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The whole continent in 4 months, is it possible??????
Hi Guys!!!
Having read loads of threads I am still not very confident about a nice route to see all around Europe in 4 months. The picture is: A Brazilian couple (23 and 21 Yrs) going 2-up on a GS1100 (Or a V-Strom 1000, not sure yet) around Europe for 3-4 months (from June till October, 2006), my other half's got a Dutch Passport and I’ve got an English Residence Permit Visa (5 Years) on my Brazilian Passport, so we should be Ok with Visas. We are planning to head North of France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia (leave the bike there and go into Russia by train for a week ), Latvia, Lithuania. Then into Poland, Ukraine (don’t know if it’s worth), Slovakia (We’re not going to Czech Rep, cause we’ve been there already, it’s a wonderful place), Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria (Don’t know if it’s too dangerous), Greece (we want to spend at least a week there). After that we’re gonna ride up to Croatia, Austria, Switzerland, then Italy, France (again) Spain and Portugal. So, any thoughts about it? By ANY I mean absolutely Anything, if you tell me: “you shouldn’t go there, you should spend more time overthere…”Whatever, I’ll consider and appreciate it very much indeed. We’d like some information about the best time to hit Norway, if Estonia, Lat and Lit are dangerous, nice routes that we could get in Croatia, if we are missing a nice country that we should go to, etc…As I said, anything that you could help with would be GREAT! We’re a looking to stay in cheap Hotels rather then camping, we’re not gonna be eating in expensive restaurants, we’d just like the minimum (that means a hot shower and a bed, garage for the bike and some sandwiches will do)! The Budget is about £70.00 (+/- €100.00) p/day…Too short?Too much? The other thing that’s gonna be quite difficult is the Insurance, I have a Brazilian licence, so anyone know a company that would Insure a UK registered bike with a Brazilian rider? I’ve got a car here (UK), which is Insured trhu Churchil, but they said they wouldn’t do the Bike (????). Thanks very much Fernando and Maraisa [This message has been edited by fcasado (edited 22 November 2005).] [This message has been edited by fcasado (edited 16 January 2006).] |
Sounds pretty ambitious Fernando!
Since everyone likes to travel in different styles it is difficult to say whether you'll enjoy a whirlwind tour of Europe or not. We spent a year in Europe and didn't even get to the north! We found that we ended up staying at places for two nights unless we were transiting to somewhere. That is, we rode to the destination and got settled on day one, then visited the place for a day and headed off the next day. When just trying to make time we would sometimes get to a place we wanted to see (but didn't want to see a lot) early in the afternoon. Walk around the town that afternoon and pack up the next day. Being from North America our perception of distances was also a little skewed. Here we can easily do a few hundred kilometres before lunch. In Europe we were happy with putting in two or three hundred kilometres in a day. Our longest day was on the autobahn from Salzberg to Berlin, when I had an appointment to visit the BMW plant. We didn't see anything that day! So for planning purposes I would suggest getting the map out and a guide book (such as Lonely Planet) that lists interesting places to visit then plotting it out. If you find you have lots of interesting places to visit then four months is probably not enough time. If you only have a few "biggies" then you can just zip from one to the other on the autobahn and do it in four months. We have a giant wall map of the world in a bedroom that is laminated. On that map we use an erasable marker to plot our trips. We put places we want to see on the map as well as approximate dates. This really helps us in determining whether a proposed route is going to work! With regards to your timing, we were in Croatia in October, heading south to Greece, and found that the tourist facilities were starting to shut down. Frequently we were the only ones in a campground for example. Still Dubrovnik and Plitvice National Park were great highlights! We picked up our "Green Card" motorcycle insurance through ADAC in Frankfurt when we arrived. ADAC is the German auto club. We went to an ADAC office on Monday morning and got the papers and by that afternoon we rode our bikes out of the cargo terminal at the airport. There is an ad on this page for Knopf Motorradreisen who will take care of the insurance for you if that is too much hassle. Hope some of that helps! Have fun! http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif ------------------ Ekke Kok Redwood Meadows, AB '89 R100GS |
Hi, If I were you, I´d double check again that you don´t need a Schengen Visum for entering Europe. it would surprise me very, very much. And for some eastern European countries on your list, it would surprise me even more, because also GB passport holders need visa for them (Russia, Ukraine, ...). If the formalities don´t stop you, 4 months will be enough, don´t worry. |
Thanks very much Ekke!
