Trajet voiture France-Grèce
by Airesuradour
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
bonjour,
Quelqu'un pourrait il m'aider ? J'envisage un trajet en voiture des Landes à Athènes en passant par le Nord de l'Italie, la Croatie, la Serbie. Qui l'a fait ? est ce toujours des autoroutes ? gratuites ? les paysages sont ils intéressants ? Vos remarques seront appréciées.
D'avance merci.
Cordialement
roland
Bonjour,
Ma réponse sera incomplète n'étant jamais allé en Grèce en auto. Je connais le chemin jusqu'à Trieste. Par contre, je peux dire que des Landes jusqu'à Trieste au moins, vous ne quitterez pas l'autoroute. En France, comme en Italie, c'est payant. L'avantage de l'autoroute italienne est qu'une fois pris le ticket, vous ne payez que lorsque vous quittez l'autoroute. L'inconvénient des autoroutes italiennes, du moins lorsque vous longez la côte est qu'elles sont étroites. De Vintimille à Gênes, c'est quasiment une successions de tunnels (certains longs) et de ponts. A la sortie de Voltri, près de Gênes, en prenant l'autoroute vers Brescia, il y a une très très longue côte où les poids lourds ne se gênent pas pour déboiter à leur guise. Prudence. La plaine du Pô est bien monotone jusqu'à Brescia. Ensuite, c'est l'autoroute des camions jusqu'avant Verona où nombre d'entre eux "montent" vers le Brenner.
Bonne route !
Ma réponse sera incomplète n'étant jamais allé en Grèce en auto. Je connais le chemin jusqu'à Trieste. Par contre, je peux dire que des Landes jusqu'à Trieste au moins, vous ne quitterez pas l'autoroute. En France, comme en Italie, c'est payant. L'avantage de l'autoroute italienne est qu'une fois pris le ticket, vous ne payez que lorsque vous quittez l'autoroute. L'inconvénient des autoroutes italiennes, du moins lorsque vous longez la côte est qu'elles sont étroites. De Vintimille à Gênes, c'est quasiment une successions de tunnels (certains longs) et de ponts. A la sortie de Voltri, près de Gênes, en prenant l'autoroute vers Brescia, il y a une très très longue côte où les poids lourds ne se gênent pas pour déboiter à leur guise. Prudence. La plaine du Pô est bien monotone jusqu'à Brescia. Ensuite, c'est l'autoroute des camions jusqu'avant Verona où nombre d'entre eux "montent" vers le Brenner.
Bonne route !
Nos parcours jacquaires et romieux ICI
Bonjour,
Merci pour cette réponse ultra rapide et très utile...un peu comme je faisais du stop il y a très longtemps ...je vais attendre les réponses d'autres voyageurs pour la suite du voyage...
cordialement
roland
Salut "voisin". Je fais Langon-Opicina (Trieste) en 2 jours avec un Defender qui n'est pas forcément un véhicule fait pour ça. Je ne fais que du camping ou bivouac.
Premier jour, nuit à Menton ou variante par Bercelonnette, nuit col de Larche, à peu près pareil.
Deuxième nuit à Opicina. J'ai payé une seule fois en Italie (première option) presque 60 €. Par Larche, tu as environ 4 heures hors autoroute. A Opicina, prendre la route vers la Slovénie, 30 km de traversée par route sans vignette jusqu'à Rupa. Là, tu as le choix, l'autoroute peut te conduire presque à Dubropvnik. C'est dommage, la route côtière vaut le coup d’œil le long de l'Adriatique. En septembre, par route jusqu'à Sinj et autoroute jusqu'à Sibenik, le 3ème soir. A voir la rivière Krka. Après, tu ne peux pas passer sans t'arrêter à Dubrovnik et quelques "ruines" ou petits ports, passer au Monténégro est possible. A partir de là, nous avons dévié de la route principale mais on traverse tranquille l'Albanie en 2 jours où même tu peux être en Grèce ce deuxième jour.
Il y a d'autres possibilités par ferry de l'Ancone à Igouménitza mais c'est dommage. Aussi Zagreb-Belgrad-Nis-Sofia-Théssalonique par autoroute en 4 jours si tu marches vite.
Contacte moi en message privé avec ton adresse, je te donnerai mon compte rendu du voyage de septembre et celui de l'an dernier plus d'autres renseignements.
A+
Lucke33
Merci Lucke33 pour toutes ces infos.
En fait on va à un mariage à Athenes et on veut en profiter pour voir des endroits où on n'est jamais allés. Je vais te contacter en message privé.
roland
Salut Roland,
J'ai fait le chemin jusqu'à Athènes il y a fort longtemps (c'était encore la Yougoslavie...). On roule le long de la E70, et déjà à l'époque c'était presque partout de l'autoroute (il manquait un bout en Serbie méridionale si je me souviens bien).
Ci-dessous le résumé selon le site viamichelin, donc tu as 2700 km d'autoroutes, et 500km de nationales, et ça te reviendra 138 euros de péages et 281 euros de carburant. Bon, si tu as un monospace rempli avec 7 personnes alors ça vaut le coût sinon si vous êtes 2 je crois que tu peux trouver un billet d'avion au même prix...
