Syria, Lebanon, Jordan

[Greasy Biker]

Eh up,

Putting together a plan for a trip from the UK, via Eastern Europe & Turkey - to the Middle East, the goal being Petra in Jordan.

the current route-plan for the Middle East area is Syria, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan - then back through Syria to Turkey - and home via the ferry from Western Turkey to Greece, Italy, and then back to the UK.

For Syria I'll need a multiple-entry Visa - I've had a look at the Foreign Office web-site, but thought it prudent to ask on here for anyone who's had any hands-on experience in the area....

From the info I've gleaned thus far it looks as though I'll be OK travelling as per the above route, as long as I've no evidence of travel in the Israeli/Pelestinian Territories in my Passport.

Does anyone have any experience of simlar in the area, any issues with border crossings, etc..,?

Travelling solo on an '07 GS-A, there will be a full planning & trip report posted as things develop - so your help much appreciated,

Cheers,


GB

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

When go?

 

[Greasy Biker]

August - ish, depends on work, etc....

 

[casperghst42]

I would suggest to start here: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/middle-east/


Casper

 

[stolzy]

Not been there on a bike, but can thoroughly recommend all three countries - facinating and nice friendly people. We had no hassle at the Syria/Lebanon border bar a bit of queuing, but we were in a taxi.

Is it not going to be a bit warm in August?

 

[the celt]

Check this out....Kev..
one of me mates he's also on horizons send him a PM

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

August serious hot, have you experienced hot weather riding?

 

[Stradaman]

must do wadi rum in jordan, try to spend all day till the sun sets, lovely.

 

[Greasy Biker]

August serious hot, have you experienced hot weather riding?

Hot weather, yes... I was stationed in Djibouti a few years ago - so I'm familiar with 50 deg +, mind you, I was a bit younger and skinnier then....

 

[(RIP) petcul]

Did one trip a few years back Turkey/Syria/Jordan. Photos of that trip

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9096451@N05/sets/72157602254820332/

No blog though.

Went to Turkey and Syria last year. Links to photo and blog below.

Petra fantastic but get there very early in the morning before the coaches descend. Palmyra also fantastic and Wadi Rum is definitely worth a visit.

Double entry visa for Syria. You can avoid the expense of a carnet by getting a Temporary Import Permit at the Syrian border and buy your bike insurance there. You can also buy your Turkish bike insurance and get your visa at the Turkish border.

PM me if you have any specific questions.

Have a great trip.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

I posted a few threads about Jordan after a trip there in 2009. Wonderful place, Jerash, Krak, Wadi Rum alone worth the trip. Amman crowded, heavy traffic, no need to go there. Loved the northern area up to Irbid. Want to go to Syria this year, could not get away last year. Love the Roman / Crusader / Ottoman / Islamic history mix. Cheap too.
I use a rallye 2 suit here for all year riding, grey or silver helmet, airflow boots, GS gloves. Camelbak too. Get early start.

 

[Greasy Biker]

Thank's everyone for the advice and encouragement - some really useful links as well.

At the moment I'm juggling time off work, which currently stands at four weeks - which I think is pushing it to make it to Petra and back from the UK, whilst having a few days sight seeing set aside from the travelling bit..

One thing I do know is I'm going to be running a pretty tight schedule, especially on the route out through to Turkey = v. early starts coupled with not to much Vino Colapso in the evenings - my experience in Djibouti taught me that alcohol can be a killer, literally - so lots of hydration & minimal exersion to keep the body going....

Will endevour to work out how to post a 'blog' - e-mail was beyond my remit up until a few years ago

GB

 

[petkostas]

We are heading of from Greece towards Cappadocia (Turkey) and some Syrian roaming in May...if you are interested for details drop a message

 

[Dickyb]

Kas, Turkey

Hi Greasy Biker and petkostas,

Do pop in if you are passing through.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/country/turkey/kas-antalya


http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=374143&highlight=dickyb

Cheers,


Dickyb

 

[dakarDude]

One of my dream trips this, identical route, too.

Petra (in fact, the whole of Jordan) is just fantastic. Dont miss Kerak, Jerash, too many other places to list.

As above, Wadi Rum by bike

Enjoy it. An experience you won't forget.