Ex-Yugo....
 

Looks like I'm gonna find myself in Bari at the beginning of September... (Gotta go to a wedding in Positano!)

Could have up to 2 weeks afterwards to return, and I'm thinking of coming back via Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Croatia...

Anyone ridden that route since the troubles? If so, what's the Skinny?

Hi there Fletch. You can cross from Bari to Igoumentsia or some other location. Ride a few days through Greece and then ride up the coast through Albania-Macedonia(visit lake Ohrid-a must see), then back to Albania(ride along the coast, the roads are getting better every year), then enter Monte Negro(lots to see also) and finally Croatia. In September there are less tourists at the coast so the ride is going to be more relaxed. In my home country there are tons of nice stuff to see, mediteranian food to try and great wine to drink.
Regarding the safety, Grece, and Croatia are safe, but because the Kosovo want's to proclaime it's independence you should follow the news how this story is developing because it can have some effect on Albania, Macedonia and Monte Negro. I'm not saying that the region is unsafe just to follow the news and ask more info some time near your departure or just send me a PM.

Have a nice trip and if you'll need any help while travelling through Croatia or before the trip don't hesitate to ask :thumbup:

ex-yugo...
 

yes, we did it in 2006, bur from north to south.
our report you find here: Picasa-Webalben - helmut - escape to balkan

generally there are no troubles with border crossings anymore on the route we took at least.
i would recommend to stay away from offroad tracks, where there hve been fightings. there could be landmines still.
i would likely stay away from the kosovo at the moment as well.

Croatia - Greece
 

I am looking at travelling to Greece from Dubrovnik in May. Would anyone suggest the best route under present conditions. This is in a 4WD.

dubrovnik to greece.
 

there is no need for a 4WD, just follow the tarmac like:
dubrovnik->podgorica->shkoder->tirane->elbasan->pogradec->korce->kastoria.
if you look for your previously stolen car, check the huge 2nd hand markets with thousands of cars in the middle of nowhere as you approach to the albanian border..;)

Dubrovnic to Greece
 

Thanks for that. I will check it:thumbup1: out on the map.

Hi Fletch,

Went through Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia before crossing to Bari a couple of years ago.
No problems at all although as Frgich (?!) says, it's worth keeping an eye on the Kosovo situation as it may well affect the neighbours.
Most people rave about the Croatian coast road but I personally found it too busy. There was an interesting minor road running parallel that was much more enjoyable.
Bosnia was fantastic and Sarajevo was the highlight of our trip. Definitely worth a visit.

Thanx Mermaid :o)

Which troubles
 

Since which troubles do you mean ?
Since the Turks almost invaded in the middle ages,WWII, Yugo. breaking up in the 90s,
Kosovo declaring independence ?

Been riding through there from mid-90s but not since about 2003.
Back then Albania was genuinely dodgy but all reports since say
it's getting a lot better. Even then I had no particular problems
just there was a general air of lawlessness.

Montenegro is lovely, Kosovo itself may have a closed border to Serbia
when you get there, Croatia is crammed with holidaymakers but the coast
is fantastic. Sarajevo well worth a visit and the mountains around it well worth
exploring. Slovenia is more Austrian and by far the most European.
It's all a great part of the world to see by motorcycle.

DF