Middle East

Light Adventure Motorcycle Tours
• Istanbul to Cairo

Upcoming Tour Dates
Book NowOct 13, 2013 - Nov 16, 2013

Ride Conditions This tour is likely to involve at least some unpaved surfaces that can be navigated easily by cars and other vehicles. Dual purpose (on-off road) motorcycles are most suitable for this environment and having prior off road riding experience is suggested. No single track.


HighlightsNote: This is a 2011 MotoDiscovery Recon. Historically these inaugural events attract those who not only expect, but embrace the greater degree of spontaneity, energy towards exploration and value that a motorcycling scouting tour offers.

Istanbul is magic and just a hint of what is to come. With the old part of the city dominated by the amazing 1,400 year old structure of the Hagia Sofia and the relatively new 400 year old Sultan Ahmed Blue Mosque, you'll immediately feel at ease in this country known for its incredible history, tolerance and blend of modern and old. Istanbul is claimed to be the most "hip" city in Europe. We agree!

When anticipating motorcycle travel to the country of Jordan, one image stands out ...Petra. It is no doubt one of the world's great wonders, a rose red colored mountain where a city is literally carved within its stone cliffs, a cultural treasure dating back to the 6th Century BC. This motorcycle journey may be defined by this single awe inspiring experience.

In the Jewish world, Masada ranks as one of the great symbols, a place of inspiration located high atop a mountain peak at the edge of the Dead Sea Valley. Legend has it that in 72 BC Roman forces laid a lengthy siege on the mountain top fortress only to breach the walls and find that 960 Jewish defenders had taken their own lives rather than succumb to slavery.

Having completed our motorcycle journey through Egypt's Great Western Desert, we will be rewarded by a visit to Luxor, the indescribable ancient city of a hundred gates on the Nile, the prize of the Pharaohs with its sprawling temples, Valley of the Kings, tombs and obelisk monuments.

The Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, quite possibly the world's oldest tourist destination . It is one of the great Seven Wonders of the World, and the only one that is relatively intact. One can hardly imagine the sheer size and human effort in building these incredible structures dating back to 2,600 BC.

The Western desert covers roughly two thirds of Egypt's territory. The place of Nomadic Bedouins, biblical tales, a harsh environment that even today stubbornly resists giving up all of its secrets. The Oasis's of Siwa and Farafra will offer comfort and a unique opportunity to experience an ancient way of life.

El Alamein in the Egyptian deserts along the Mediterranean is where Lt. General Bernard Montgomery "out foxed" the Desert Fox, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, in the 1942 North African World War II battle that effectively turned the tide towards the Allies and the eventual invasion of Europe.

The Istanbul to Cairo route reveals its strategic importance as we motorcycle the roads of Syria and encounter massive castles and citadels. From the time of Alexander the great, to the Roman Empire and the great crusades, through the millennia structures such as the citadel of Palmyra will add to the romance of this special MotoDiscovery expedition.

Beirut City is slowly becoming "the buzz", rising from the rubble of civil war and conflict it again shows the resolve and optimism that the Lebanese people are known for. Motorcycling Lebanon's coastline offers views of guard towers from the time of the Crusades and like this entire adventure, photo opportunities will abound.

Damascus is claimed to be the oldest city in the world. You'll sample the ages just by walking through sprawling Souq al-Hamidiyya market filled with the sights, sounds and aromas rooted in ancient times.


Route Map