That's exactly what We're looking for. We are looking into google Earth for the maps, but the ideia of a laminated one is really good, cause it will give us a better idea of the distances...We roughly worked out a week for each country, but just when you get there you know if the time is enough or well short... We'd rather not take the highways, but second roads...and we're fine doing 300 miles a day! Anyway, How did you book the places that you stayed in, trhu the Internet, on arrival?And Did you use a GPS? Thanks a lot for all the infos Fernando p.s. - Forgot to ask, is it a good idea take a laptop with us? |
Uganduro,
I do need a Schengen Visa, but that's a lot easier to get after get a British one, hehe! I've lived in Holland also, apart from Britain never ever had a problem on the border... About Russia, we (both) need an invitatio letter to apply for a Visa, but I think an agency could do the job. How about Ukraine, do you think it would be worth (Im not sure about it)? I think for the other countries such as Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria the visa wouldnt be easy, but not as hard as Russia. Thanks a lot for your help!!! Fernando |
Hi Fcasado,
You say you are going to Croatia and Italy but don't mention Slovenia, although it's in the way so you'll have to go through but you may not have considered it as a 'destination' as such. I was there last year and it's a great wee place. The mountains are phenomenal and the area around Lake Bled is beautiful. I stayed at a campsite though so can't advise on accom. I was in Norway this year and that is also a fantastic place (possibly my favourite country in the world!) the whole place is beautiful. It's expensive though. The cheapest place to stay which is not a campsite is in a 'Hytte' which is like a basic little cabin, they are pretty common. They normally charge for the hut, not per person, and usually hold 4 people but even with only two of you they are much cheaper than hotles I think. There is enormous potential for 'off roading' on the numerous unsealed roads there. In my own neck of the woods (Scotland) The west coast is the most dramatic and if you can get out to the islands like Arran and Skye they are a real treat. You are probably looking at the 'Bed and Breakfast' market for accom. you should get a reasonable one from about £30 up for the both of you. They are all over the place. You can buy a B&B guide to scotland at any bookshop in the cities. Or check the 'smoothound' accomodation website. matt |
Matt,
We're not going to Scotland this time, we've been there 3 times, and it's amazing, the whole country is beatiful, we did Cambridge - Edinburgh - Inverness - Fort William - Glasgow - Cambridge... We stayed in B&B's for exactly the 30 quid you said! So, about Norway, I heard and read that it's amazing, and that's why we changed our minds heading North...We were going first to Spain and Portugal, but found out that we may run out of money and time and miss the best bits...So, we're gonna do the expensive Norway first! Oh, Yes...We're going to Slovenia (I hope) as well, I read your thread (if Im not wrong, it was you) about there, seems to be really good! Cheers mate! Fernando |
Hey Fernando,
The laminated map on the wall is fun too! People come over and look at our plans and sometimes give useful tips. Sometimes we'll be watching TV or reading a book and come across something interesting: zoom! Off to the map to jot it down! We took Lonely Planet's Europe book along with us to find accommodation (85% camping for 13 months) as well as to point out interesting places to visit. The only downside is that the books are written for back packers who arrive by bus/train so directions can be a bit sparse to get to your desired location. Bus #94 isn't much help http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif Makes for some fun though. We couldn't find the campground in Zaragosa, Spain and ended up asking a traffic, motorcycle cop. We couldn't quite understand each other so he ended up leading us to it! Turns out the campground was closed for the season so he led us into the heart of the city at rush hour to a hotel, zooming through amber traffic lights with him motioning cars to stop! =8-O We did use a GPS but an old one. It doesn't have any map capability at all. You have to input waypoints manually or through a computer. I would plot any complex journeys (such as to the campground in the middle of Paris) on the laptop (using Touratech software and maps) the night before. Then download the routes into the GPS. I'm planning on buying a new GPS with built in maps to make that a bit easier next time! The laptop was great. We used it to program the GPS, store and edit photographs and keep our website up-to-date. We thought we would edit digital video too but that turned out to be too much like work. I carried the laptop in my right side pannier in a neoprene case with the tent jammed in beside it. No troubles. In fact the laptop still works perfectly 3.5 years and 60,000km later. Have fun planning and then riding! ------------------ Ekke Kok Redwood Meadows, AB '89 R100GS |
Hi,