Sinon par voie terrestre tu peux prendre par l'Italie et puis tu prends le ferry entre Brindisi et Igoumenitsa en Grèce. Ca raccourcit le trajet de 750km quand meme, mais évidemment il faut payer le bateau...
Question paysages, depuis une autoroute c'est rarement spectaculaire, à part peut être en traversant les Alpes. La traversée de l'ex-Yougoslavie se fait aussi par des régions peu attrayantes - ce n'est qu'en faisant étape à Zagreb ou Belgrade que ça devient intéressant.
Si tu veux vraiment un voyage touristique, il faudrait longer la côte Adriatique depuis Trieste, en passant par la SLovénie, la Croatia, le Monténegro, et l'Albanie, et s'affranchir de l'autoroute...
Résumé de l'itinéraire
40000 Mont-de-Marsan – Athína (par ex-Yougoslavie)Coût estimé512.15 € avec un véhicule Essence Péage 138.12 € | Carburant 359.03 € | Vignettes 15 € Temps35h26 dont 27h01 sur autoroutesDistance3203 km dont 2711 km sur autoroutes
Résumé de l'itinéraire
40000 Mont-de-Marsan – Athína (ferry Brindisi - Igoumenitsa)Coût estimé456.09 € avec un véhicule Péage 175.40 € | Carburant 280.69 € Temps34h31 dont 21h00 sur autoroutesDistance2461 km dont 2104 km sur autoroutes
J'ai fait le chemin jusqu'à Athènes il y a fort longtemps (c'était encore la Yougoslavie...). On roule le long de la E70, et déjà à l'époque c'était presque partout de l'autoroute (il manquait un bout en Serbie méridionale si je me souviens bien).
Ci-dessous le résumé selon le site viamichelin, donc tu as 2700 km d'autoroutes, et 500km de nationales, et ça te reviendra 138 euros de péages et 281 euros de carburant. Bon, si tu as un monospace rempli avec 7 personnes alors ça vaut le coût sinon si vous êtes 2 je crois que tu peux trouver un billet d'avion au même prix...
Sinon par voie terrestre tu peux prendre par l'Italie et puis tu prends le ferry entre Brindisi et Igoumenitsa en Grèce. Ca raccourcit le trajet de 750km quand meme, mais évidemment il faut payer le bateau...
Question paysages, depuis une autoroute c'est rarement spectaculaire, à part peut être en traversant les Alpes. La traversée de l'ex-Yougoslavie se fait aussi par des régions peu attrayantes - ce n'est qu'en faisant étape à Zagreb ou Belgrade que ça devient intéressant.
Si tu veux vraiment un voyage touristique, il faudrait longer la côte Adriatique depuis Trieste, en passant par la SLovénie, la Croatia, le Monténegro, et l'Albanie, et s'affranchir de l'autoroute...
Résumé de l'itinéraire
40000 Mont-de-Marsan – Athína (par ex-Yougoslavie)Coût estimé512.15 € avec un véhicule Essence Péage 138.12 € | Carburant 359.03 € | Vignettes 15 € Temps35h26 dont 27h01 sur autoroutesDistance3203 km dont 2711 km sur autoroutes
Résumé de l'itinéraire
40000 Mont-de-Marsan – Athína (ferry Brindisi - Igoumenitsa)Coût estimé456.09 € avec un véhicule Péage 175.40 € | Carburant 280.69 € Temps34h31 dont 21h00 sur autoroutesDistance2461 km dont 2104 km sur autoroutes
bonjour et encore merci pour toutes ces infos.
C'est vrai qu'en faisant le trajet en voiture je suis à la recherche de paysages intéressants. Si tu dis que le mieux est de longer la côte je suis assez partant car les photos que l'on peut voir montrent la beauté du paysage. Seul point épineux pour moi (en fait surtout pour mon épouse..) la traversée de l'Albanie. Ca va coincer si je lui programme la traversée de ce pays.....En tout cas je continue d'y réfléchir.
Cordialement.
roland
Je comprends. Moi meme j'ai hesite y aller, il y a encore quelques annees. Mais depuis 2 ans j'y suis alle plusieurs fois professionnellement, j'ai voyage en voiture depuis le Montenegro et le Kosovo et je peux vous dire qu'il n'y aucune crainte a avoir. Le pays se developpe rapidement, il y a neaucoup de routes nouvelles, et la conduite est moins dangereuse qu'en Grece. Mis a part quelques enfants qui mendient a Tirana il n'y a pas d'enquiquinements majeurs. D'ailleurs le tourisme se developpe tres rapidement, les taux de croissance sont a deux chiffres.
Bon, apparemment la gestion des ordures n'est pas au point et certaines plages sont polluees.
bonjour,
j'ai fait ce trajet en 2012, en partant de Gironde . Autoroute jusqu'en dessous de Lyon et ensuite traversée de la montagne pour l'Italie par la montagne (les nationales) . Traversée de l'Italie par l'autoroute j'avais hâte d'arriver dans les Balkans .
