weasel decentral

Can be done pretty easily from Cairo to Taba, (in my first hand experience) even at night is possible. Biggest drama is avoiding random sand drifts across the road

carcajou

Virtually all the Egyptians I know, say no. They won't do it for security reasons. If they won't do it - I won't do it. In more stable times it is easily doable as you note. Kudos if you did it post-Revolution.

jam25mack

I'm not doubting what the official line is..... more suggesting this is a good source of upto date info as every year scores of folk (Brits, Yanks etc) participate in the Mongal rally and travel through Iran. Some have guides some don't. I can't imagine there's hundreds of guides just sat there waiting for a trip.

It's a shame as I'd really like to visit Iran as it looks like a spectacular country. Also, I know shed loads of Iranians and always find them decent, fun folk with decent banter

weasel decentral

Post the first revolution and the second time post Morsi getting thrown out, when I went with my then GF (Egyptian) who's style of driving was the most immediate threat to my health. There's literally an army checkpoint almost every 20km of that road.

nottmbantam

Aye, it does look a fascinating place to visit, as well as spectacular landscapes. Also would love to drive through northern Turkey - once through Iran - , that also looks like some pretty impressive scenery. I'll have a look at the source, no harm in exploring I guess. Cheers.

flares

MAV_DXB

Might be worth a read... Slow Lane To Nowhere - A journey with my Land Rover Defender from Dubai to Belgium and back

carcajou

Great thread.

I am very experienced in the Caucasus - an endlessly fascinating region to live, work, and visit - the three countries of the "South Caucasus" are all quite different from one another and from the "North Caucasus" (the Russian side).

Unfortunately I believe the Iran-Azerbaijan crossing is closed to foreigners. I believe that is both for the mainland and the exclave of Nakchivan.

Let's play "what-if" and say it does open for foreigners.

It would be theoretically possible to go from Iran to Turkey through Nakchivan. Azerbaijan-Armenia crossings are completely impossible.

The route Pulaski proposed is not possible. You can cross from Georgia into de facto Abkhazia but not without a bundle of permissions from both sides that likely will not be forthcoming for the ordinary tourist. That "border" area, especially around Zugdidi, is also unstable and not the best for tourists to wander through. Once in Abkhazia however, no issues getting from there into Russia (that is also where the tourism into Sukhumi and Abkhazia comes from - no issues crossing over into Abkhazia from Sochi, if "Abkhaz visa" is sorted in advance). You do have to show up however on the exact day it says on your visa that you are going to arrive unless that requirement has been changed recently.

However, (mainland) Azerbaijan-Georgia crossings are possible and quite easy from there to just drive to Batumi and on into Turkey. Batumi is a particularly nice tourist town. If you wanted to go by way of Russia, you would need to take the route to Vladikavkaz, which skirts but does not enter South Ossetia. For scenery - spectacular; but you would probably need to alert all of the relevant local authorities beforehand, especially on the Russian side as a lot of Islamic militants hide out there. Consider hiring an escort both for security and to smooth things out with curious local authorities. That area is also known for its mineral spas and some of Russia's most popular mineral waters come from there. Once you get past Nalchik all should be OK.

I don't know much about the new bridge from Russia to Crimea, though I have spent a decent amount of time in Crimea (pre-war days). I also don't know if the "border" from Crimea to Ukraine is open to foreigners. Could be better to just drive north from the Caucasus and enter Ukraine at Kharkov. Then on to the UK.

nottmbantam

Update: made contact with The Adventurists / Mongolian Rally Club on Facebook to ask the question. First ( and only, so far ) response was that I would deffo need a guide through Iran. Back to square one again, looking like the easy option ( ferry from Haifa ) is the safest bet. Although, this route still seems a bit more adventurous.

Millhouse

Why not get a ferry from Alexandria to Europe?

The comfy route would be to Venice but I'm sure you can be dropped off in a war zone/ shit hole if you really want to.

nottmbantam

Not seen any ferry routes from Alex to mainland Europe. Can go from Alex to Tripoli in Lebanon, and then from there to Mercin, Turkey. Also, no inclination to visit Egypt - would rather go through Israel.

carcajou

There are no longer ferries running from Egypt to Greece/Italy.

jam25mack

Ah well, it was worth a try. Also, worth using as a resource as those lot take many different routes so are decent for entry and exit info.