London -> Greece

My friend is getting married in Greece in the summer. I was pondering
combining it with a bit of a ride. Google Maps suggests the ferry from Italy,
but this seems a bit annoying and possibly expensive, although the idea of
going down the Adriatic coast appeals.

However the alternative is via Eastern Europe, which I know little about.
Would Slovenia -> Croatia -> Serbia -> Macedonia -> Greece be safe and vaguely
interesting? Or something completely different?

 

That's what I would do.

Well, in fact I wouldn't because I'd feel uncomfortable riding through
a couple of those countries, knowing what the local populaces have
proved themselves capable of doing not so long ago. Not fearing for my
safety, you understand, simply not liking not knowing with whom I'm
dealing. You probably won't share my hangup.

 

Useful info could be found here.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057541/plotsummary

 

Hmm, I suppose the same could be levied against Belfast, but you can't
tar a whole community/population with the actions of a few psychos
(on both sides of the divide).

Paul.

 

Hungary/Romania/Bulgaria offers an alternative and travel would remain
in the EU. Of course, past events in those countries might affect your
sensibilities too...

 

I know what you mean but ITYF that its Bosnia and Republika Serpska where
that feeling still pervades.
Slovenia is a bit like Austria really, green valleys, pictoresque houses and
cows with bells round their necks chewing bars of chocolate.
The route then passes Zagreb (busy and not very interesting IMO) and then
its the long drag to Belgrade and then south to Nis. This is a pretty boring
bit IMO mostly flat with endless fields of maize for scenery, I like
Belgrade though.
After Nis things get a bit more interesting with mountains etc. Once you are
in Greece you can take you pick of routes ranging from nice to downright
adventurous. After Zagreb though, things get progressively more dangerous,
progress slower and generally more knackering due to " local conditions" .
Personally I'd take the ferry from Italy though, you can choose from Venice,
Ancona, Bari or Brindisi (maybe more) depending on how long you want to ride
in Italy or relax on the boat and I doubt it'll be more than the
petrol/accomodation/speeding fines if you go the other way.

HTH

 

It wouldn't worry me. There's lots of places I've been where the locals
may not be so keen on an Englishman.

The history both pre and post 1992 in the former SFRY would be
fascinating.

 

Only if you have time for it.

 

Wouldn't that rule out most of the world though? Most people are
capable of appalling things given enough hatred.

 

Croatia is 100% safe & fucking stunning, especially the coast roads.
They love bikes too.

 

Yeah, like riding through Germany...

 

coast road is stunning but full of German caravans and insane locals,
and there is usually a crash every 5km or so.

OP's route would need to go inland to avoid the worst of bandit country

 

Well, I appreciate all input, but really everywhere's got baggage, have to
live in the real world etc. As long as I'm not going through anywhere I'm too
likely to get murdered / raped etc, I'm okay. I'm passing through, innit?

 

Interesting, thanks.

 

Great info, thanks. </impressed>

 

Coast road would appear to lob me through Albania. Thanks Nige, but no.

 

Despertaferro from the Dago group did that a couple ofyears ago (go ferry,
return Eastern Europe), feel free to ask him for details. His trip had an
actual destination of Istambul, and did it with SWMBO both on gixxer six.

 

if you haven't already,Tony, register at www.ukgser.com/forums (free) as
there are a number of trip reports you can research

 

When's "the summer"? My brother's doing both in August, riding
overland to Greece then ferry to Italy on the way back.

 

Well, looking to get *to* Greece around August 26th. Not sure how long these
things take, never toured that much.

Which begs the question, how long would one need for such a venture? I'll
predict the next question, and the answer is "I don't want to knacker myself
out riding too many miles per day, but equally I want to Make Progress".

Any idea how much the ferry costs? I couldn't find out online and couldn't be
arsed to call.