If you want to shorten the driving time, consider the overnight ferry from Ancona Italy, to Igomeniza Greece. This cuts out the balkans though.

Greece has a newish motorway crossing the north, it can be crossed in a day.

Make sure you check out getting extended green card insurance from your current car insurer especially as some cover the balkans.

Hi All,

you will need the V5C for the car (and bike if taken)! Also as mentioned before you will need the vignettes for some countries motorways, so best check first. Also some cities like Paris you need you to buy "Crit'Air clean air stickers" or equivalent.

As regards to where to stay have a look at Air B & B or Couchsurfing if you are brave! I did this with my young daughter last year on my bike last year and we both had an amazing time travelling around Europe last year as far as the Czech Republic and had a fantastic time!

Happy travels!