four months is pretty ambitious but possible. You shouldn't go for Scandinavia before May. My experience is that May is still pretty fresh, but the weather is quite stable, June/July lots of rain and from August onwards better again, but then it's holiday time. Travelling on secondary roads is of course the best option to see much. In this case it does make sense to use a navigation system with a European map programme like "Tom Tom" etc. because they are specialised on Europe. It makes travelling much easier if you don't have to stop at every second crossing to check the road map. The Lonely Planet should assist you in finding accomodation at different price categories. During the main holiday season (July/Aug) it might be difficult to get a room in some places though. Regarding your question where to go or not ist just about impossible for the whole of Europe :-( I believe every country has its specials. So just go end enjoy. Hans |
Thanks again Ekke, so we’re taking the Laptop with us, as it seems to help quite a lot…And about the GPS, we’re gonna have to buy one, do you recommend any in particular? (I’m gonna have a look into the GPS forum as well, but as you’re after one you might know…)
Hans, thanks a lot for the tips!!! I’ve got a question for you about buying a Bike in Germany…Is it too difficult? Cause I’ve checked out a lot of BMW’s there, and they’re much cheaper then here in Britain… Cheers Fernando |
No problem Fernando,
The GPS unit that appeals to me the most at the moment is the Garmin Quest. It can do autorouting maps as well as regular maps. The main reason I like it though is that it is pretty small and therefore easy to use on backpacking trips. You might want to check out the website we created for our family and friends. It has a few of the places you're planning to visit. www.ekke-audrey.ca ------------------ Ekke Kok Redwood Meadows, AB '89 R100GS '03 R1150GS Adventure [This message has been edited by Ekke (edited 23 November 2005).] |
Ekke,
What a Website, amazing source of info... It's on my favorites now, and I'll need a while to check out all the Chapter's!!! I have a kind of stupid question about the GPS, do I have to buy a special one for motorbikes or the one for cars would be Ok? Cause I'm trying to find it on e-bay.co.uk, but I can just get the car's one! Thanks a lot! Fernando [This message has been edited by fcasado (edited 23 November 2005).] |
Good luck with the trip - I did some of the Easter Europe parts and you can see comments in the Travellers Stories section under 'Kevin Payne'. You need to be careful with visas, but I really did get special treatment at most places when I was on a bike. I think they know illegal immigrants don't turn up on big bikes ! It would be risky to rely on it everywhere, but a big bike, a good attitude and a pretty girlfriend would get you across a lot of borders.
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Wheelspin,
Thanks very much...I think you had a rainy trip, didnt you?Freedom has a price to be paid...but it's worth, hehe! Very Good report!!Recommend any place in Particular? We'll spend a good time taking care of the Visas, and we know how a simple border officer can mess with you, but as you said, we've got an advantage, so let's use it... Cheers Fernando |
For Northern Norway the best time is late June - early July. Whether or not you have a rainy trip there is pretty much chance. August is getting a little late for the Far North.
It's probably not worth the hassle trying to buy and register a bike in Germany if you live in GB. If you intend to stay in GB you will be required to get a British licence after a certain period. This could do away with your insurance problems. Personally, I wouldn't plan in too much detail. Decide on the major sights you want to see, point your bike North and see Norway, then just cruise at a pace that feels comfortable for both of you. What's the point in rushing? You are both young. If you don't get to see all of the Europeann countries this time around they should still be there in a few years time for another trip. Take it easy! (Just my opinion...) Having said that, I'd recommend to go and see Romania now. Apparently, you can still see people living like they did in Europe decades ago (working the fields with animals, donkey carts, etc.) This will all be gone in only a few years time. If you buy a GPS for cars how will it cope with rain? |
The very very best time to visit Norway, if you are to ride the arctic highway, is from early june to early july, but mid may to mid august will do. June is when you will experience the midnight sun at its greatest... but don't forget to buy some mosquito repellant if you are going that far North, and plenty of warm clothing. There is a superb mosquito repellant brand called Mygga Myggmelk (comes in a glass roll on bottle in a green cardboard packaging and can be bought at most Norwegian pharmasies and sporting goods stores). This is really a must... at the worst places at the worst times, we are talking millions of mosquitos. This repellant is superb, and mosquitos will not touch you. Don't cover your whole body, just roll on single stripes a few cms appart on exposed skin.
