Good news is;
I am trying to give you good news about getting Syrian visa for you in Turkey..Lets see how it will develope and happen when you are here..

In these days,we are not so friendly with Syrian authorities because our government is not supporting Esad...All gates to enter Africa from Turkey are closed and this is really a big problem for travellers..Hope all will be normal soon.

So be strong,happy and positive to overcome all,(same as you were while dreaming this adventure),and you must be so..You have almost realised the first half..So half of the glass is full!!!

Wish you all the best and safe trips.
__________________
Mehmet Zeki Avar
''Borderlines divide countries,HU friendship finds a way to reunited"
https://www.facebook.com/mehmet.avar.12?ref=tn_tnmn
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Oct 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
A huge thank you!

Thanks you so much!! You guys are doing so much for me and we havent even meet yet!!! I should be hitting Turkey shortly - im getting pretty excited, but sad about Syria!

See you soon
Danielle
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Oct 2011
Mehmet Zeki Avar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: istanbul
Posts: 755
Here is the photo of the good bye party for Dear Harry and Richard together with bikers from 5 different nations, and Sir Pascal Leclerc held in our club garage.

Our club is the castle for bikers from all over the world.
__________________
Mehmet Zeki Avar
''Borderlines divide countries,HU friendship finds a way to reunited"
https://www.facebook.com/mehmet.avar.12?ref=tn_tnmn

Last edited by Mehmet Zeki Avar; 7 Mar 2013 at 23:52.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 130
Syria and backup plans

Hey Danielle,

I'm Richard and travel together with Harry for a while. We are running into some hassles for getting visa's even in my home country isn't really easy. You can sent me a PM for more info.

Cheers Richard
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by istanbul bisiklet motosiklet View Post

In these days,we are not so friendly with Syrian authorities because our government is not supporting Esad...All gates to enter Africa from Turkey are closed and this is really a big problem for travellers..Hope all will be normal soon.
What do you mean by this? Maybe Syria isn't the safest place to be right now but transit seems still doable if you get a visa and don't travel with GPS etc.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Black Forest
Posts: 171
a new possibilty ?

Hi

just found this .... can anyone confirm this or has more informations ?


Transport: Mersin-Alexandria ro-ro services to begin soon - Trasport - ANSAMED.info

Would be great

Greets Thomas
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 18 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
Here's a shipping company who does RoRo Mersin - Alexandria.

Plan your voyage - Van Uden Maritime

Unfortunately nothing until newyear and we want to ship earlier in case we have to skip Syria. Does anyone know any company who does RoRo or Container shipping to Egypt from just about anywhere in Europe, Turkey or maybe Tunisia?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 18 Nov 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 13
We're leaving Brussels by the end of january 2012 for our Africa overland trip. Does anyone know already something more about the ro/ro from Mersin to Alexandria? Could we accompany the vehicle as passengers? I did not find much information on the website of Van Uden Maritime.

If that option won't work out I guess we will try the west coast instead, since it seems like the situation in Syria is escalating...
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 17 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Black Forest
Posts: 171
FERRY Turkey to Egypt

Hi guys

it looks like the ferry service from Mersin to Alexandria will start end of February ....

RORO services to start between Turkey and Egypt


This could be the solution for all travelling EastAfrica by or 4x4

fingers crossed

Thomas & Andrea
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 17 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
Smile Let's hope so!

Great news, let's hope it will start!

But I think I read something simular last year that never happened. Don't say hurray just yet!

I'm holding thumbs! (Meaning fingers crossed in Sweden)
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 17 Feb 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Meise Belgium
Posts: 40
Thomas and Andrea

thanks for your info, you made my day!!!

i will not breathe, stay put and keep fingers crossed-------------geert
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Notes from a September 2011 ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece PanEuropean Europe 35 3 Jul 2015 14:28
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 03:15

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:28.