Got to say its 10 years since I camped in Turkey and nearly 20 years since I camped in Syria and Jordan so site recomendations would be of little use but i think you will be pleasently surprised at how comfortable and easy the route is.
I hope you have allowed sufficient time as its a route that holds much interest,off the top of my head must sees include the monastries of Metereo and Perama caves in N.Greece,Istanbul,the mighty Krac de chevalier in Syria and of course Wadi rum,Petra and coastal areas of Jordan.
I really enjoyed both Syria and Jordan when I visited and found the people very friendly although I was on my own cycle-touring I never felt unsafe.If these two countries were in a more politically stable area they would be very populur tourist destinations.
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Thanks very much for the reassurances about the route, I've not been past Greece before.
I'm setting off January and yes I have plenty of time, which is why my route is a bit vague. Think I will get to SW Turkey first without dawdling too much along the way, apart from visiting a couple of friends. Will save any European detours for the return in warmer weather.
Unless you're particularly interested in southerly Italy, I think you'll find the journey to Ancona and overnight ferry from there to Patras quicker, cheaper and more comfortable. However, I've never tried it in winter.
I think there may be a general problem of ferries delayed and roads closed due to the weather; also many ferries may not run in the 'off' season?
At last and finally, someone has posted a question for somewhere other than the outskirts of Calais. Well done Willm, and more so for planning a good trip.
We run a campsite in Southern Bulgaria for people passing through on their way to Turkey and Greece, and while we get no end of Dutch, French, German, Spanish and Italian visitors,many of them retired couples, the only time we see any Brits is when they come to this part of the world to take advantage of the cheap cost of houses and of living. Very few Brits seem to know of the existance of Turkey, arguably the best country for camping, as you can stop almost anywhere, the locals are very friendly, the climate good and the food edible.
One word of warning in your planning: don't consider driving in Istanbul, get a bus if you go there. It's so big and busy it's impossible to drive in.
I hope lots of people see and read your question here, and maybe it will prompt a few of them to think about going a bit farther than France and Spain.
Enjoy your trip,
Martin T Jeffes
Sakar Hills Camping
Biser,
Nr Harmanli
Bulgaria
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Hi Paul, Thanks for the suggestion, I considered the Ancona route but I'd like to drive down to the south of Italy because I hate very long sea crossings, Plenty of time.
Thanks for the encouragement Martin, I know this probably won't endear me to many, but the scarcity of wintering motorhome or caravanning Brits is part of the attraction lol :D
Many here look at me as if I'm slighty mad for going south east instead of south. However my reading of posts and blogs from travellers to turkey and the Middle East indicates the opposite.
Have a look at the Camping Cheque on-line brochure - they offer a couple of sites in Turkey and more in Greece, plus some 'affiliated' sites in Greece and Bulgaria. You can download the brochure from the Camping Cheques http://www.campingcheque.co.uk website - but beware the 'Our campsites' map and details have not been updated on the website itself, just in the downloadable brochure.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Winter sites, Europe -> Middle East
