My Dad is retiring out there and hopes to be leaving in early May. I'm taking a few belongings over for him including his dog!
I was intending to drive down to Bari in Italy, catch the overnight ferry over to Patras in Greece and then on to Tolo. Then spend a couple of days with my Dad and then take a week or so to drive home.
Is there a better route?
What is the availability of decent diesel in Greece and any of the countries that I pass through?
Is there a LR assist No. for Europe or do I need a No. for each country?
Any recommendations for accommodation or places to visit on the slow drive back?
Anything else?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Back in the game!
Having toured significantly throughout Europe on 2 wheels, it is easy to forget that the rest of the EU drive cars / bikes and have petrol / derv available. I can't think of any place without a normal looking fuel stop with reasonable quality fuel (EU standards apply). Finding one that is open, or accepts credit cards (particularly in rural France on a Sunday) can be a completely different matter
As for routes back, it depends what you like. I could never miss a trip round some of the better Alpine passes. Grossglockner in Austria, Stelvio in northern Italy, and (if you are brave enough ), the Splugen pass from Italy to Switzerland.... Then there's the St Bernards (both of them) Col'd'iseran, Col de La Bonnet (highest road in Europe almost 2 miles above sea level) on 'La Route Napolean'...... the list goes on.........
I want another holiday
26th Jan 2007 12:52 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72799
DD I did that route in 2000 but went from Ancona to Brindisi on an overnight crossing. Great boat, great run down through Alps & Italy. I have a little short cut through France that is 90% dual carriageway with no tolls!
No problem getting diesel on whole route incl Greece, it was really cheap in Greece cf rest of trip!
By coincidence, I just received a snail-mail from Superfast ferries offering discounts on the Ancona - Patras route...... Early May still counts as low-season, and as far as I can see, a one-way ticket inc cabin for up to four persons is £264. Not sure if this includes the vehicle (£50 for up to 6m long and 2m high). If it is just the two of you, cabins start at £114pp.......
26th Jan 2007 1:16 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72799
Ah, meant Ancona Patras!!! Being a total muppet today!
I hate boats so wanted to drive down as much as I could to either Bari or Brindisi.
Great stuff so far lads, thanks. keep 'em coming! Back in the game!
26th Jan 2007 3:21 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72799
You could drive down through Jugofsaliva?? Did that in late 80s (or was it early 90s???) in a 110, one hellova experience but might be a bit risky now!
Last time i want there my car was pelted with stones!!
but a young lady did ask me if i wanted a spot of "light relief" whilst i waited to pick up the Mrs and a friend from a concertLakeland Land Rover
The Garage,
Torver,
Coniston,
Cumbria,
LA21 8BJ
Tel: 015394 41888
26th Jan 2007 4:58 pm
KrZ
Member Since: 15 Jun 2006
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Posts: 96
JMC wrote:
As for routes back, it depends what you like. I could never miss a trip round some of the better Alpine passes. Grossglockner in Austria, Stelvio in northern Italy, and (if you are brave enough ), the Splugen pass from Italy to Switzerland....
my mate on honda cbr600 got stuck (car coming, not enough turning circle, so had to jump off and push bike back up to complete the turn with ques of cars watching ) on the way down towards Italy on one of the hair pins.
my mate on honda cbr600 got stuck (car coming, not enough turning circle, so had to jump off and push bike back up to complete the turn with ques of cars watching ) on the way down towards Italy on one of the hair pins.
I presume you are talking about Splugen then
Did it in the car in 2002 and I remember a biker doing just what you said when I was coming up from the Italian side
26th Jan 2007 6:25 pm
Mike
Member Since: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Doncaster UK
Posts: 184
Hey DD
My Girlfiriend has done Donny to Greece, if you still have my mobile number give us a call sometime and she can talk you through what she found to work / not work'06 D3 HSE
Zambezi with Alpaca, F & R light guards, side steps, privacy glass, MTR's, rear access ladder, roof bars, RAI, walnut trim and a few other little bits and bobs
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