I strongly believe that Norway must be one of the greatest places on the planet to ride a motorcycle... and I am not just saying that out of patriotism! I can reccomend a book by John Douglas called Norway's Arctic Highway. But remember, distances in Norway are looooong! Windy roads going around bendy fjords, over and alongside high mountains, etc, takes time. Roads are in excellent condition and pose no problems for anyone (except for a few Danes who are affraid of heights), and main roads here are nothing more than backroads in other countries, with speeds hardly ever above 80 km/h. Also, this is an extremely expensive country where eating out in any restaurant is expensive, as is fuel and just about everything else. If you stay in a hotel, make sure not to pass up on the great breakfast buffets (included in the room fare), they will get you through dinner. Take time to use their sauna. Don't forget to bring warm clothing, and expect it to take much longer to cross this country than other European countries... there are no short cuts or large highways here (except for in and out of major towns and cities). Entering Norway from the south from Sweden, nature won't even begin to take your breath away until you get a few hours north/west of Oslo. To put distances into perspective, this summer, sticking to the main roads, we drove a car from Oslo to the Italian boarder in 24 hours. We drove around the clock, taking turns sleeping and driving... and we vere going really fast. If all you want to do is pass through every country, then 4 months will be plenty... but you will miss out. I would rather pick out the areas, roads, towns, cities, etc, that you would really want to see, and stick to the main highways inbetween. My top 5 list: 1) Norway - amazing scenery and roads for true biker enthusasts. Great breakfast buffets. 2) Austrian Alps arriving from Germany and going to Italy, taking a little detour to stop in Highligen Blut where you will have a clear view of the tallest mountain in Europe Gross Glockner. (crossing the alps you can make it a short trip, going through the Brenner passage into Italy). You have never seen so many motorcycle riders in one place... Summer would be the right time, but more flexible than Northern Norway. Eat apple pie or pancakes and drink scnapps. 3) Tuscany Italy, Including Cinco Terra, Luca, Sienna and the Cianti Road. Here it is mostly about enjoying the towns, though the scenery inbetween is also beutiful. I don't know which I prefer the most, Italian or French cooking... they are both so awesome. Italian food being so ingeniously simple, yet tasty, while french being complex and utterly savioury... mmmmmmm! 4) The wine roads in France plus the french riviera. 5) Ireland - beautiful, but rainy and windy... awesome pub life. Going to these places would just about put you in every corner in Western Europe. Germany is often only used as a transit country, but has much to offer. If just passing through, don't forget to spend atleast one night in an old town with the wood framed houses. There are some good wine routes that could be riden as an alternative to the Autobahn. It took me 8 hours to cross all of germany on the autobahn, though I drove really fast! Then offcourse there are all the major cities: Berlin, Paris, Prahag, Budapest, St.Petersburgh, Moscow, Amsterdam, London, Copenhagen, Rome, and others. I know little of eastern Europe and can't provide you with much useful information. But lt it be said, travelling in Europe is easy. I would bring a GPS though. If going to Copenhagen and plan to go to Norway from there (or the other way around), although much more expensive and a bit slower than riding through Sweeden, I would concider to take the ferry. The bike ride from Copenhagen to Oslo is long and boring. The overnight ferry voyage http://www.dfds.no/dsw/no is a full cruiseliner with just about everything on board. It will allow you to rest up, eat well, catch some sleep in the lugar, get drunk in one of the many bars or discoteques, purchase some duty free cigarettes and liquor (something which you definantly want to bring if you smoke or drink). But as I said, the ferry is a bit pricey when bringing a vehicle, something which you should take into concideration before embarking on Norway. Still, you would probably spend the night in some hotel anyways. There are often special low price tickets available as they make most of their money from Norwegians solely taking a round trip to hoard duty free goods and to get drunk onboard. Probably the greatest thing about this ferry, if the weather is nice, is that you get to see the entire Oslo fjord (not a true fjord like those in the geography books, but pretty spectacular non the less). |
Beddhist and Weelie,
