In the Shadows of Mount Ararat

HIGHLIGHTS

• Istanbul is where this Turkey motorcycle adventure begins. It was known as Byzantium and Constantinople and for 600 years it was the seat of the mighty Ottoman Empire until 1922. Resting at the mouth of the Bosphorus Strait, the skyline is dominated by the iconic images of the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia and the walled Sultan’s Topkapi Palace. Spend as much time as you can here, wandering the great Bazaar’s, feeling the centuries of history. Magic!
• The Peninsula of Gallipoli today reminds us of the futility of war. Here, in World War I, the Axis armies of Turkey defended the strategic Dardanelles Strait from invading Naval and ground forces and the armies of Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain (ANZAC) during an eleven month siege. 
• Ephesus dates back to 10th Century BC, a sprawling once port city of temples, markets, open air amphitheaters and commerce. It has biblical connections and is an example of the profound influences of  Rome and Greek empires shared in this region. We’ll have a fascinating walking tour of this massive archeological wonder. 
• When thinking of Turkey, one cannot miss the highlight of Cappadocia. With its curious pinnacle peaks formed by erosion protruding among canyons and across the arid landscape, carved dwellings date back thousands of years. You will enjoy two nights here in a luxurious hotel, rooms carved out of the rock. And if conditions approve, you must take the optional hot air balloon excursion.
• Kekova is an island we reach by small boat. The village is simple, meandering up the hillside to a castle dating from the time of the Crusades. Swim, take a kayak to a nearby island, bargain in the tiny village shops or just relax. 
• Riding into the interior of Antalya, Konya is a highly conservative city (you won’t find alcohol here), known as the final resting place of Rumi the 13th century Persian poet, scholar and practitioner of the Suffi faith. His works are known around the world and inspire many to this day. 
• Mount Ararat looms over the countries of Iran, Turkey and Armenia.  It is actually a dormant volcano rising to nearly 17,000 ft, and through ages has been revered as a holy place. Folklore claims it is the resting place of Noah’s Ark. Who knows!
• Drawing from the Mediterranean, the Far East and the sub-continent, our guests rave about our dining extravaganzas in this region. Plates of assorted meze arrive to the table, starters that become a meal by themselves. Fresh seafood, lamb or chicken are the main dishes. Grilled kebabs are a favorite. End with delicate pastries and a rich shot of Turkish coffee. The wines of Georgia, the famous brandies of Armenia and the anise infused drink called Raki of Turkey provide memorable libations. You won’t be disappointed.  
• Armenia has a delicate political position in this region. Friends of Russia, aligned with the USA, suffering the tragedy of a genocide that took place over 100 years ago, and battling neighboring Azerbaijan over the contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh, its people devoutly cling to Orthodox Christianity. You will enjoy the culture here and the riding is superb.
• Mount Nemrut is at 7,000 ft. one of the highest points in the Taurus Mountains of Turkey’s Eastern Anatolia. Here we will climb to find the 2000 year old mausoleum of Antiochus I and the colossal statues erected around his artificial mound, a highlight especially if experienced at sunrise.
• The Caucasus Mountains stretch from the Black Sea through the Republic of Georgia and Russia to the Caspian Sea. There are 50 different ethnic groups in this region. We’ll get off on some unpaved roads to experience the beauty while in Georgia.
• The Black Sea divides Europe and Asia. We’ll journey along its shores through Turkey and learn of its unique culture and history. 
• The staff team. We could not do this without the relationships built with our native staff and partner, Kaz Uzunoglu. He brings Turkey and its neighboring countries to you like no one else can and is a legend among our guests who return year after year. The services, from start to finish, will impress you. MotoDiscovery style.
• This tour is the ideal platform for a customized private tour just for you and your friends. Interested? Fill out this easy Custom Motorcycle Tour Questionnaire, and let’s get started.

ITINERARY

Day 1:  Fly into Istanbul, Turkey

Day 2:  Istanbul

Day 3:  Istanbul

Day 4:  Istanbul

Day 5:  Assos

Day 6:  Sirince/Ephesus

Day 7:  Ephesus

Day 8:  Bodrum

Day 9:  Gocek

Day 10: Kekova

Day 11: Kekova

Day 12: Antalya

Day 13: Konya

Day 14: Cappadocia

Day 15: Cappadocia

Day 16: Gaziantep

Day 17: Mt. Nemrut

Day 18: Urfa

Day 19: Mardin

Day 20: Mardin

Day 21: Van

Day 22: Kars

Day 23: Borjomi, Georgia

Day 24: Tbilisi

Day 25: Tbilisi

Day 26: Yerevan

Day 27: Yerevan

Day 28: Akhaltsikhe

Day 29: Batumi

Day 30: Trabzon

Day 31: Amasya

Day 32: Sinop

Day 33: Sinop

Day 34: Amasra

Day 35: Istanbul

Day 36: Istanbul

Day 37: Fly home

PRICE  

Rider on personal motorcycle:

Based on minimum 8 participants → 22,835 ^USD

Based on minimum 10 participants → 20,870 ^USD

Based on maximum of 12 participants → 19,785 ^USD

Rental Motorcycles → Inquire

Sidecars → extra fees may apply

Passenger → 12,370 ^USD

Single occupancy supplement → 2,850 ^USD

Deposit per person → 2,000 ^USD

All rooms are shared, double occupancy. If you request to not share a room the single occupancy supplement applies. If we are unable to find a roommate for you, the single supplement will apply. No exception.

DATES
Sept 04 – Oct 09, 2023

INCLUDES

• Round trip ocean freighting of personal motorcycle and associated export and import fees.
• 36 nights accommodations (double occupancy)
• 21 dinners, all breakfasts and occasional lunch
• Multilingual riding guide
• Support van with driver staff assistant
• Riding assistant tour staff
• Multiple transfers associated with clearing the import and export of the motorcycle
• Arrival Istanbul airport greet and transfer
• Ferry motorcycles and passengers Istanbul-Assos & Dardanelles Strait
• Guided walking tour of Ephesus and entrances
• Guided walking tour of Istanbul and entrances
• Guided tour of the city of Yerevan, Armenia
• Guided walking tour of Tbilisi
• Private bus transportations for tours and activities as required
• Entrances to Mt. Nemrut
• Island transportation Kekova
• Special Whirling Dervish Performance Cappadocia
• Maps & GPS waypoints
• Road book
• MotoDiscovery/ Kazoom apparel items

DOES NOT INCLUDE

• International airfare
• Emergency evacuation insurance (mandatory)
• Trip cancellation-interruption insurance (strongly recommended)
• Any motorcycle insurance if available
• Fuel
• Tolls
• Alcoholic beverages
• Staff tips and gratuities for specially requested services
• Any inclusions other than those specified International airfare
• Possible border related fees
• Visa fees
• Inclusions other than those specified
• Any costs related to a situation that calls for repatriation of a motorcycle due to accident or mechanical failure.