Turkey is a country that from our first tour in 2004 has cast a spell on MotoDiscovery. We love this ancient land and its people and evidently our followers do as well as they keep returning season after season.

 

The MotoDiscovery Turkey Classic Tour is a comprehensive road tour that falls in the category of Light Adventure. Every kilometer, every day, from your first moments in Istanbul until you depart, is filled with insights into civilizations that date to the beginning of time. Your ride is a constant discovery, lead by the best staff in the business who are not only great facilitators but licensed and highly educated MotoDiscovery Turkish tour guides…on motorcycles! With great accommodations, exceptional dining, a pace that allows for individual explorations, the spirited traveler who seeks to get close to some of the most misunderstood yet fascinating cultures on the earth, both present and past, should count this as a must riding experience. Turkey is magic!

Itinerary Highlights

• MotoDiscovery provides as part of this touring event, a selection of late model fresh BMW’s from the GS series.
• This is a great tour for “two-up” travel. Is your favorite passenger squeezed for time and can’t make the entire journey? Consider our two week “partial” tour. Inquire with MotoDiscovery about a special abbreviated itinerary we have for fly in guests and family members.
• You will visit Gallipoli, hollowed ground along the narrow sea passage of the Dardanelles where Turkish forces fended off the invading troops of Australia and New Zealand in a controversial World War I attempt to secure the strategic waterway.
• Istanbul, part Europe, part Asia, once known as Constantinople, is a city of architectural treasures; the Santa Sophia Church, (unquestionably one of the finest architectural creations in the world), the Blue Mosque, Underground Basilica Cistern, the fascinating Grand Bazaar are but a handful of highlights in this city along the Bosporus.
• You will be astounded by the daily exposure to antiquities that date back thousands of years B.C. In advance, MotoDiscovery will provide participants with suggested reading and other tools to enhance knowledge of the region before hitting the road. A number of guided tours will be arranged. Museums? We’ll point you in the direction of the finest. Shopping? We can bet there is a Turkish rug just for you. Of course one can’t visit Turkey without having a traditional Turkish bath. (hamam)
• The overnight in Cappadocia will be unique, staying in the “cave” hotels, where rooms are actually carved into the volcanic rock. The optional early morning hot air balloon ride should not be missed
• Accommodations will follow the usual MotoDiscovery profile; elegance when available, and rustic, without apology, should the road turn away from the worn tourist path. The mix of country villas, guest houses and contemporary hotels will no doubt satisfy the discriminating rider.
• Ephesus is an archeological wonder that is unrivaled with any in the world. A thriving city by the sixth century B.C., it is here where the apostle Paul preached in the shadows of massive pagan temples, where theater was performed, world trade conducted, a massive library was constructed and was literally the center of the universe during this age.
• The ride will be moderately paced to allow one to take in all the sights in route. Expect the scenery to be varied with views of the Mediterranean, breathtaking vistas of towering Mt. Ararat (where legend claims rests Noah’s Ark), the vast plains of Harran, the waters of the Black Sea; this event will be a photographer’s pleasure.
• Turkey is a cultural and geographical bridge between Asia and Europe. In the west one can expect a contemporary nation with ancient Greco-Roman influences. Our travels will also take us to the Near East dominated by the mighty Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Then it is off to the Far East a more remote and indigenous land but immensely rewarding.
• Participants will climb the summit of Mt. Nemrut in Eastern Turkey where the giant heads of ancient Greek gods overlook the landscape for hundreds of miles. This is but one of many outstanding experiences of this unique motorcycling journey.
• This tour will be backed and supported by an affable and experienced staff team who has been hands on from the itinerary development and research all the way to the event itself. Your riding guide is more than just a tour escort; he is an educated and accomplished licensed Turkish tour guide, a prestigious title and a bonus that you will come to appreciate with each passing day.
• There will be a support vehicle to render mechanical and emergency assistance and accommodate your luggage. There is plenty of comfortable room for any non riding guests as well.
• The food! With a fusion of Asian, Middle Eastern, Continental and Mediterranean styles, you will find that dining in Turkey is a pleasure. Your meal begins with mezes, plates of “starters” consisting of fresh fruits, calamari, yogurts, grape leaf wrapped dolma, mushrooms, olives, cheeses and breads. Fresh fish is legendary. Grilled meats are often prepared over open wood burning flames, the aroma mouthwatering and each dish served with its own regional flair. Meals can be accompanied by a great wine, fresh juice or if you dare Raki, a popular high octane beverage and a reminder that Turkey is indeed a moderate and freedom loving society.
• Group size is limited to 12 bikes plus staff.

This is sure to be a popular and prestigious event, which may sell out many months in advance. Preparations for both participants and staff require more than the usual lead-time. You are urged to make your reservation early. Call today for status on space availability.

Tour Includes

• Rental of late model BMW motorcycle (see listing below)
• Airport transfers in Istanbul
• Bosporus cruise, Istanbul
• Accommodations (double occupancy) for 29 nights
• Admissions to Troy, Ephesus, Blue Mosque and Mevlana Mosque.
• Map package and pre-tour preparation materials
• Riding multilingual staff and assistant in support vehicle
• Dinners and breakfasts on travel days
• MotoDiscovery Team apparel gift

Mileage (approx)
Longest day: 3140
Shortest day: 100
Total miles: 4,000

Dates
May 16 - June 14, 2009
May 15 - June 13, 2010

Price
Rider on 650GS BMW $9,889.US (double occupancy)
Full tour Passenger or guest in the support vehicle $6,995 US,
Partial 14 day tour for passengers and guests $3,649 US
(Includes domestic air fare, Cappadocia to Istanbul)

Single occupancy supplement charged for anyone in a single room $ 1,789
Rider on BMW 1200GS: $1,600 US extra

Deposit
$400 US per person

Early Reservations Requested

Cancellation & Refund Policy