Thanks very much guys, We really appreciate your help… Beddhist, I knew the GPS question was a bit stupid (hehe), but I really can’t find the one for motorbikes, I guess I’m searching in the wrong way! About the Bike and the Licence…After the trip, We’re going back to Brazil, cause I have to finish my University (And start a boring life…hehe), so we will no longer be in UK, and I want to send the bike to Brazil (That will be well difficult, I know…)!But the licence…I’ll have to take the test here anyway, cause the Insurers are a really pain in the ***** and they also don’t wanna insure me cause I’m under 25 yrs!!!! You said about Romania…We are definitely going there, and how about Bulgaria?Would you say it’s too dangerous???? And you got the point about “not rushing”…Cause we’re from Brazil, we always think that it will be VERY expensive to come here again, and do such a trip…But you’re absolutely right, because otherwise we end up passing a lot of countries, but not enjoying the places!!! Wheelie, What a post about Norway, thanks a lot… I’m very concerned about the cheap hotels there (B&B’s, hostels…) Can we get hold of them in the north?We’re not taking camping gear with us, and I don’t wanna pay £ 80.00 every night…hehe!I was looking at some websites yesterday, and it seems to be very difficult to find a hostel for less then £70.00…I was expecting to pay up to £45.00 for both of us (That’s what you pay here in UK for a honest B&B)!!! Appart from the book that you recommended, do you know any guidebook that is good for Norway (Or Scandinavia in general…)? How long do you reckon we should allow for Norway?A week? The other question is about the ferry…Altough I don’t drink that much, and don’t smoke at all, the ferry from Copenhagen to Norway seems to be the ideal one…How far is Copenhagen to Oslo (On the road)?I heard something about a ferry from Germany to Denmark and Denmark to Norway, is it the same one? Thanks again for the infos…Really appreciate that!!! We’re absolutely lost trying to plan the trip, and these informations came up to sort us out, at least in the Norway bit!!! Cheers guys Fernando |
Oops! I didn't mean to put you on the spot. I don't have a GPS, but PanEuropean put a very nice looking write-up in here somewhere (the comms forum?). Use the search function. I suspect that with GPS you get what you pay for. If it doesn't work satisfatorily then it was too expensive, no matter how little you paid.
I've never been to Bulgaria, but our friend Linda has just been there: http://www.haefale.de/linda/Latest_N...port_july.html Use the search function here on the HUBB to find other people's impressions. I wouldn't hesitate going there. There are some great web sites for ferries. Try viamare.com and also use a search engine for "ferry oslo", etc. |
Beddhist,
You havent done anything wrong...I asked for help, and that's exactly what you did...hehehe!!!!And I'd like to thank you very much again... I met Michael (PanEuropean) here in Cambridge...I work in an Internet Cafe and he turned up riding a HUGE Bike, I was so impressed and kept asking him millions of questions...So, he's the one to blame, cause he put me into the HUBB!!!By that time I was just thinking about a trip, but it was Not going to happen, then I started searching this forum and found out that it could happen... I swear I've read every post in the "European, Comm, Planning a route and Which Bike" forums, but I must be missing something...hehe!!!! I will work harder, and see what I can get!!!! Cheers mate Fernando |
There is a ferry going from kiel to Oslo http://www.colorline.no/servlets/page?section=1000, it takes two nights I think, and is an even greater option, though you will miss Denmark. They have just gotten a brand new ship, a huge one. If you plan to go this route, try to allign your trip so that you get to travel on this boat.
As for hotels, evrything in Norway has high standards, even by european standards. You don't have to bring a tent, but remember that the many of the most inexpensive self catering cabins (the second cheapest after camping)do not provide linnen, so bring a sleeping bag or linnen. Tenting in camp sites is a pain in the ass, litterally, as the ground is often really hard and uneven (not a lot of grass far north). Remember though that you can camp anywhere in Norway for free, even on private property. You must however bee atleast 150 meeters away from a house, worked garden or farmland, and not be of disturbance. Camping near a running brook in the wilderness is far more satisfying than in a camp sight, but do expect to have toturn off the main road to find a decent place... and a tent with a mosquito net is a must... and bring those eye covers that you get on the airplane... you can't distinguish night and day and sleep may get difficult. I am not sure how expensive hotels get, but it will get expensive. I wouldn't worry too much about staying in the cheap places, it is not like you have to do this every night, and it is appart of the experience. You will meet travellers coming the other way, save some money, etc. No matter what you choose, it will be