Turkey - Aegean Motorcycle Adventure

This is a 9 day itinerary of approximately 1,050 miles, with 8 nights accommodation and 7 riding days.

Day 1:  İstanbul
Arrive in İstanbul and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, there is handover and familiarisation of the bikes and the Tour Briefing.  Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant near the hotel, with striking views overlooking the Blue Mosque.

Day 2: İstanbul to Çanakkale (165 miles)
Early departure to catch the 07:00 AM ferryboat from İstanbul to Bandirma.  After disembarking the ferry, enjoy some dirt roads around the Kapıdağ Peninsula and discover ruins and abandoned monasteries. Ride along the Sea of Marmara to Canakkale, located on the narrowest point on the Dardanelles Straits, and take a ferry across to the European side.  Overnight in a wine lodge set amongst acres of vineyards, with a private wine tasting this evening.

Day 3:  Çanakkale to Ayvalik (143 miles)
We visit the Gallipoli Peninsula, where one of the fiercest battles of WW1 was fought, between the Allied Forces and the Ottoman Army. The whole peninsula is now a National Park, filled with memorials, cemeteries, museums and battlefields.  Return by ferry to the Asian side of Dardanelles and ride to the Ruins of Troy (UNESCO Listed), one of the most important mythological cities in history.  Everyone has heard of the legend of Helen and the Trojan Horse! You’ll have a short tour of the site before riding onto Ayvalik, a charming town on the Aegean Sea with a strong Greek heritage.  Relax on the coast for the night and maybe for dinner try the signature Ayvalık Tostu – you’ll find out when you get there!

Day 4:  Ayvalik to Şirince (205 miles)
Leaving Ayvalik, we ride along the Aegean Sea to arrive at Pergamon, one of the most powerful and richest ancient city in the Aegean basin.  One of the largest libraries of the world was built here and the magnificent sculptures are the best of art of its time.  Heading further south, past Izmir, the 3^rd largest city of Turkey, we arrive in Şirince.  It’s a small and charming hill village close to the ancient city of Ephesus.  We stay at a boutique hotel comprising lovingly restored stone houses.

Day 5:  Şirince (Day off to visit Ephesus)
We have the day to visit the magnificent city of Ephesus (UNESCO Listed), with its terrific Terrace Houses where the rich and famous Romans lived 2,000 years ago. Nearby is also the House of Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent the last years of her life. We also stop briefly at the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Day 6: Şirince to Pamukkale (135 miles)
Leaving Ephesus behind, we ride east, heading inland across beautiful mountain passes. These are empty country roads through scenic landscapes to arrive in Pamukkale (UNESCO Listed) for around lunch time.  We have the afternoon to explore the spectacular calcium pools and white travertine cascades, next to the old Roman city of Hierapolis.  Have you swim gear ready so you can bathe in a special piece of history, as there is the option to swim amongst sunken marble columns in Cleopatra’s Pool.

Day 7: Pamukkale to Bursa (270 miles)
It’s an early start for our longest days ride on this tour, taking the small rural roads across farmlands and rolling hills, and single track twisty mountain roads, through the less travelled side of Turkey.  The soaring peaks of Mt Uludağ signal your arrival into Bursa, the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire.

Day 8:  Bursa to İstanbul (120 miles)
On our final day, we head to the wooded Yalova Peninsula for some great gravel tracks, before taking the ferry back into İstanbul.  We drop the bikes off at the rental depot and take a minibus back to the hotel.  There’s a final farewell meal this evening.

Day 9: Leave İstanbul
Time to say good-bye.  Head back to the international airport for your flight home.  Or why not think about staying for an extra night in İstanbul to explore a bit more?  You can add an extra night when you book this tour.

The hotels on this tour range from excellent 3* to 5* standard or equivalent.  Many are characterful small boutique hotels with en suite bathrooms, wifi, bar and restaurant.  Some have swimming pools.  We have listed some of the hotels we normally use below to give you a flavour of what you can expect.

Armada Hotel, Old Istanbul  

A beautiful 4* hotel situated within a few minutes walk of the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.  This hotel features a rooftop terrace restaurant with stunning views of the Old City and the Sea of Marmara.  Location, location, location!

Nişanyan Evleri Hotel, Sirince

With stunning views of the historical village of Sirince, this hotel features a marble swimming pool with water from Nisanyan’s own spring. This unique accommodation is spread over a traditional stone built inn, with cottages and a guesthouse, set in beautiful gardens.

Hotel Caeli & Caeli Winery  

This stunning wine lodge is based on the Gallipoli Peninsula and is surrounded by vineyards. It’s rooms are exquisite and it has superb Wellbeing and SPA facilities.  We also include a private wine tasting here.