Ensuite la Slovénie, la Croatie , le Monténégro, l'Albanie par les nationales . C'est tellement beau que l'autoroute m'aurait gâché le voyage . En fait j'aller surtout en Albanie . On peut la traverser en deux jours, par des nationales ou des parties d'autoroutes . J'y suis restée 15 jours , et ensuite j'ai fait un petit tour en Grèce en passant par Saranda et Butrint où l'on peut encore passer avec un petit bac , total obsolète , mais c'est vraiment super .
J'ai beaucoup apprécié ce voyage , Il faut vraiment longer les cotes de la Croatie et de l'Albanie c'est superbe , on peut aussi faire un le tour des bouches de Kotor , je n'ai pas regretté de ne pas avoir pris le bac .
Petite précision j'ai fait ce voyage seule , il m'est arrivée de trouver la route un peu longue , mais les paysages et les rencontres avec les Albanais ont fait passer tout ça comme une lettre à la poste .
J'espère t'avoir donné quelques indications qui puissent te servir .
Bonne soirée ,
Hannah
j'ai fait ce trajet en 2012, en partant de Gironde . Autoroute jusqu'en dessous de Lyon et ensuite traversée de la montagne pour l'Italie par la montagne (les nationales) . Traversée de l'Italie par l'autoroute j'avais hâte d'arriver dans les Balkans .
Ensuite la Slovénie, la Croatie , le Monténégro, l'Albanie par les nationales . C'est tellement beau que l'autoroute m'aurait gâché le voyage . En fait j'aller surtout en Albanie . On peut la traverser en deux jours, par des nationales ou des parties d'autoroutes . J'y suis restée 15 jours , et ensuite j'ai fait un petit tour en Grèce en passant par Saranda et Butrint où l'on peut encore passer avec un petit bac , total obsolète , mais c'est vraiment super .
J'ai beaucoup apprécié ce voyage , Il faut vraiment longer les cotes de la Croatie et de l'Albanie c'est superbe , on peut aussi faire un le tour des bouches de Kotor , je n'ai pas regretté de ne pas avoir pris le bac .
Petite précision j'ai fait ce voyage seule , il m'est arrivée de trouver la route un peu longue , mais les paysages et les rencontres avec les Albanais ont fait passer tout ça comme une lettre à la poste .
J'espère t'avoir donné quelques indications qui puissent te servir .
Bonne soirée ,
Hannah
Que se vuelva la tortilla
bonjour et encore merci !
quelques questions :
- à quelle période de l'année as tu fait ce périple ?
- en combien de temps pour traverser Croatie, Serbie, Albanie, Monténégro.
Comme nous allons à un mariage à Athenes, nous profitons pour prendre 3 semaines de congés (pour ma femme, car moi je suis en congés permanentes...)
cordialement
roland
Bonjour ,
J'ai fait ça en Mai sur un mois avec une 206 qui a bravement affrontée la montagne , mais qui n'a rien d'un bolide .
Pour arriver à la frontière Slovène j'ai mis 2 jours 1/2, mais j'ai fait un peu de "tourisme" sauf en Italie où j'ai vraiment foncé sur l'autoroute .
Pour le reste difficile de te répondre car j'ai visité les pays traversés, c'était le but, surtout l'Albanie que j'avais vu de loin en 1980 ( le pays était fermé) .
Est ce que vous conduisez tous les deux ? il me semble qu'à deux de la Croatie à la frontière Grecque tu peux el faire en trois jours , mais tout dépends de chacun . As tu fait une estimation sur le site via michelin ou mapy ?
Si tu prends 3 semaines , c'est largement faisable, je suis resté un mois mais avec dix jours en Albanie . Et encore je suis rentrée par le chemin des écoliers en traversant la France par l'Ardèche, la Lozère , j'avais une over dose d'autoroute italienne .
Dans mon cas c'est l'inverse du tien , mon compagnon travaille encore et je suis en grande vacances de retraitée😎
As tu vu pour les cartes Albanaises ? Bon weekend
Hannah
J'ai fait ça en Mai sur un mois avec une 206 qui a bravement affrontée la montagne , mais qui n'a rien d'un bolide .
Pour arriver à la frontière Slovène j'ai mis 2 jours 1/2, mais j'ai fait un peu de "tourisme" sauf en Italie où j'ai vraiment foncé sur l'autoroute .
Pour le reste difficile de te répondre car j'ai visité les pays traversés, c'était le but, surtout l'Albanie que j'avais vu de loin en 1980 ( le pays était fermé) .
Est ce que vous conduisez tous les deux ? il me semble qu'à deux de la Croatie à la frontière Grecque tu peux el faire en trois jours , mais tout dépends de chacun . As tu fait une estimation sur le site via michelin ou mapy ?
Si tu prends 3 semaines , c'est largement faisable, je suis resté un mois mais avec dix jours en Albanie . Et encore je suis rentrée par le chemin des écoliers en traversant la France par l'Ardèche, la Lozère , j'avais une over dose d'autoroute italienne .
Dans mon cas c'est l'inverse du tien , mon compagnon travaille encore et je suis en grande vacances de retraitée😎
As tu vu pour les cartes Albanaises ? Bon weekend
Hannah
Que se vuelva la tortilla
Bonjour,
Moi, je ne comprends pas très bien, en fait tu fais bien l'aller-retour avec ta propre voiture ?