clean and safe! I just realised yesterday that I left one of my vintage scooters unlocked for a month, ready for someone to take it for a ride (I still advice people to lock their bike and hotelroom door, not every Norwegian is honest, but allmost). As for tourguides, I am sure any will do. I know Lonely planet has editins for both Norway and the whole of scandinavia. I am sure iether will do... Norway is pretty straight forward and easy to travel. (Fixed prices on everything, everything works and arrives on time, clean and safe food no health or danger issues, everybody speeks english well, etc... in fact, it is strange that people die at all here...). A reference to costs, background informations, sights to see, refferences to accomodation and prices, are allways useful. The Norway specific guide will ofcourse be better, though I think as long as you have the general idea about things, have checked out the route you want to travel and the places to see, you just take as it comes... drive until you don't feel like it anymore, and then find a place to sleep. http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/search_products.cfm?bNewSearch=t rue&searchfor=norway&select=javascript%3Avoid%280% 29 As for accomodation, you will come by them wherever you go... no worries here. As for time, you can do it in a week, but you will be in a hurry. Two weeks is more appropriate, and a must if you calculate the return trip. A 250 kilometer trip in Norway will take approximatley 3-5 hours, icluding stops for food and gas. You might want to climb a glacier or something or spend the night in major towns rather than just pass through. And remember,unless you turn east into Russia, there is nothing beyond northerm Norway besided icy cold water,you have to calculate time to get back. You can either go by Hurtigruten, a luxury cruiseliner http://www.hurtigruten.no/index.asp If you are on a budget, then this is definatley not an option. Your other options would either be to drive back through Sweden or Finland which is must faster as it is flatter (calculate 3 days). This stretch is looooooong and boring, with trees and more trees, and nothing to do or but drive. And, don't even concider the North Western part of Russia, it is depressing as hell! [This message has been edited by Wheelie (edited 01 December 2005).] |
You mentioned Romania and Bulgaria. Romania - do it. Its a very different experience and well worth the trip. Bulgaria I found a real problem. No more dangerous, but police speed traps everywhere, absolutely useless road signs - usually no signs at all, and the cyrillic script makes it even worse. Language was much worse than Romania and its impossible to read so you can't even guess at it. If you've got GPS I guess it might be OK, but I would take Romania over Bulgaria every time. The roads are pretty much equally crap in both countries, so no surprises there !
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Don't forget Youth Hostels. Great places to stay, esp. on a budget. Plus you get to meet other travellers.
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Weelie, thanks again mate…
You’ve really been helping us a lot, especially on the details…It’s very nice to hear from a local all the tips about his country! I’ve checked out the ferry web site, if you’re going on a bike is it the same as if you were going on a car?Because they just have the options: travelling with a car or without…Because in UK they have different prices when you’re on a bike. About the accommodation the “cabins” seem to be very good…We don’t want to take the camping gear because it takes too much space on a bike…But we’re definitely taking the linens, even in Hostels we will need them!!! You mentioned North west part of Russian, We were thinking about riding into Moscow and St Petesburg (from Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania) rather than take a bus/train…But now, not sure…should we stick with idea of riding into Russia?At the beginning I thought that would be too complicated, but after read some posts (and check the train/buses times…15 hours from Talin to Moscow…too much) I started thinking about have a ride!!! On the way out of Norway, we’re probably going trhu Sweden and Finland, gotta visit some friends there… Wheelspin, Thanks for the advice about Bulgaria… I guess it might be the same hassle like in Ukraine…On Linda’s post she says that’s nothing really intresting there, and we should spend more time in Croatia, Slovenia, Romania… Beddhist, sure!!! We’re definitely staying in Hostels…Eventhough sometimes you find B&B’s cheaper then Hostels (for a couple)… Thanks again for all the posts…Very helpful If someone has more tips, Please post’em…Especially about the Eastern European part! Tnx Fernando |
Its been a few years since I brought a motorcycle on the ferry, and I don't remember if prices are cheaper, but I guess they would be. Send them an e-mail or call.