Doğa Thermal Health & Spa 

Situated only a couple of miles from Pamukkale, this is a fabulous 5 star hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, Turkish baths, sauna and fitness centre.  Enjoy a scrumptious full breakfast buffet before your ride.

The above are hotels we normally use.  However, we reserve the right to replace them with others of a similar standard.

Before you go

• GlobeBusters Guidance Handbook with all pre-trip information
• Pre-departure expedition briefing and ongoing access to the GlobeBusters team for any questions you may have, via additional one-to-one meetings
• Daily hard copy route notes with GPS co-ordinates and information about the hotels, the roads and the sights
• Loan SD Card with open source GPS mapping for the region, daily downloadable routes and waypoints for hotels, cafes and other points of interest (suitable for Garmin units).

En Route

• Hotel bed and breakfast accommodation on a shared basis (unless Single Room booked).
• Standard of accommodation is a mix of excellent 3* and some 4* and 5* hotels.  Not all locations have rooms with television.  All rooms have private bathrooms.  Most hotels have restaurants and bars.
• Ferry for you and your rental motorcycle from Istanbul to Bandirma
• Ferry for you and your rental motorcycle across the Dardanelles Straits
• Ferry for you and your rental motorcycle from Yalova to Istanbul
• Your Welcome Meal & Farewell Meal served with local beers, wine and soft drinks
• Private wine tasting at Hotel Caeli, with evening meal
• Local overnight hotel parking charges.
• Entrance fees and guided tours of all Historic Sites named in the itinerary, when entering the site with the tour group (swimming in Cleopatra’s pool is an extra charge)
• Team Tour Shirt

Support Crew

• Motorcycle Tour Manager (expert multilingual professional Turkish accredited guide) on motorcycle to accompany the group.
• Local Support Vehicle, equipped with satellite phone, spare fuel, water, tools, selected spare parts and emergency first aid kit, acting as a sweeper vehicle and carrying luggage
• Support Driver, with motorcycle mechanical experience and first aid qualifications

Motorcycle Rental

You must be 25 years or older to rent a motorcycle and hold a full valid motorcycle licence. The rental motorcycle is facilitated by us through the local motorcycle rental provider, Baltac Tourism & Travel Ltd.   We act as agents for the local rental provider and we reserve motorcycles with them in accordance with your booking.  Your rental fee includes:

• 7 days motorcycle rental.  Motorcycles comes supplied with a top box.
• Third party and motorcycle damage and loss coverage insurance are included in the price.  There is an excess of €2,500 (euros).  The excess is taken as a credit card authorisation on departure of rental and withheld until the motorcycle is cleaned and inspected upon return.
• Should you require panniers (side boxes) or tank bag, please request this on booking.  There is an extra charge and it must be specifically requested

GPS (sat nav) unit rental is not available.  All BMW R1250 GS rental bikes are fitted with a Garmin/BMW Nav cradle, so you can bring your own unit if you wish.  For other bike models, please also bring your own mount and power cables so we can fit them.

On arrival at the start of the tour, you will be required to sign the local motorcycle rental agreement and provide your credit details as a guarantee against damage.

Your contract for motorcycle rental is with Baltac Tourism & Travel Ltd and not with us and you must comply with their terms and conditions for rental.  We act as agent for Baltac Tourism & Travel Ltd, and on arrival you will be required to sign the local motorcycle rental contract.  You can request a copy of these terms and conditions from us by contacting us in advance.

You must provide the local provider with valid credit card details with sufficient credit limit as a guarantee against damages up to the insurance excess.  Please note that on rare occasions the local provider may need to substitute your choice of motorcycle for something equivalent.

Not Included

• Transfers to / from the airport at the start and end of the tour.
• Return passenger airline flights to get to the start and from the finish point for the tour.
• Personal travel, accident and medical insurance (covering matters such as medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, loss or damage to property)
• Entrance fees to sights and parks, optional excursions, meals (except where specifically stated).
• Personal spending money, tips, souvenirs or other extras.
• Personal documentation (eg visas, passport, IDP) or testing or vaccinations to meet the requirements for entering Turkey
• Fuel, oil & other motorcycle consumables
• Toll road fees, traffic fines or other penalties relating to breach of the law, whether motorcycle / driving related or otherwise
• Any charges relating to damage to or loss of the rental motorcycle
• Any extra equipment for your motorcycle other than what is stated, such as side panniers or a tank bag.
• We do not supply riding gear; you must bring a minimum of your own helmet, jacket, trousers, boots and gloves.
• Any other item not specifically included in the price.

Flights
For clarity, we do not include your passenger flights.  It is your responsibility to organise your own flights to and from the destination.  You need to book a return flight to our start point, Istanbul to arrive no later than around midday on the official start date.  The earliest leave date is any time on the official end date.   However, do not book your flights until the tour is designated as a Guaranteed Departure.