Cas échéant, je prendrais un ferry Ancône-Patras (ou depuis Bari/Brindisi, voire Venise) pour l'aller à Athènes et je rentrerais après le mariage tranquillement par la côte albanaise, le Monténégro, la Croatie et le nord de l'Italie, plutôt que de faire des visites pendant la route aller.
Moi, je ne comprends pas très bien, en fait tu fais bien l'aller-retour avec ta propre voiture ?
Cas échéant, je prendrais un ferry Ancône-Patras (ou depuis Bari/Brindisi, voire Venise) pour l'aller à Athènes et je rentrerais après le mariage tranquillement par la côte albanaise, le Monténégro, la Croatie et le nord de l'Italie, plutôt que de faire des visites pendant la route aller.
Mathilde
bonjour,
oui je ferai l'aller-retour en voiture. Je pensais faire 2 routes différentes si possible. Autant je peux parler et conseiller sur certains pays, autant je suis nul pour ce projet. J'ai pensé au ferry bien sûr ; j'ai simulé et trouvé que c'était cher. J'aime conduire dans de beaux paysages. Donc je continue à chercher des idées auprès de ceux qui ont déjà fait...
merci et bien cordialement.
roland
Merci bien Hannah,
je vais comparer avec les cartes routières et bien sûr je n'ai pas de cartes de l'Albanie....je n'ai pas de stress car le mariage est en 2015....et j'ai le temps de peaufiner, d'autant plus que j'adore ça...
cordialement.
roland
bonjour ,
je suis actuellement en Aragon , je rentre mardi et je t'envoie les références des deux cartes albanaise que j'avais acheté , une moins bonne que l'autre mais de tête je ne saurais dire laquelle .je les avais trouvé sur le net à la librairie de "voyageurs du monde" , pour les autres ce sont les classiques Michelin , à peu près juste . Comme je surligne tous mes parcours j'essaierais de voir le temps que j'ai mis approximativement .
J'avais aussi pensé à la solution du ferry , mais bien trop chère. Je me souviens aussi avoir fait le voyage "Gironde Grèce (la péninsule) en passant par la montagne en 1981 , nous n'avions pas beaucoup de congés et nous avions tout de même pu parcourir la Grèce et la Yougoslavie en un peu plus de Quinze jours ? tu as donc le temps , tout dépend aussi de combien de temps vous comptez rester au mariage 😎
Bonne préparation .
Hannah
je suis actuellement en Aragon , je rentre mardi et je t'envoie les références des deux cartes albanaise que j'avais acheté , une moins bonne que l'autre mais de tête je ne saurais dire laquelle .je les avais trouvé sur le net à la librairie de "voyageurs du monde" , pour les autres ce sont les classiques Michelin , à peu près juste . Comme je surligne tous mes parcours j'essaierais de voir le temps que j'ai mis approximativement .
J'avais aussi pensé à la solution du ferry , mais bien trop chère. Je me souviens aussi avoir fait le voyage "Gironde Grèce (la péninsule) en passant par la montagne en 1981 , nous n'avions pas beaucoup de congés et nous avions tout de même pu parcourir la Grèce et la Yougoslavie en un peu plus de Quinze jours ? tu as donc le temps , tout dépend aussi de combien de temps vous comptez rester au mariage 😎
Bonne préparation .
Hannah
Que se vuelva la tortilla
Pour traverser jusqu'en Albanie, la Michelin 736 est suffisante, elle couvre au 1/1000000 la Slovénie, Croatie, Bosnie-Herzégovine, Serbie, Monténégro, Macédoine. Pour l'Albanie, Freytag & Berndt au 1/200000 est bien, peu ou pas de librairies la propose mais par internet, pas de problème. Si ce n'est que pour rejoindre la Grèce, entrée Muriquan, sortie Komispol, j'ai une petite carte : Albania map & guide 1/350000, de blue.éditions. D'où je la sorts ? Sans doute trouvée en Albanie mais suffisante pour une liaison Monténégro-Grèce.
Acheté sur un marché de Sofia :Bosnia i Hercegvina au 1/470000 distributer za BIH Jogos MERKUR SV cartography,
SRBIJA travel map "Domino" 1/44000, et dans une station service en Bosnie : Mapa MONTENEGRO en français 1/200000.
Le meilleur moyen reste (pour moi), avec un minimum de préparation, Google-Earth.
Lucke33
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In our case, it’s the Avis-Budget agency in Vilnius trying to scam us.
We rented a car at Vilnius Airport for 2 weeks on July 28, 2019, to return it in Tallinn on August 11. We brought it back on August 11 at the airport, in perfect condition, and with a full tank at the gas station right by Tallinn Airport.
On the parking lot, the receptionist’s booth was closed. So we had to leave the car in the lot and go to the counter inside the airport. The person at the counter told us their colleague had gone for lunch! But they refused to come out and do the inspection with us because they were alone at the counter. They told us we could leave and that everything was fine!!!!
Two days later, we got an email from Avis-Budget with two invoices saying the car was damaged—scratched on both sides—and charging us for a full tank of gas. That’s two bills totaling 800 €!!!! Coincidentally, the deposit was 900 €!