Information about riding in Russia, I'm not your guy... Only been in the North-Western part of Russia during my army days, and it is not worth seeing, trust me. I'd guess that riding in russia would not pose too many problems... there is street crime, corruption and mafia, but its not like it is a warzone or anything. But once again, you should ask somebody else... Glad to be of help |
Weelie,
Thanks again mate! We've started planning what we're going to do, like the days that we're gonna spend in each place, etc!!! It's quite a lot to see, hehe, but I hope we're gonna get it right!!! Do you know if the black forest in Germany it's worth a visit? Cheers ! Fernando |
hi fernando,
this summer I made the trip around the north europe> slovakia,poland,lietuva,latvia,estonia,russia/peterburg/,finland,norway,sweden,denmark,germany,czech Slovakia as I told you in different topic is intersting, in poland we were in gdansk, castle marlbork and baltic sea, lietuva is veeery nice/Vilnius,Kanvas,watercastle Trakai/, Latvia/Riga/, estonia- Ontica waterfalls, Russia/Peterburg-very nice hotel Marskaja very nice and good hotel 50euro per night per person, cruiser avrora, smolnij...very nice and safe, only police sometimes stop you, but 300 rublej is enought=9euro, petrol 1l/0,4euro/, finlad is nice,1000 lakes, norway/veeery nice-you need see northcape entrance 70norway crowns, nice is Vardo, Batsfjord, sweden is ok, denmark also and in germany we were only in berlin...ferry from denmark to germany 280denmark crowns we slept in camping in cottages and in tent, it is ok everywhere/but you must come until 21:00 and must be free/, price of cottage is 20-70 euro from poland to norway, if you want see some pictures are here, sorry only in slovak is text http://motoride.sk/?ID=863 marekxxx |
Marekxxx,
Very nice pics!!!Thanks a lot! I've got a few questions 4u: - How did the Varadero cope with the trip? - How many miles did you do in that trip? - How long did it take? We're planning a route very similar to what you did... Is Russia really safe?Even if we went to Moscow on the Bike? (I know that sounds stupid, but everyone says that the Mafia is everywhere there)... Wish I knew a little bit of Slovakian to read your Report, seems to be really intresting! Thanks very much buddy! Fernando |
I think varadero is good bike, for somebody heavy bus, but I like it very much, I did not have any problen with my bike, there is 36000km it is a new http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif
we had only 3 weeks for this trip and it was 9300km... 8000km onroad/the rest on the unpaved roads I recommned you at least 6 weeks for this trip, but I have problem with time and nowadays I prefer 3 times 2-3weeks holiday like one 2-3 months... We had destination the northcape, but in each country is somethink to see for min. 5 days...but sometimes it is maximum, finland is very nice for example, but when you go 5 days throw this very nice roads, nice lakes, everythink is very nice but the same, it is boring...but maybe you have another opinion... In russia is no problem, when you will to peterburg, there are good hotels, good petrol stations, good beer and everythink is cheaper than EU, I saw in russia in peterburg on each kilometer police, I think bad people or mafia are everywhere, I can say from my side It is safe the way to peterburg...in moscow I never been there...but this is the same like peterburg...russia has three parts...moscow, peterburg and others... you must go there and you will be ok and it is very nice to see somethink new and after that you can tell your friend how you saw russion mafia http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif bye Quote:
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Marekxxxx...
I didn't mean to put the Varadero down, in fact I'm sure it's a very good bike, and I just asked because We haven't bought the bike yet... We're very keen on the GS, but you can get a 2003 Vara for the same price as a 1994 GS, so... By the way, How is the fuel range on the Vara??? The other quetion abou the trip is, how much did budget per day for such a trip? Thanks very much!!! Fernando [This message has been edited by fcasado (edited 08 December 2005).] |
Fernando,
If I were you I would definitely put Turkey in my list rather than Romania and Bulgaria. Fantastic place,nice people,great food and fun. You can easily take a ferry from Greece. BTW it is a lot cheaper than Greece and all of the EU countries. Good Luck |
Doubleplay,
We were hardly thinking about it...But did not want to miss Romania though!!! I don't even need a Visa for Turkey! Wouldnt it be worth to cut thru Bulgaria to Turkey and then take a ferry to Greece?Or we would be wasting too much time? Thanks a lot! Fernando |
Fernando,
I live in the USA but keep a sailboat in Turkey and spend a lot of time there. I also have been in Bulgaria and Romania. Maybe I am being biased but IMHO there is nothing that you will miss by not visiting Romania,Bulgaria for that matter if you visit Turkey and spend some time there.You can cut trough Romania and Bulgaria(2-3 days the most)and enter Turkey from Edirne ride to Istanbul spend couple days and keep on riding down the Aegean Coast to Marmaris where you can take a ferry to Rhodes and than to mainland Greece from there.Along the way I can assure you that you will make a lot of stops at places like Ephesus,Bodrum etc...Central Anatolia and Kapadokya are also great places but I don't think you have time for that. Again in my opinion there are two places I would not miss during a motorcycle trip across the region specially in Summer:Turkey/Greece and Crotia.Keep me posted I will be in Turkey and Greek Islands during summer and might help you more if you need. |
Doubleplay,
That's great, exactly the sort of info we're after... We're probably gonna spend a couple of days in Romania, and one day in Bulgaria...then do what you've said, it sounds great! How about the way out of Greece, we'd like to head North-west following the Croatian coast but did Not want to cut thru Albania (loads of people saying, DO NOT GO THERE)...Any thoughts about it? We're definitely gonna keep you updated about the trip, and would love some help when we get there...Thanks very much! And if you have any other advice, please post it!!!We'd never thought how difficult it is to plan a long trip... Cheers, Fernando |
fernando>> sorry, but I did not have the time to answer, vara has fuel range- I mean my fuel range is 6.5-7l/100km... this is on road 140-160km/h with passenger or offroad single
budget for my trip was 50euro per day/cca 500km |
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Croatia: Dubrovnik, "Jadranska magistrala" (adriatic route - very scenic 600km coastal route), Plitvice national park and that's about it.
