DUBAI TO DUBLIN
After six years in Dubai working as an airline pilot for Emirates, it was time to head home to the real world. The standard flying route to Europe is north across the Gulf, crossing the southern Iranian coastline, and then northwest along the middle of Iran, crossing into Turkey, onwards into Bulgaria, and the rest of Europe. It's almost identical to the overland route, and after six years of looking down on this from the air, with its beautiful mountain ranges, hidden villages and salt lakes, I swore that when it came time to go home, I'd ride back overland.
HOSSEIN THE FIXER
Planning this ultimate ride home consisted mainly of a visa for Iran, which while needing plenty of time in advance, was pretty straightforward. I used www. Overlandtoiran.com run by Hossein, who issues an 'invitation', which goes into the Iranian immigration system, and then allows you to submit your passport for a tourist visa. He also takes care of Green Card insurance for Iran and Turkey.
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