So this is the plan for summer next year. Initially posted in Europe but I hope more advice may be offered in this forum area.


Initially it was through Spain to Morocco - Algeria - Tunisia - Sicily etc. But I then found out that you can not cross the border between Morocco and Algerian. We physically would not have time to head further south into Mauritania so that meant Africa at the moment is ruled out.

So today we came up with this.

Countries Travelled. England/ Belgium/ Holland/ Germany/ Czech repub/ Austria/ Slovakia/ Hungary/ Romania/ Bulgaria/ Turkey/ Kos/ Greece/ Italy/ Switzerland/ Germany/ Holland/ Belgium/ England

Numbers relate to days.

1. London - Gutersloh 397 miles
2. Gutersloh - Berlin - Prague 422 Miles
3. Prague - Vienna - Bratislava 243 miles
4. Bratislava - Budapest - Arad 297 Miles
5. Arad - Bucharest 337 Miles
6. Bucharest - Burgas 264 Miles
7. Burgas - Istanbul 220 Miles
8. istanbul - Bodrum :confused1: 516 miles
9. Bodrum - Kos - Athens Mainly ferry
10. Athans - Patras - Brindisy 132
11. Brindisy - Rome 335 Miles
12. Rome - Lake Como 410 Miles
13. Lake Como - San Benardino Pass - Stelvio Pass - 174
14. Stelvio - Frankfurt 384 Miles
15. Frankfurt - London 439 miles

There are some huge mileage days. to start with though London to Gutersloh. all motorway. Nothing To see really passing through. Gutersloh to Prague via Berlin. Again a fair old day but mainly motorway with good roads. Berlin is planned for a bit to eat and a few photos. The day that really concerns us the most is Istanbul to Bodrum although we could push on furthur than Istanbul. What are the roads like? Would this mileage be possible in Turkey? There is nothing we really want to see in Turkey. Its just a case of being that close we might as well cross the border.

Are there any problems getting into Turkey? How long does it usually take and are any extra documents required in relation to the bike?

If anyone has any pointers of roads. or places to go in any of the transiting countries then let me know. Any advice appreciated. As you can see this is mainly going to be a city tour although there will be some pretty spectacular roads coming through the north of Italy.

Furture rides will involve Africa - Sacndinava & Russia. Dont know why but there is just something that appeals to me in riding to Moscow. the strange thing is I had hardly any interest in travel before obtaining my licence. Now I cant get enough mile in.

Anyway enough waffle over to the pros

What is your reason/desire for this trip.....

I have to say I take every opportunity to visit Ephesus in Turkey......

I recently visited relatives in Nice, Rode down via Millau and back through teh Alps.. They included 650 and 750 KM daily hops... Just a lot of riding with occasional views of some very beautiful scenery.. Should have taken it slower and enjoyed it more.

Hi!

Below are two links, although I don't know if they would make your origonal trip possible or not?

If you go onto P&O Ferries | Ferries to France | Cross Channel Ferries you will see that they sail from Portsmouth to Bilbau, Spain. This would save you a lot of miles from London.

Here is a link for a ferry company which goes from Morocco to Italy. Ferries Morocco 2008 - shedule tariffs and informations for all the ferries to Morocco


Personally I think that you are trying to do too much! We were away for 17 days this year, 15 of which were in Germany (mainly), we did 2066 miles, avoiding the motorways as you will definately not see anything if you use them. If you do use the motorways you will have a BMW perminately 5 feet away from you... this is not my idea of fun! We had 2 days off the bikes which were much needed... something which I don't think you've allowed for!?!

We found nothing worth stopping for in Holland (maybe someone could suggest somewhere?).

Last year we went to Belguim, found some nice places although mainly in the south. Brugge is nice as was Bouillon and a few other's which I've temporarily forgotten the names of.

If you pass through the Harz Mountains in Germany then the medieval town of Goslar is worth a look, it will be on your way to Berlin and possibly a better lunch stop as it is smaller and easier to get in and out of. Other highlights in Germany include Schwangau, the home of Neuswanstein Castle and the Alps. Black Forrest and the Rhine and Mossell Rivers.

In the Czech Republic, Prague is definately worth a visit. Although... what can you see in an evening after a hard days riding? How much energy will you have left?

Hungary is also a nice country but the capital Budapest has western europe prices. Lots of nice turkish baths which are great to relax in and I remember eating nice cakes. If you are a Hayfever sufferer I also remember that there was stuff flying around that looked like cotton wool which resulted in me losing a day!

Austria - got caught in a sudden galexy minstral sized hail storm when we popped over for a ride this year-, Italy, Slovakia and Romania are on our list for next year but can't really tell you much about them. Although... remember that on Lake Como in Mandello del Lario there is the Moto Guzzi Factory & Museum which may interest you? I believe that they do a tour only at 3pm everyday and that it is not in English but still worth going to.


Also remember to take your waterproof's... when it rains in Germany... boy does it rain!

Let me know what you decide for your final route and happy planning!

Beej