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
  #16  
Old 5 Apr 2008
Wheelspin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Colchester, UK
Posts: 149
I've done parts of both the routes here, although I wasn't in such a hurry....

Couple of points - Italian motorways and then the ferry are going to be much quicker than the alternatives. Italy and Greece have had EU money to spend on roads for ages - Bulgaria hasn't - and its very easy to tell the difference !

Theft in Bulgaria shouldn't be a huge problem as it isn't that big a country and you may not even have to spend the night... EXCEPT that the roads there are quite bad, and I saw more police and more speedtraps in Bulgaria than every other country put together. Also, depending on your land route to Bulgaria, ex-Yugoslavia will slow you down too and Serbia can be an insurance problem. When I left Bulgaria, which was just before they joined the EU, the border crossings were clogged with heavy trucks - even though you can filter through, there wasn't much room and it will slow you down a lot.

If speed matters, play safe and boring..... The ferry will also give you sleep time, which you will need badly by then.
__________________
Honda CBR 1100 XX, Yamaha XTZ 660, Harris Special
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 8 Apr 2008
Moderated Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: bulgaria
Posts: 42
UK to Atlanya (Turkey)

Hi Martyn
I've just been reading all the advice you've been given. I live in southern Bulgaria, and run a small camping and caravan park there. (look at Home)
There is no reason for you to worry about traveling through Bulgaria, the risk of theft is minimal,and the road from Sofia to the Turkish border is good and easy to navigate.
Be extremely careful when traveling through Serbia. Only let border guards and toll road attendants see that you are carrying a small amount of cash, roughly equivalent to the amount you will need to pay them. Do not show any credit or debit cards, and certainly do not pay for anything with, especially, a debit card.
There is one camp site on the road through Serbia, which looked ok to me, and from there you can reach our place in a day, without too much trouble.
We can also put you up for the night in a house if you've not got a tent.
If I can be of any more help you can contact me through our website.
Good luck
Martin T. Jeffes.
Sakar Hills Touring Park. Harmanli. Bulgaria.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 9 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Perth
Posts: 263
Thanks for all the replies - from all the info I think i may try both routes so I'm not covering old ground so to speak. From istambul, I'd assume go to ankara then on to Antalya for the quality of road.
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 turkey ejds Trip Paperwork 6 17 Jul 2007 22:56
BKK to Turkey Doc59 Trip Transport 0 2 Dec 2006 11:13
Turkey must see? liam_taborn Europe 5 23 Jun 2006 07:36
Turkey - anyone around? JEP Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 12 Oct 2002 22:25
UK - Turkey normanallen Route Planning 0 4 Feb 2001 15:22

 
 

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 14:52.