Jordan Travel Forum

Hey everyone,

I'm planning a road-trip through south-eastern Europe and Middle East region and I'd like to have your opinions and suggestions!

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 often 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!
Bye bye,
Giorgio

You are probably safe in Jordan and Syria. I can't answer any of the other stuff