It’s clear this isn’t over!! Have any of you been through the same nightmare? How did you handle it? Thanks in advance!
In our case, it’s the Avis-Budget agency in Vilnius trying to scam us.
We rented a car at Vilnius Airport for 2 weeks on July 28, 2019, to return it in Tallinn on August 11. We brought it back on August 11 at the airport, in perfect condition, and with a full tank at the gas station right by Tallinn Airport.
On the parking lot, the receptionist’s booth was closed. So we had to leave the car in the lot and go to the counter inside the airport. The person at the counter told us their colleague had gone for lunch! But they refused to come out and do the inspection with us because they were alone at the counter. They told us we could leave and that everything was fine!!!!
Two days later, we got an email from Avis-Budget with two invoices saying the car was damaged—scratched on both sides—and charging us for a full tank of gas. That’s two bills totaling 800 €!!!! Coincidentally, the deposit was 900 €!
It’s clear this isn’t over!! Have any of you been through the same nightmare? How did you handle it? Thanks in advance!
I’m spending 2 weeks in Crete in September and will need a rental car.
I usually go with Europcar, but comparing their offer to what Aegean Rentals has, I see Europcar is charging no less than 400 € more for the same car and similar insurance!
I’d love to hear if others have experience with Aegean Rentals, and if so, whether it was a good one?
Hi,
We’re heading to Greece in early October and will be staying in Kineta, north of the Saronic Gulf, and renting a car.
Is it feasible to visit Acrocorinth, Mycenae, Nafplio, and Epidaurus in a single day?
Thanks for your recommendations!
Hi there!
I’m sharing our itinerary for May/June 2027—23 days. This is our first time in Greece, so we’re starting with the must-see spots. We’re planning another trip later to explore the north, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, and some islands.
- Athens, 4 nights - Corinth area, 2 nights (Heraion of Perachora, Canal, Acrocorinth) - Nafplio, 3 nights (Mycenae, Epidaurus, Methana peninsula) - Gefira, 2 nights (Monemvasia) - Areopoli, 2 nights (Mani). Maybe add an extra night and stay on the peninsula??? Based on my calculations, the Mani loop is about 100 km—doable in a day, but it’d be a quick trip. - Sparta or Pikoulianika, 2 nights (Mystras) - Dimitsana, 2 nights (Lousios Gorge, monasteries) - Olympia, 2 nights (via Lagkadia?) - Delphi or Arachova, 3 nights (via the west coast, Galaxidi bridge) (Delphi, Hosios Loukas Monastery) - And back to Athens.
This is just a rough draft for now. We’re planning to stay in hotels or book through Booking.com. What do you think? Thanks for your feedback and suggestions!
- Athens, 4 nights - Corinth area, 2 nights (Heraion of Perachora, Canal, Acrocorinth) - Nafplio, 3 nights (Mycenae, Epidaurus, Methana peninsula) - Gefira, 2 nights (Monemvasia) - Areopoli, 2 nights (Mani). Maybe add an extra night and stay on the peninsula??? Based on my calculations, the Mani loop is about 100 km—doable in a day, but it’d be a quick trip. - Sparta or Pikoulianika, 2 nights (Mystras) - Dimitsana, 2 nights (Lousios Gorge, monasteries) - Olympia, 2 nights (via Lagkadia?) - Delphi or Arachova, 3 nights (via the west coast, Galaxidi bridge) (Delphi, Hosios Loukas Monastery) - And back to Athens.
This is just a rough draft for now. We’re planning to stay in hotels or book through Booking.com. What do you think? Thanks for your feedback and suggestions!
Over the past twenty-five years, I’ve traveled the roads between France and Moldova a good ten times, sometimes via Central Europe, other times via the Balkans.
It was while traveling like this—what I call "hitting the road the slow way"—that I realized something simple: our neighbors' neighbors are very clearly our neighbors too. And that’s not insignificant.
Proof: https://etreounepasetrebretillien.com/2018/03/19/moldova-mea/ 🤓
After a break of a few years, I’m planning to hit the road again in September, this time heading to Kosovo, crossing through Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Having gotten a bit older, I’ve no intention of rushing—no need to speed ahead of the music! 😄
I’d rather take my time.
I’m not looking to see everything, but to soak in the atmosphere of the places, always leaving room for the unexpected and for encounters.
I’m especially drawn to culturally immersive, authentic, and welcoming regions: lively villages, backroads, preserved landscapes, markets, local festivals, traditions that are still very much alive... and, why not, a few offbeat, forgotten, or slightly secret spots.
If any of you know Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, or Kosovo a little, I’d love to hear your suggestions for itineraries, stops, backroads, homestays, village festivals, or local contacts, for example.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
It was while traveling like this—what I call "hitting the road the slow way"—that I realized something simple: our neighbors' neighbors are very clearly our neighbors too. And that’s not insignificant.
Proof: https://etreounepasetrebretillien.com/2018/03/19/moldova-mea/ 🤓
After a break of a few years, I’m planning to hit the road again in September, this time heading to Kosovo, crossing through Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Having gotten a bit older, I’ve no intention of rushing—no need to speed ahead of the music! 😄
I’d rather take my time.