Should you wish to arrive before the official start date or stay after the official end date, please simply request extra nights at the time of booking and we can make the reservation at our group hotel.

Please also refer to our Booking Conditions.

What riding experience do I need?
This is primarily a paved road tour, with some options to do ride some gravel tracks on certain sections of the tour.  We consider that any experienced motorcyclist who has toured overseas before is suitable for this tour.  Cities can be very busy, but once out of urban areas, road conditions are generally good.  Road signs are familiar and generally direction signage is good.

Tell me about the motorcycle rental
You must be aged 25 years or older to rent a motorcycle.  This tour includes the motorcycle rental which is organised by us with the local motorcycle rental provider, Baltac Tourism & Travel Ltd.   We act as agents for the local rental company and we reserve motorcycles with them in accordance with your booking.  Your rental fee includes:

• 7 days motorcycle rental
• Third party and motorcycle damage and loss coverage insurance are included in the price. There is an excess of €2,500 (euros).  The excess is taken as a credit card authorisation on departure of rental and withheld until the motorcycle is cleaned and inspected upon return.
• Should you require panniers, a top box or tank bag, please request this on booking. There is an extra charge and it must be specifically requested
• GPS unit rental is not available, so please bring your own unit, with mount and power cables.

Your contract for motorcycle rental is with Baltac Tourism & Travel Ltd and not with us and you must comply with their terms and conditions for rental.  We act as agent for Baltac Tourism & Travel Ltd, and on arrival you will be required to sign the local motorcycle rental contract.  You can request a copy of these terms and conditions from us by contacting us in advance.  You must provide the local rental provider with valid credit card details with sufficient credit limit as a guarantee against damages up to the insurance excess of €2,500.  Please note that on rare occasions the local provider may need to substitute your choice of motorcycle for something equivalent.

Can I use my own motorcycle?
Riders are welcome to join this tour using their own motorcycle.  However it is not cost effective to arrange motorcycle freight to Istanbul.  If you are touring in Europe and you wish to cross the Turkish border to ride to Istanbul to join us, then that is great.  We can provide advice on how to cross the Turkish border and what documents you will need.  We will also give you the information so you can reach the group hotel, ready to meet the team.

What about flights?
We do not include flights in your tour price.  Once we tell you that this motorcycle tour is a Guaranteed Departure, you must book your own passenger flights to arrive / depart in Istanbul.  Please arrive no later than midday on the Official Start Date.  You can book a flight home any time on the Official End Date.

You should note that Istanbul has two airports. The New Istanbul Airport (IST) is located on the European side, around 35 kms north of the city centre in the Arnavutkoy District.  The Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, around 50 kms from the city centre. This airport is used by Pegasus Airlines, which flies from London Stansted.

We do not include Airport Transfer to and from the Group Hotel in Istanbul.  Please use the official Taxi Rank at the Airport.  You can expect to pay round €35 – €50 for a private taxi transfer.  The hotel can also organise a taxi for you back to the airport at the end of your trip.

Do I have to ride in a group?
We do not make you ride in convoy.  We offer you the freedom to decide how you would like to ride.  We give you a road book, with recommendations for lunch or coffee stops, fuel stops and hotel information.  You also get an SD card with mapping, custom routes & GPS co-ordinates to download to your GPS.  You can use these tools to self-navigate.  Most riders prefer to have this freedom, so they can stop where they want and for how long they want without feeling under pressure.  The only constraint you have is that we have included guided tours of historical sites, and some of these sites are visited are during the riding day  (eg Troy) plus everyone has to be together for the ferry crossings.

If you prefer to ride with our Motorcycle Tour Manager, then you can also do this.  They will give you a time to start in the morning, so please be prompt and ready to ride with them.  Each day you can change between riding on your own, or with a small group of other riders on the tour or with the Tour Manager.  We like to have a very flexible approach.

What is the average group size?
Our groups are normally 10 – 12 riders (some riders will have passengers).  The majority of customers are from the UK, but sometimes we also get riders from North America, Australia and other European countries.

Is there a support vehicle?
Yes, this tour operates with a local Support Vehicle and Driver.  It is capable of carrying up to three motorcycles and two passengers by providing temporary assistance to you if you have a mechanical problem or an accident and are injured.  Our support vehicle carries a mobile (cell) phone, medical bag, spare fuel, water, tools, some spare parts.  It will carry one small piece of luggage per person (maximum 60 litre bag), which must be waterproof and dustproof.  Suitcases and wheelie trolleys are not suitable and can be left in the hotel in Istanbul.

