Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine & Romania
 

I'm planning to kayak the length of The Danube from Germany to the Black Sea, supported by a vehicle based team traveling alongside via roads.

Mostly within the EU, apart from Croatia, Serbia, Moldova and Ukraine so I'm hoping things will be fairly straight forward for the majority of the journey, I'm a UK passpport holder.

Anyone know of any peculiarities in entering any of the countries on the route with a vehicle (UK registered Toyota Hilux) other than the normal paperwork and documents (no Carnet required for any of these countries if I'm right)?

Any general knowledge/advice for travel in the countries along the route would be really appreciated too, for those of you unfamililar with The Danube here's a basic map of the rivers route:

http://img.skitch.com/20100620-tdc73...wkyakrpd7i.jpg

No carnet, nothing out of the ordinary needed (bring some patience and your original documents but use photocopies as sacrificial offerings). Insurance will cost you in Serbia, but is far cheaper in Moldova (where I found it negotiable). I couldn't get insurance for my American bike in Ukraine, but I guess that meant I didn't need it.

Watch carefully for signs indicating towns and villages in Ukraine. The speed limit drops drastically, and there are speed traps with your name on them.

Aside from that, piece of cake.

Mark

(from Merida, Venezuela, where gasolina costs about a euro cent per liter)

Thanks, seems like a like things should be simple, compared to some places at least!

Anyone ever been to Transnistria?

Transnistria - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Transnistria travel guide - Wikitravel

Never even knew it existed until I started reseaching this trip, looking at return routes and sounds like it may be an interesting place to visit.

IMHO avoid it. I am originally Ukrainian and visited that territory when it was not separate country yet, and all my friends are in Ukraine and despite being avergely wealthy people every of them prefers to avoid that country/border because of unbelievably hungry and corrupt police and border guards and not that much to see. Again - this is just my 2 cents.

Thanks Bluesman, looking through HUBB threads the Border Guards there certainly have horrendous reputations when it comes to corruption. I might still have a visit, curiousity killed the cat, or save the time and have more available in Translyvania.

About 2 years ago an american couple had ineteresting time crossing Transnistria. They got in easy. On the way out they were asked penalties, money whatever. They go lucky. They literaly ride away hard and get out.

You make the call.

transylvania
 

spend the extra days in romania it will take 2-3 days of riding to see everything. we have a place there so can advise on routes and places of interest. drop me a line if you want more detailed advice.
mike

The Danube passes through Germany, Austria, Hungary, Serbia and Romania. No need to worry about Ukraine. Except for Serbia all countries are in the EU, so no probs. Just check the serbian consulate. Normally this country shouldn't be of any hassle to european citizens.

Calculate lots of time canoeing down the Danube. Due to innumerable hydro-electric plants there is hardly any current - like a loooong dam....

My experiences of Transnistria are here:

Crossing Transnistria (Where the @!$% is that?) - ::. UKGSer.com .::

I'm not in a hurry to go back :rolleyes:

Hi,

If you need help in Bulgaria, my father lives in Vidin, first big "city" on the Bulgarian coast. Let me know.

Also, there is a camp ground on the Bulgarian coast 3-5 kms. before Vidin - where the ferry to Calafat leaves. This right where they are now constructing the new bridge but last I heard it was still open.

Good luck!
This is a very good idea!

camping slovakia
 

If you go north from Budapest, just 22 kms from the border in a nice rural part of Slovakia you will find this super place to stay: English - boeren mini camping Lazy

I'm off on my travel's in September if I can get insurance ... My bike insurance only cover's for EEC country's ... I'm looking to travel in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Turkey, Where can I get top up insurance for just one month ... Every place I have tried are just intrested in selling me a year's worth of insurance ... I have insurance and all I'm looking for is top up ... Any one know where I can get some ???
John933

Just call your current Insurers, they would normally add them to your polıcy wıth no hassle for a relatıvely small fee.

You can buy green card insurance for turkey at the border - it's about 15 euros I think

You will need vehicle vignette's for some of the countries you are driving through. Here is a link for Romanian requirements but you will find relevant details for most but not all the countries you will be passing through on the same page. Vignettes can be bought directly on, or at fuel stations close to the borders.

Vignette (road tax) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Looks like a fascinating trip, good luck! Have you started your trip yet? Do you have a website link for progress reports?