I’m not looking to see everything, but to soak in the atmosphere of the places, always leaving room for the unexpected and for encounters.
I’m especially drawn to culturally immersive, authentic, and welcoming regions: lively villages, backroads, preserved landscapes, markets, local festivals, traditions that are still very much alive... and, why not, a few offbeat, forgotten, or slightly secret spots.
If any of you know Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, or Kosovo a little, I’d love to hear your suggestions for itineraries, stops, backroads, homestays, village festivals, or local contacts, for example.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Planning to return to Belarus in mid-August, I just realized that since last September, Poland has reopened several border crossing points, and for buses, this means connections like Białystok-Grodno.
The official Polish page: https://granica.gov.pl/index_wait.php?p=b&c=t&v=pl&k=w

Several bus company routes, like on infobus.eu, take between 3 and 4 hours. Trains from Warsaw to Białystok take about 1.5 to 2 hours. This has the advantage of allowing comfortable train journeys with minimal time spent on a bus. Also, the Terespol-Brest border might have shorter queues if you still prefer a Warsaw-Brest bus.
Note that another route to Minsk, if you have a paper Russian or Belarusian visa, is the Kaliningrad-Minsk train. It’s long—around ten or eleven hours—but you can lie down and sleep. An option if you fly into Gdańsk and then take a short bus to Kaliningrad.
There are also Belavia flights from Minsk to Kaliningrad, but they’re expensive. The route is scenic:

In any case, this adds a few more options compared to what’s been available over the last four years.
The official Polish page: https://granica.gov.pl/index_wait.php?p=b&c=t&v=pl&k=w

Several bus company routes, like on infobus.eu, take between 3 and 4 hours. Trains from Warsaw to Białystok take about 1.5 to 2 hours. This has the advantage of allowing comfortable train journeys with minimal time spent on a bus. Also, the Terespol-Brest border might have shorter queues if you still prefer a Warsaw-Brest bus.
Note that another route to Minsk, if you have a paper Russian or Belarusian visa, is the Kaliningrad-Minsk train. It’s long—around ten or eleven hours—but you can lie down and sleep. An option if you fly into Gdańsk and then take a short bus to Kaliningrad.
There are also Belavia flights from Minsk to Kaliningrad, but they’re expensive. The route is scenic:

In any case, this adds a few more options compared to what’s been available over the last four years.
Hi there.
I’d like to know what the daily budget is for Greece in December. I’ll be landing in Athens and staying there for a week, then heading to some other islands—I don’t have a set itinerary yet. Also, I’ve heard that in December, or early January, the temperature is around 11–16°C. Is that accurate?
Finally, does anyone have a good recommendation for a cheap but clean hotel near the tourist sites? I don’t need a TV or any other extras. Also, is Greece gay-friendly?
Thanks in advance for your replies. Best regards
Finally, does anyone have a good recommendation for a cheap but clean hotel near the tourist sites? I don’t need a TV or any other extras. Also, is Greece gay-friendly?
Thanks in advance for your replies. Best regards
hi
I’d like to know the opening hours of physical stores between Germany and Austria, and between Austria and Slovenia, that sell the PAPER STICKER toll vignettes that still exist for 2026—non-digital ones. I don’t think they’re open 24/7, and I can’t find the info anywhere. Thanks
I’d like to know the opening hours of physical stores between Germany and Austria, and between Austria and Slovenia, that sell the PAPER STICKER toll vignettes that still exist for 2026—non-digital ones. I don’t think they’re open 24/7, and I can’t find the info anywhere. Thanks
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week trip in late September with our camper van to explore Bulgaria and Romania.
What routes would you recommend, starting from the South?
Is there an option to take a ferry in Italy, and is it worth it?
Thanks for all your tips!😊
Hi there, we’re a young couple and we’d love to go to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) between today (26/06/26) and tomorrow (27/06/26).
Is anyone heading there and could give us a ride? We’re super friendly!
Thanks so much!
Maya and Sullivan
Maya and Sullivan
We're back. It's still a bit tough to get precise info, so here's a quick trip report!
A good starting point is Shkoder, a really pleasant city. You can easily explore Shkoder itself in a day or two.
Two accessible spots: Valbona and Theth. In both cases, local travel agencies in Shkoder or online offer round-trip or one-way access packages. Super handy, especially for Valbona.
Valbona and Theth are both very steep! There aren’t many easy hikes for less sporty folks (like me!).
Valbona: The highlight is the amazing 2.5-hour boat ride across Lake Koman. There are day trips from Shkoder, but you’ll only get a short tour of the lake. The best option is to do the full crossing—so spend a night in Valbona (or two if you want to hike in the valley) and return.
Theth is deeply nestled in the mountains. The village at the end of the valley, which is a dead end, has lots of hotels, but they’re pricey. Other hostels are scattered along the mountainside road, but it’s a steep climb down to the village or to the start of the two easy hikes (waterfalls and the Blue Eye). For us, it was a one-hour descent (and ascent!). It’s fine if you have a car; otherwise, keep an eye out for a taxi (cheap) or try hitchhiking—it works really well. Access from Shkoder to Theth is through an agency. The road is in great condition, and you can also rent a car for 2-3 days in Shkoder. If we did it again, that’s the option we’d choose.
