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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



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  #1  
Old 20 Dec 2007
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Hi Hans,
I am sure Montenegro gained independence in 2006.

I have seen reports of boarder problems crossing from Kosovo into Serbia. But OK the other way.

The best route IMHO would be crossing from Greece into Albania from the most westerly boarder follow the coast road. There is accommodation along the route but loads of hotels in Durres.

Steve
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  #2  
Old 20 Dec 2007
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From Tirana I got lost and went up to Lake Orchis, then followed that round to a tiny town near the Greek border, rode a fantastic set of switchbacks through the mountains into Greece. Best bit of riding I've done in Europe (missing a fair bit of tarmac though...).

Unfortunately I cant tell you how to get there as I had to stop at every crossroads in Albania and ask which way to Greece, was very lost at the time. I've since seen lake Orchis on a map, very very very big lake, you cant miss it!

Linking up with Croatia is easy, took me one day from Dubrovnik to just outside Tirana, then one day to get to 15 miles from the greek border. Good cheap hotel with secure parking and good food, then over into greece the next day. Albania rocks, but Tirana can be hell on earth.
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  #3  
Old 22 Dec 2007
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Red face Montenegro
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveAttwood View Post
Hi Hans,
I am sure Montenegro gained independence in 2006.

Steve


Steve

gosh, things do happen while you're away ;-) I was on the road for the whole of 2006, so I got none of those news - Africa's newspapers aren't interested in what happens in the rest of the world....

Thx for the info.
Hans
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  #4  
Old 23 Dec 2007
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We travelled from Montenegro (go round the ??? fjord and stop at Kotor (deepest in Europe: STUNNING) and down to Tirana and then East out to Struga in Macedonia in one day. In hindsight we regret that decision and should have stayed much longer in Albania. The scenery is absolutely stunning. The tar road from the border to Shroder is in a very bad condition but still ridable. The rest of the road is pretty much brand new tar. People are very friendly and there are small little hotels going up everywhere.
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  #5  
Old 23 Dec 2007
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I would just like to echo the comments about Albania so far. Do not miss it!! I was there this year, came in at Orhid before going to Durres, Kluj then up into Montenegro through Schroader .

The main road from Orhid is very good. It was rough from Shkoder North as pointed out previously but if you keep your speed down it is no problem. I was riding a Triumph Sprint ST. The people were just great where ever I went. At Elbasan I was there for nearly 4 hours at a roadside cafe whilst being fed and watered by locals free of charge. They were so glad to see tourists and find out what you thought of their country. Just Fantastic!!

During my 6 month trip Albania was a real surprise and maybe the highlight after being told by numerous folk not to go.

One other point make sure you keep your receipts for insurance and tax as you enter or you will have to pay again for the tax on leaving .

On looking at your route finding rooms in Budva in peak season is hard as it felt like all of Serbia and Montenegro go there for their hols. I would go to Kotor instead. Much more picturesque and rooms from 18 Euroes.

There is also a superb road from Kotor to Cetinje. 29 hairpin bends and great views of the Fijord.
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  #6  
Old 23 Dec 2007
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Ok we're sold,

The plan now looks like this from Greece; cross the border in Bitola into Macedonia, to Ohrid and across to Albania head for the coast via Tirana, stop in Durres then through Shkoder - Podgorica and south to the coast on the E80 to kotor and Dubrovnik.

Thanks again for the help
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  #7  
Old 25 Dec 2007
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Hi, ac_elite. I am from Serbia and Montenegro, and I traveled so much times to Greece and back. Good route for one day : Skopje-Urosevac-Prishtina-Kosovska Mitrovica-Ribarice-Rozaje-Berane-Kolasin-Podgorica-Cetinje-Budva-Kotor-Dubrovnik........Scenary is wanderfull between Ribarice and Podgorica, all coast off Montenegro is nicely, specialy Boka Kotorska bay! You must be carefull with your speed (90km/h, no more), and enjoy. I have directly info, way is good for your tenk. If you need any help, to call me, and problem will be fixed (I know so much bikers in Serbia and Montenegro (and Kosovo and Metohija suddenly), and they are garant for you safety holiday. Regards from Serbia Ask me for anything ,I ll be happy to help you!
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