Is this ride suitable for a passenger?
Absolutely.  This is a popular trip for couples and we always have couples riding two-up on this tour.  Your passenger needs to also be an experienced tourer.  Your passenger must ride the motorcycle each touring day – there is no option to sit in the support vehicle unless the road conditions are too difficult for a rider and passenger to attempt two-up or if your passenger is ill or injured.  You are able to place luggage (see above) in the Support Vehicle and the standard of accommodation on this tour is also very good.

What will the weather be like?
October is a great time to travel in this part of Turkey, long after the huge summer crowds have gone, but still when the weather is warm and pleasant.  There may be a few rain showers, but generally day time temperatures will still be around 20C – 22C.  It’s a great time to visit.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather
http://www.worldclimate.com/

How expensive is Turkey?
Eating out can suit all budgets and there are plenty of choices from small local cafes to fine dining in the larger towns.  Fuel is cheaper than the UK and you can expect to pay around £0.75 for a litre.

What documents do I need?
You will need your original documents as follows:  Passport, Driving Licence from the country of your residence, and Travel Insurance Certificate (see below).

At time of writing, UK, EU, New Zealand, Citizens do not require a visa for travel.  USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa Citizens need a visa for travel.  Nationalities who need e-visas can obtain them via the official government website www.evisa.gov.tr

We advise you to check the requirements for your nationality prior to travel as these may change.  You can with our preferred visa agency www.thevisamachine.com.

You should note that we need to request copies of some of the above documentation, which we have to send to suppliers in respect of motorcycle rental and hotel reservations. Please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Finally, note that it is obligatory in Turkey to carry ID at all times – for locals and foreigners alike – so when on tour, at least carry a photocopy of the pages with your details and Turkish entry stamp on your person.

What about my health when I am abroad?
You need to be physically fit and healthy and also take the necessary health precautions.  It is essential for you to consult your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date medical travel information prior of travel, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. For up-to-date medical advice you may wish to use the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad “MASTA” https://www.masta-travel-health.com/, the NHS website  http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx or NaTHNaC https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/

You will be obliged to disclose any medical condition or medication that you are taking to GlobeBusters in advance and to your Tour Manager at the start of your Tour, for health and safety purposes. We provide you with our Emergency Details Form for this purpose and to collect information about who to contact for you back home in the event of an emergency.

Do I need Travel / Medical Insurance?
It is a condition of you travelling with us that you are adequately insured.  Your insurance policy must cover you for the costs of any medical expenses, medical treatment or repatriation needed, due to injury or illness on this trip, including those that occur whilst motorcycle touring, either as the rider or a passenger.  It is important that your insurance company understands that the MAIN PURPOSE of your trip is motorcycle touring, using your own large capacity cc motorcycle or a rental motorcycle.

In addition, we strongly recommend that your insurance policy has cover for loss or damage to your personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation and curtailment.

We also strongly recommend that you take out your travel insurance at the time of paying your deposit for your trip as cover will commence for predeparture cancellation from the policy issue date. This will therefore provide cover should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason such as illness or serious injury. We do not refund your deposit simply because you failed to take out insurance in sufficient time.

Is Turkey safe?
We have travelled by motorcycle in Turkey for almost 20 years and we have never experienced any issues relating to security or safety.   The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) monitors overseas destinations and provides destination travel advice for UK nationals. As a UK Company, GlobeBusters reviews the advice from the FCDO and any decisions taken regarding a Tour’s safety and security will use the vast experience of the company’s 16 years of operating as well as the FCDO advice. In the interests of your safety and security, changes may be made to your Tour based on any FCDO warnings given.

We strongly recommend that you read the information about the country you are planning to visit to be fully informed – each country has a summary and general information as well as advice on safety & security, local laws & customs, entry requirements and health, and road conditions.

You can see the FCDO advice here https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey. You should note that “British nationals made over 2.5 million visits to Turkey in 2019. Most visits are trouble free”.

There are currently warnings and travel restrictions in place about travel to Turkey due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We assume that by the time of travel these will have been withdrawn. 

If you are not a UK national please make sure you have checked your own country’s travel advice for your destination/s: The US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov  Canadian Foreign Affairs: www.voyage.gc.ca  Australian Government Travel Advice: www.smartraveller.gov.au  NZ Government Travel Advice: www.safetravel.govt.nz .

What about local currency?
The base currency for this trip is any major currency.  All can be readily exchangeable for the local currency, the Turkish Lira.  It is easy to get local currency from ATMs using your debit / credit card in all towns and cities.  Cards are readily accepted by hotels, restaurants, fuel stations.  The websites below will give you the current rates of exchange.

http://www.oanda.com/
http://www.travelex.co.uk/

Minimum Numbers
We require a minimum number of 8 riders on this tour.  If we do not have this number of bookings, then we reserve the right to cancel the tour. If we have to cancel the tour we will provide you a minimum of 84 days notice prior to departure.