Giorgio
I am glad you posted in the ME forum. You seem ambititious about seeing EVERYTHING! I could maybe team up with you to visit the Middle East, although the plan I've been forming differs from yours in scope, purpose and method of travel.
I am thinking to visit Israel in 2009, through a program that lasts about 10 days. Afterward, it could be neat to see more of the countries around, and Jordan is especially interesting to me. You are sure that Syria and Lebanon do not let anyone come into their country from Israel?
A car may be an economical way of getting from place to place, but a motorbike would definitely get you even more value for your gas money. In terms of money, you are probably in a better position to tell me how much it would likely cost--I have no knowledge of the euro and only a basic idea that things in Israel are slightly more expensive than in the US, where I live. How long of a trip are you planning on? Maybe you have left already by the time I'm writing this....
Send me a message back or post if you think we could make this work together. But definitely, don't travel the middle east alone. Shame on those friends of yours for chickening out.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Joined: 04-28-08
Hey everyone,
I'm honoured to be the first to post in the ME forum! :)
I'm planning a road-trip through south-eastern Europe and Middle East region.
The idea is starting from Milano (where I live) and go through Balcans (Belgrade, Skopje) to Istanbul, Turkey. Then running along the turkish coast to Iskenderun, crossing to Syria, then to Jordan and arriving to Aqaba for a refreshing Red-Sea dive. Next step would be Israel, Ashdod and ship to Greece, headed home, again shipping to Italy and driving along the Adriatico.
I'm aware of the risk I could face in this last part of the journey, and here I'd like to ask you if anyone has done something similar in the area.
I know someone who ran it by motorbike and had no particular problem, but of course I'm trying to scan every possible trouble I could encounter.
My major concerns are:
- Safety: especially in Syria and Jordan, for my car (a bmw with italian plate) and consequently for myself. I thought of setting up a GPS alarm and some kind of defensive widget, any idea?
- Getting out: visa and israeli stamps are quite of a problem, especially when getting back from israel, since nor Syria or Lebanon would allow me to transit. The solution will be shipping myself and car to Greece, but is it doable? I've heard about 350+250 euro for myself+car. Anyone has ever tried?
- Money: with fuel, tolls, ferries, taxes, carnets de douane, nights and dinings, it seems it's getting a super-expensive journey. Any of you have an idea of how much would I need?
Finally I'm also in search of company. The project was meant for 2 cars and 4 people, but my friend piked me (as usually happens) and I don't want to give up. I have a bunch of friends to visit on the way, but if anyone had some similar plan I'd be happy to share :)
Thanks everyone, sorry so long!
Bye bye,
Giorgio