Leaving Istanbul in the morning and riding on another country’s roads by evening, on a route with camping, an island and an ancient sanctuary. In 2022 we tried exactly this on our BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and filmed every day. The tour lasted 14 nights and 15 days and covered 4500 km in total.
How is the route organised?
The series follows the route in order. Episode 1 takes us from Istanbul to the İpsala border crossing in the rain. Episode 2 is about camping in Alexandroupoli, known in Turkish as Dedeağaç, and the ferry to Thassos. Episode 3 is a full circuit of Thassos in 24 hours, and episode 4 is a whole day on the road from Thassos to Interstation camping in Stylida. Episode 5 reaches Delphi and the ski town of Arachova. The tour ended in Athens with two nights and three days.
Why Delphi?
Delphi is one of the famous sanctuaries of the ancient world and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Arriving by motorcycle gives a journey the finale it deserves. Thassos is an island in the northern Aegean reached by ferry, and riding onto it adds a flavour of its own.
Notes for planning
The article is the map and the videos are the road itself. Border and ferry arrangements change over time, so check the current situation before you leave. A few Rider Healthcare and Galata Healthcare products suit a 15-day route, and Educated Moto Riders offers motorcycle tours and trips if you would rather ride as a group.
Read the full story in Turkish with photos and videos: Yunanistan Motosiklet Turu.