Hey Kabelman
Sounds like we are twins - just separated in time a little. I've just come from the Netherlands on a Transalp - currently in Athens.
From here I have been looking at just HOW to get to Africa - specifically Sudan (as an entry point for further travel south).

What I've found out so far:

Greece to Egypt: No RoRo facilities any more. Possible to ship Piraeus to Alexandria. BUT costs of a specifically Egyptian Carnet, stupid crazy undefined port and customs fees, charges, bribes and process (38 steps with money, stamps, arguments, documents at each one - and a time frame of realistically 5-7 days just to clear the port once it arrives) has left me stone cold about the shipping to Egypt route. Still have to fly yourself to greet bike as well.

Greece to Israel: Possible to ship, but little information on costs and process. Looked at exiting Eilat to Aqaba Jordan, then ferry to Nuiwebaa Egypt. BUT still the issue of entering Egypt and crazy money. Israel onwards with passport not a problem (visa stamp on removable page) but vehicle records a bit more of an issue. Sudan does not recognise Israel.

Air freight from Athens to Khartoum Sudan: going thru the process at the moment. Air freight alone about €750-800, indications of airport charges about $250US plus undefined customs duties. Email responses are slow to non-existant but think I'm making a little progress with this.

Land route Greece-Turkey-Iraq-Saudi Arabia-ferry to Sudan at Jeddah. Was looking promising. Figured about 5500-6000km. Fuel alone roughly €5-600. Visa to Turkey free, insurance at border ~$40 for transit. Visa to Iraq ?? - this might be VERY SLOW to obtain - $160US. Insurance/border crossing costs?? Visa to Saudi - issue at border for tourist visa? Insurances/border crossing costs? Ferry operating between Jeddah and Port Sudan. Costs?
Visa for Sudan available in Athens - process time 3-5 days. Cost $150US? But need a 'sponsor' there - hotel booking may be sufficient.

BUT....as of a day ago: not sure whats going on politically between Turkey-Syria-Iraq now that Turkey is into Kurdish areas in Syria and Iraq. So border between Turkey and Iraq may be a bit of a mission??

At the moment I'm swaying between the adventure of the land route via Saudi and sucking up the cost of air freighting to Sudan -which may end up similar to fuel, borders, visa, food, accommodation (I mainly free camp when possible), services (oil, tyres etc) going the land route.

Hope this helps a little. There are so many unknowns in terms of 'is this possible and what might it cost, how long' etc. But thats part of the adventure.

Keep in touch - we may cross paths. Be nice for some company at times.

If you're coming thru the Austrian/Italian alps - woo hoo! Nice! BUT: don't get sucked into boy racing with the 10000000's of GS1200's/sports bikes there. Consequences of a **** up or mis-calculation is pretty severe. Relax, enjoy, get there slow but in one piece.

Richard (kiwiwannafly)