Libya and the middle east
 

Hi,
I'm planning a trip (solo/bike) for the new year from Scotland to Nepal. From Turkey onwards I'm planning the 'usual' Iran, Pakistan etc. route.
Looking at my well thumbed atlas the other day I thought a good route would be via Sicily, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and up through Jordan Syria as I was planning on heading down through Jordan etc. any way. However, having bought my Lonely Planet and browsed this site it seems I'll need to be part of a 'tour' to go through Libya.
I have a pathalogical hatred of not being able to bugger around at my own pace, often in my own company, and a fairly limited budget. I'm also not sure how this works regarding the fact I'll be on a bike. Any up to date advice on costs and the whole 'tour' doodah would be much appreciated.
matt

I have found, through more searching on this site a reference from 'Budrinna' about Libyan transit visas where you can travel independently. Only valid for 7 days unfortunately but a possibility for someone on a limited budget like mine. Anyone know any more about these visas?
Matt

Given the 'own pace', 'limited budget' comments, can I suggest you wing direct to Turkey (detour Syria and back) and on to Nepal.

Trying to include N.Africa in this trip is going to stretch everything - which you could perhaps do on a second, separate trip? Bear in mind that the best part of N.Africa is the Sahara (which you'll not get to if you have to whizz along the coast).

Sam.

Aye, looks like that may be the wisest plan, the idea appealed, partly due to not having to do any doubling back. If I could have done it reasonably economically it would have been great but you're right that rushing along the coast would be a waste.
matt