We didn’t do the trek and returned to Shkoder each time. I can’t speak to its difficulty, but we were there in late May, and even experienced hikers had given up because of heavy rain and snow.
Hope this helps! It’s a stunning region you shouldn’t miss.
A good starting point is Shkoder, a really pleasant city. You can easily explore Shkoder itself in a day or two.
Two accessible spots: Valbona and Theth. In both cases, local travel agencies in Shkoder or online offer round-trip or one-way access packages. Super handy, especially for Valbona.
Valbona and Theth are both very steep! There aren’t many easy hikes for less sporty folks (like me!).
Valbona: The highlight is the amazing 2.5-hour boat ride across Lake Koman. There are day trips from Shkoder, but you’ll only get a short tour of the lake. The best option is to do the full crossing—so spend a night in Valbona (or two if you want to hike in the valley) and return.
Theth is deeply nestled in the mountains. The village at the end of the valley, which is a dead end, has lots of hotels, but they’re pricey. Other hostels are scattered along the mountainside road, but it’s a steep climb down to the village or to the start of the two easy hikes (waterfalls and the Blue Eye). For us, it was a one-hour descent (and ascent!). It’s fine if you have a car; otherwise, keep an eye out for a taxi (cheap) or try hitchhiking—it works really well. Access from Shkoder to Theth is through an agency. The road is in great condition, and you can also rent a car for 2-3 days in Shkoder. If we did it again, that’s the option we’d choose.
We didn’t do the trek and returned to Shkoder each time. I can’t speak to its difficulty, but we were there in late May, and even experienced hikers had given up because of heavy rain and snow.
Hope this helps! It’s a stunning region you shouldn’t miss.
We’re a Canadian couple, both 77, and we’re already planning our vacation for fall 2027.
Timeframe: mid-September to mid-October... dates are flexible, and we might stay even longer.
Initially, I had planned this itinerary:
Athens (3), Naxos (4), Paros (4), Santorini (4), then a flight to Istanbul (7–10 days!!). This would let us maximize our flights and experience another culture.
That’s a lot of ferries, though... I’ve already cut out Milos.
Our second option would be to stay 2 x 15 days on two different islands, but I’d still keep Istanbul as our next destination... or maybe 30 days on one island that offers the chance to take day trips to other islands where the ferry ride is no more than 2 to 2.5 hours. For example, Naxos to Paros only takes 30 minutes. We could return the same evening or stay overnight.
Naxos seems like the best option!!!
For Istanbul, of course we want to do a day cruise on the Bosphorus and see Hagia Sophia. If we stay 6–7 days, what would be the other main attractions? Are there any points of interest we can reach by local bus?
Our second option would be to stay 2 x 15 days on two different islands, but I’d still keep Istanbul as our next destination... or maybe 30 days on one island that offers the chance to take day trips to other islands where the ferry ride is no more than 2 to 2.5 hours. For example, Naxos to Paros only takes 30 minutes. We could return the same evening or stay overnight.
Naxos seems like the best option!!!
For Istanbul, of course we want to do a day cruise on the Bosphorus and see Hagia Sophia. If we stay 6–7 days, what would be the other main attractions? Are there any points of interest we can reach by local bus?
Hi there!
We bought our tickets to Greece at the end of November 2025, and let’s just say the geopolitical climate has really taken a turn since then with the war started by the United States against Iran. Not to mention all the other conflicts happening around the world 😕... Anyway!
Our flight from Montreal is on May 1st, and I was wondering how things are currently being experienced in Greece.
We were planning to rent a car and had already booked accommodations on three Cyclades islands!!
The oil shortage is also worrying us...
If you could share some insights on this, that would be great!
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
A little trip report from an 11-day journey to Albania at the end of April 2026, with two friends in their early sixties and beyond...
Our route: Berat, Gjirokastër, Himarë, Tirana
Here are some opinions, tips, and great deals to share:
Flight Round-trip Beauvais-Tirana: Ryanair, 260 € with checked baggage (20 kg) and seat selection. Flight was fine and on time. 2h 30min flight.
Exchange: 1 € was worth 95 lek in April 2026. We were advised to exchange in the airport hall at the Illiria counter (98 lek outside the security zone), saying we wouldn’t find a better rate. However, the exchange rate was 93 lek for 1 euro, while in the city it was 95...
Car rental at Tirana airport for 9 days via Booking.com: 144 € (56 € for the car rental and 88 € for optional full insurance deductible waiver).
Wheego agency: the car was fine, but be careful when signing the contract—they tried to convince us that the insurance taken through Booking didn’t cover everything and insisted we take their own insurance for 250 €... We refused.
After reading about driving in Tirana, instead of starting our trip by visiting the capital, we decided to head straight to Berat upon arrival and return the car at the end of the trip to explore the city on foot. This turned out to be a great choice!
Accommodations: All our stays were booked via Booking.com. Everyone prefers to be paid in euros and in cash—they mention this when booking.
Berat: 2-hour drive from the airport.
Accommodation: Vila Arben Elezi: 135 € for 3 nights with breakfast and private parking. The room was decent and clean but a bit dark, located slightly below ground level near the parking. However, the breakfast on the rooftop was excellent, especially with the stunning view of the "city of a thousand windows." Great location.