Slovenia: The Alps, as someone mentioned here. Go to Bled, Bohinj, climb across Vrsic pass go down to Trenta valley, Kobarid, Bovec, and than hit Italian Alps (Dolomites). Tuscany is really nice, East French Alps, Cote d'Azur... 4 months in total? Well, you can do a lot in that time, but try to make sort of a daily plan and maybe post it up, and then let us argue about the countries we know if your plan is feasible... |
Beddhist,
Very good to hear that, and they went there a year ago, so it should be even better now... Noise Data, We're gonna do it, actually we're trying to, but it's been quite difficult...But definitely it will be the only way, cause when we think about the whole thing it seems impossible!!! BTW, thanks very much for the info about the balkans... We'll keep you guys posted, and up to now ALL the help's been invaluable! We've already got the first night, Paris... Staying there for a couple of days and then heading to Germany...Any info about the Black Forest?Well 1 day out of 120 it's a good start, innit??hehe Thanks very much all... Fernando & Maraisa |
Fernando,
não achas que estas a fazer um itinerario muito apertado para a quantidade de paises que queres visitar? Quando viajo dou-me conta que muito dificilmente consigo cumprir os planos, por isso agora faço de outro modo, meto-me à estrada, e vou fazendo dia-a-dia o meu itinerário, com base na meteorologia, cashflow, e vontade/curiosidade no momento, deves achar que é de louco fazer desta forma mas tenho-me dado bem com este método. Habitualmente tenho tendencia a fugir de lugares muito frios, com temperaturas abaixo do ponto de congelação. É só mais um input, espero que disfrutes muito da tua viagem, acho que deve ser esse o objectivo principal. Um abraço, Anton |
I would definitely put Turkey in your plans... and you will never be disappointed while having a nice Ionian sunset with nice fish and some "Turkish Raki" here around Izmir.
Let me know if you add the country, so that I may provide you guidance for details. Have a nice trip Can Ozcan |
Anton,
Muito Obrigado I really appreciate your thoughts, but I think we have to have at least something planned, not that we’re gonna book ALL the hotels before we hit the road, but we’ve got to know which way to head to… In order to allow everyone to understand your post I’ll translate it, because it’s got some valuable information and more people can use it: ***************************************** Fernando, Don’t you think that you’re planning to visit too many country’s for the time that you’ve scheduled? When I travel I rarely can follow the schedule, therefore I do it in a different way, when I get to the road I start planning day by day, following the weather forecast, “cashflow” and the moment desire/curiosity, you might think I’m crazy, but it’s been working very well for me. Usually I tend not to go to places that the temperature is bellow 0ºC. To finish off, I hope you enjoy yourselves on the trip, that is the most important thing. Anton ******************************************** Can Ozcan, We have indeed included Turkey in our plans, we’ll probably be heading from Romania/Bulgaria, and from Turkey we’d like to take a ferry to Greece, so if you have ANY tips please, let us know!!! Thanks very much Fernando Casado |
Dear Fernando,
i really envy you on the trip you are going to do, i wish i had the time to do the same, if you decide to show up in Lisbon plse email me. Um abraço Anton Check the email address on my profile. [This message has been edited by anton_frt (edited 18 December 2005).] |
Anton,
You might know how things are in Brazil, that's why we're trying to do such a trip now, because we have to go back in 2007 and God knows if we're gonna be able to come back to Europe one day... Anyway, thanks very much and we certainly will e-mail you, we're planning to be in Portugal in September, and would love to meet up for a Beer (Or a Porto)!!! Grande Abraco Fernando |
Fernando, try to make it to next years HU Travellers Meeting in Portugal - well worth it, and a great time!
See the Meetings page for details. Grant |
Definitely Grant,
Will make our plans to be there in the end of Sep!!!Would be fantastic after 4 months on the road... Cheers Fernando |
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