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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
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



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  #1  
Old 6 Nov 2008
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middle east and east africa, help needed
this is my route, travelling alone by ktm, been all around europe and eastern parts but never this far south, need planning help and advice, I know Algeria is probably not going to happen and plans are made so they can be broken, but i would like to be a little prepared....

Down through France across top of Italy, down the Balkans dalmation coast into Turkey, across to Iran, down to the bottom turn right and catch a ferry to the U.A.E into Oman onto Yeman then another ferry to Eritrea up into Sudan Egypt Libya then left to Tunisia Algeria and Morocco over to Gibralta and stop off in Portugal up through Spain Andorra France and home .
Head off next year, maybe Sept ish

If Algeria is out, ferry from tunisia to malta looks good.I realise a carnet will be needed etc, but having never done that etc i`m learning from scratch.

many thanks in advance
stuart
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  #2  
Old 7 Nov 2008
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Everything down to Turkey is very straightforward.

You may possibly have difficulties getting an Iranian visa depending on your nationality (I applied for one in May 2008 and was kept waiting to the point where it became irrelevant to pursue it) but it looks like the recent US presidential election result will improve relations. (The Iranian president sent a congratulatory message to the president-elect and OB has offered Iran direct talks on its nuclear programme.)

Yemen into Djibouti is the normal route of entry into Africa, followed by Ethiopia then Sudan. You should check the security situation in Eritrea if you specifically want to go there. There are border conflicts with its neighbours and travel permits are required to leave Asmara.

For Libya you will need to arrange a visa through a local tourism organisation and pay for a guide or obtain a transit visa which restricts you to the coast.

As you mention, Tunisia to Europe (e.g. Sicily) by ferry is currently the only way to complete your journey (without heading south).

You can get more specific information on the above by searching for HU threads on each country.
Stephan
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  #3  
Old 7 Nov 2008
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thanks for the reply,
sounds like Eritrea is off limits for the time being, with regards to Libya do you get the visa and guide at the border ? if you have a transit visa are you not confined to a pre chosen route by the coast but guide free ?
I have been reading everything i can find on the various countries and checking up on folk who are travelling or travelled through the countries mentioned, everyone makes it sound easy but the more I plan the more daunting its getting, I normally just wing it to a certain extent.
One more question should i get the Iranian visa here or from turkey as from what i have gathered once a visa is granted i only have a shortish while to use it.
thanks for the advice
stuart
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Old 7 Nov 2008
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hi,

as Stephano said, it is easy until you reach to iranian border. for iran and onwards first of all you need carne de passage and other documents which you have to prepare in advance. i have tried to ride from the UK (from loughborough, where i used to live for 5 years in leicestershire) to all the middle east in 2006. however, my bike has been broken in istanbul and i have postponed the trip. i am planning to complete it on 2010. in 2009 i'll ride to morocco.

you can visit orta doğu turu for more info or just drop me a line.

anyway, if you need any help or place to stay in istanbul, just drop me a line before you come. we can also have a bit of riding here in turkiye.

take care
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Old 8 Nov 2008
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thanks for the offer, i might just take you up on it, will be in touch,
And it just goes to show what a small world it is , I`m from Rothley which as you probably remember is just a couple of miles from loughborough.
stu
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Old 8 Nov 2008
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oh rothley.. of course i know this small town. i used to work as a part time staff in birstall during my phd in a branch of cooking made simple. i have crossed thousands time from that town.

anyway, whenever you come to turkiye just drop me a line.

have fun.
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