Introduction
Every great journey has its turning point. After months following the trail of incense, we set our compass irrevocably toward home in Midyat, Turkey. What follows is an epic road trip spanning thousands of kilometers across continents and seas—from the dusty roads of Mesopotamia to the ancient coasts of Greece, the wild heart of southern Italy and Sicily, and finally to the deeply emotional moment when our camper crosses the Swiss border. A farewell to the unknown and a warm hello to family and friends—captured in four unforgettable chapters, each dedicated to a different country.
Our Return Journey
Turkey: From ancient rocks in the east to the gates of Istanbul
Our return journey begins deep in the east: From the ancient stone city of Midyat, we’re drawn through historic Diyarbakır and the Sümela Monastery, perched high in the mist, all the way across Anatolia. Passing by the capital, Ankara, we experience the white limestone terraces of Pamukkale as well as the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Bergama before entering Europe via the shimmering skyline of Istanbul.
Greece: Between Heaven and Sea
We cross the border into Greece and immerse ourselves in a world of myths and dreamlike roads. After the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, the floating monasteries of Meteora take our breath away. Beyond Athens, the Peloponnese captivates us: We go rock climbing in Leonidio, soak up history in Kalamata, and finally take the ferry in Patras—heading toward our next adventure.
Italy & Sicily: Volcanic Dust and Coastal Dreams
The ferry drops us off in Bari, Italy. We fall in love with the conical-roofed trulli of Alberobello, the cave city of Matera, and Tropea, dramatically perched on cliffs. Then Sicily beckons: Between the waves at Patti Marina, the smoking peak of Mount Etna, picturesque Cefalù, and the Caribbean vibe in San Vito Lo Capo, we experience pure magic before the night ferry takes us from Palermo to Genoa.
Switzerland: The Final Miles
The final leg begins. From Genoa, we cruise through the rolling vineyards of Piedmont until the familiar peaks of the Alps appear on the horizon. We’ve crossed the border! After months in the camper, we finally embrace our families and friends once again. As the grand finale, we take the time for a short but delightful tour through our own homeland—and realize: Switzerland has its very own epic travel moments.