Routes through Turkey E-W, Entering from Iran
 

Hi,

In Esfahan, Iran. Providing the bullet doesnt explode im looking for some suggestions on turkish routes. Not pressed for time but cant wander too much with the fuel knocking on 2.5 US a litre in tukey at the mo.
Im thinking Lake Van, up to Ararat, aong black sea coast to Istanbul?

one other thing anyone know anything about european insurance (green card). I bought the bike in Nepal. I have a carnet

thanks for the help

Ash

Don't miss out Dogubeyazit-Ishakpasa Palace on your way from lake Van towards North.

Another suggestion is not to follow the Black Sea coastline but take a route through Mt. Nemrut, Cappadocia, Konya, Denizli, Ephesus, Izmir, Pergamon... and then Istanbul and rest. Check the weather forecast cause it seems to be changing from one extreme to the other nowadays.

Have a nice trip and stop by if you find yourself in Izmir.

cozcan

Cozcan, is petrol price the same in all parts of Turkey or it varies from west to east?
What is the price now?
I will go through Turkey in summer 2x times, so I'm gathering some informations :)

Thanks!

hi,

the price of petrol is almost same all over Turkiye. the shortest route from Iranian border to Istanbul is:

Dogubeyazit - Erzurum - Erzincan - Sivas - Yozgat - Kirikkale - Ankara - Istanbul

petrol price is about 2.5 usd right now.

have fun.

:(
 

2.5 usd/l :eek3:

Can I put my bike on a train in Istambul and exit at Iranian border ? :)))))

Route
 

The Best route (up to your choice) can be like this:

Short One: Erzurum-Erzincan-Ankara-Istanbul (you can visit Safranbolu/Kastamonu near Ankara if you interested in old houses).

Cappadoccia Option: Erzurum-Erzincan-Sivas-Kayseri-Cappadoccia Area-Ankara

Longer One With Coastal Area: Erzurum-Erzincan-Cappadoccia Area-Konya-Antalya-Fethiye-Izmir-Istanbul

Nixa: Yes you can upload your bike in Istanbul and take it back at Van which is very close to Iran border. Have a look at railway pages of Turkiye in English: TCDD - TURKISH STATE RAILWAYS

Name of the train is: Vangölü Ekspresi and the Route is via: Haydarpasa(Ist)-Eskisehir-Ankara-Kayseri-Sivas-Malatya-Elazig-Mus-Tatvan

turkey east to west
 

hello fellow bikers,

expect to be in istanbul from mid Apr heading east west. looks like i'll take the cappadoccia option.

will be in istanbul for a few days to pick-up my iranian visa, some bike servicing, tyre change, etc. pls excuse if already mentioned, any uptodate info reasonable priced hotel with guarded parking centrally located ??

thx, sheen

turkey west to east
 

oops, meant to say travelling west to east

I've been along the Black Sea coast as well as via Cappadocia. I found the coast fairly unmemorable (apart from a nice sea view) and think the Cappadocia route is much nicer.

If you go the Black Sea route, the well known Sumele monastery, near Trabzon, is here:
N40 41.148 E39 39.253
Stephan

thanks all.
trying to find a decent map online to print out. NOTHING in iran.

TR third party insurance should be available at any border. It is compulsory, after all and I strongly recommend not to ride without it.

Green Card is a different story. Try any Turkish AA office in a reasonably sized city, but don't hold your breath and bring lots of patience.

Dunno what happens if the Greeks ask for it and you don't have one.