Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 May 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: London (UK)
Posts: 13
UK to GREECE - BALKANS ADVICE NEEDED

A friend and I are planning a trip from the UK to Greece this summer.

Adventure bikes.

We are used to off road, but will be sticking to mainly tarmac for this one as we have only 8 days to complete the distance.

Our plan is to get to Austrian / Slovenian border with pace then ...

Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Greece at ease.

No interest in motorways unless essential, we like the scenic route.

Any advice ? Must sees ? Must take roads / tracks (we are not adverse to tracks !!)

Thanks in advance.

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 May 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
If you do this let me know how you get along with bike insurance. I was going to do the same trip. But could not find any where that would insure the bike for the Non EU country's you are crossing. So in the end we change the plan, and have deiced to travel down Italy and then cross over into Greece.
John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 May 2011
vdh-be's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Belgium
Posts: 96
In Albania and Kosovo you need to buy insurance at the border crossings. The other countries should already be on your green card. I'm going to the Balkans again this summer.
Gr,
Vincent
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 May 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 55
@ Vincent: as far as I know the green insurance card is OK for entering Albania - you just have to buy an insurance entering Kosovo.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 May 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: London (UK)
Posts: 13
thanks for the heads up. any routing suggestions ? great roads, places not to miss ??
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 May 2011
endurofly's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: sLOVEnia
Posts: 43
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikesharp98 View Post
thanks for the heads up. any routing suggestions ? great roads, places not to miss ??
SLO:Vršič pass,Bled lake,Bohinj lake,Postojna cave..
CRO:Plitvice,Adriatic coast..
.
.
.
have great time
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 May 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: London (UK)
Posts: 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by John933 View Post
If you do this let me know how you get along with bike insurance. I was going to do the same trip. But could not find any where that would insure the bike for the Non EU country's you are crossing. So in the end we change the plan, and have deiced to travel down Italy and then cross over into Greece.
John933
I just got this through from Carole Nash ... who were very helpful and replied within a day ...

>>>>>

Countries which do not require a Green Card:

France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Solvenia, Croatia, Greece

Countries which require a Green Card:

Bosnia , Serbia, Macedonia
Additional premium for 30 travel within these countries for up to 30 days- £31.80

*Countries not covered by your insurer: Kosovo*

We require the start and end date of your trip, and also the exact dates of travel within the countries requiring a Green Card.

Once you have finalised your plans please contact Customer Services with this information, your policy will be updated and a Green Card issued to you once payment has been taken.

>>>>>


From additional research Im told that you can buy cover for Kosovo at the Border.


THE TRIP IS ON !!

Now all I need is a set of routes ! Many hours looking at google maps I suspect .. Hehehe
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 May 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
I got lost in Tirana and ended up riding into Macedonia and around Lake Ohrid - absolutely brilliant, followed by a nice widing pass up over a col in the Greek Atlas to get into Greece. I would be more specific about which roads I used but as stated, I was lost!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 May 2011
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Quote:
Originally Posted by endurofly View Post
SLO:Vršič pass,Bled lake,Bohinj lake,Postojna cave..
CRO:Plitvice,Adriatic coast..
.
.
.
have great time
+1

Slovenia is fantastic. Bled is just a beautiful wee place. Croatian coastal road is beautiful.

__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 May 2011
vdh-be's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Belgium
Posts: 96
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ralf1150GS View Post
@ Vincent: as far as I know the green insurance card is OK for entering Albania - you just have to buy an insurance entering Kosovo.
In Belgium AL is not on the green card. I was there in 2009 and bought it at the border (I think 15 euro).
I will post you some great routes in the Balkan.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 May 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 55
Posting Balkan-Routes - that would be great!!! We will be leaving in July...

I think actually it depends on the insurance company whether insurance is covered in a certain country or not - but at least 15,-€ is not that much!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 May 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikesharp98 View Post
I just got this through from Carole Nash ... who were very helpful and replied within a day ...

>>>>>

Countries which do not require a Green Card:

France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Solvenia, Croatia, Greece

Countries which require a Green Card:

Bosnia , Serbia, Macedonia
Additional premium for 30 travel within these countries for up to 30 days- £31.80

*Countries not covered by your insurer: Kosovo*

We require the start and end date of your trip, and also the exact dates of travel within the countries requiring a Green Card.

Once you have finalised your plans please contact Customer Services with this information, your policy will be updated and a Green Card issued to you once payment has been taken.

>>>>>


From additional research Im told that you can buy cover for Kosovo at the Border.


THE TRIP IS ON !!

Now all I need is a set of routes ! Many hours looking at google maps I suspect .. Hehehe
I'll remember that for next time I re insure.

John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 May 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 39
Just came down that way, neither Serbia nor Albania even asked about insurance, Macedonia did (and it was pricey, 50 euros I think). Insurance for Kosovo was available at the border and cost me 15 Euros for 1 month.

The Llogaria Pass in southern Albania is pretty spectacular. Half the roads in Albania could be defined as tracks...
__________________
*******************************************
roja45.com
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 28 May 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Podgorica, Montenegro
Posts: 9
You can also take the route from Bosnia to Montenegro, down to Albania and then either directly to Greece or via Macedonia to Greece. There are some very nice routes through MNE.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 4 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
I'm in Athen's now haveing a few day's rest. Looking at staying here three day's and then moveing on.
John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
UK to GREECE - BALKANS ADVICE NEEDED mikesharp98 Route Planning 6 14 May 2011 10:12
Carnets needed for Balkans, Turkey, Morocco JulieBuny Trip Paperwork 9 23 Oct 2008 18:22
UK to Greece through the Balkans asgoo Europe 21 30 May 2007 07:58
Greece-Balkans-Dalmatia Samy Europe 7 28 Apr 2007 12:12

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:23.