Berat was our favorite—there are lovely walks through the different neighborhoods on both sides of the river, each with a very different vibe. The citadel visit is also fascinating, as it’s like a small town within the fortress.
The walk along the river is pleasant, with plenty of restaurant choices. Other restaurants in the old town are also very nice. The White House Restaurant, on the first floor along the road, is good and offers a great view of the Gorica district.
Gjirokastër:
Accommodation: Te Ajdini Guest House: 120 € for 3 nights with breakfast. A private home stay. There’s free parking just before entering the city, a 5-minute walk from the accommodation, which is very convenient since the cobblestone streets are narrow and parking is tricky. Yes, it’s a climb to get to the place, but everything in this city is uphill... The room was bright and clean. Breakfast was very good, hearty, and served in the courtyard with a view of the castle. The guesthouse is a 5-minute walk from the city center (the bazaar) but in a quiet area.
Restaurants: Rrapi and Kujtimi—good and affordable with their little pergolas.
The old town of Gjirokastër is charming but very touristy, with streets packed with souvenir shops and restaurant tables and chairs. Lots of people.
-The bunker visit (near the tourist office) is very interesting: Cold War Tunnel.
The castle offers a beautiful view of the city.
-Visit to the Ottoman house Skenduli: very well done. Don’t forget to climb the ladder facing a trapdoor in the ceiling to see the roof’s framework—it’s like a forest of beams: impressive!
-The bridge Ura e Ali Pasha: A steep 45-minute climb from the city to the site is worth it, but once you reach the viewpoint (which is stunning), you have to go back down a path to reach the bridge. You can drive to the viewpoint, but parking is very tricky.
Around Gjirokastër:
-Just outside the city: Lake Liqeni i Viroit: a nice, ordinary-looking lake, but at the end, there’s a natural spring making the water crystal clear and a brilliant blue—really spectacular, like photos of Blue Eye near Sarandë.
-Drive to Përmet along the gorges: beautiful viewpoints along the way and lovely countryside.
Himarë:
Accommodation: Vila Kosteli: 120 € for 2 nights with breakfast—slightly overpriced for this type of place but very close to a small beach and not far from the promenade with all the restaurants. Private parking, but very tight (4 cars on a tiny lot along the road). The "sea view" room is a bit obstructed by the building across the street. However, the rooftop breakfast view is beautiful. Friendly staff.
Himarë is a pleasant seaside resort, quite calm (but it was April...). There’s a cute promenade with restaurants along the beach. The castle on the heights of Himarë is worth a visit.
Around Himarë:
-Qeparo is worth a quick stop, but Qeparo village is really worth the detour: a village lost in the heights after a scenic drive up from the coastal road—narrow but well-maintained. Beautiful view from the top and a charming village.
-The Big Bunker and Llogora Panorama: take a right turn several kilometers after Dhermi—a road that climbs steeply from the start... A breathtaking winding road that reaches 900 meters in altitude. The view is stunning.
-Several small villages between Dhermi and Himarë are worth a quick stop.
-Porto Palermo Castle is somewhat disappointing.
Tirana:
Taxi from Tirana airport to the city center: 15 € with electric taxis (Green Taxi, Bee Taxi, Do Taxi).
Accommodation: Hotel Nevi Apartment: 63 € for 2 nights. A private apartment in an older building but very clean and well-equipped, with a kitchen and small enclosed balcony.
Great welcome and contact—the owner even booked a taxi for our departure. Very well located, close to the main square, shops, and restaurants. A small supermarket nearby is perfect for stocking up on breakfast supplies.
The city is lively and dynamic, with plenty of green spaces and promenades. Buildings are popping up everywhere, often with surprising architecture—like a building shaped like a face, a huge golden cube, and many others under construction.
-Sky Tower: at the top, a rotating bar offers a 360° view of the city and its buildings. Drinks are a bit pricier than usual, but it’s totally worth it (6 € for a beer or a glass of white wine, 3 € for coffee). We were there for sunset, and it was amazing! A must-do. Arrive early, as it fills up quickly.
-The House of Leaves: a house used for secret surveillance and interrogations during the dictatorship... A great way to learn about the surveillance systems of that era.
-Bunk’Art 2: a bunker in the heart of the city—very interesting, covering the dictatorship period and its system...
-The Pazari i Ri Bazaar: the new bazaar district. The large hall is worth a visit, but souvenir prices are often higher than elsewhere... The area is nice.
Restaurant: Kastrati Restaurant—a bit like a canteen with lots of traditional dishes. It’s on the first floor of a building. Excellent value for money, and the waitress explains the dishes in French.
That’s a little overview of our trip and my personal impressions! Albania is a beautiful and pleasant country to visit. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
That’s a little overview of our trip and my personal impressions! Albania is a beautiful and pleasant country to visit. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
What are the main sights to visit on Rhodes itself or the surrounding islands, and what’s the weather like? We’re leaving on May 18th.
Hi everyone,
We’re thinking of spending 3 weeks in Crete between mid-August and early September, renting a car, quickly exploring a few spots in the east, and focusing on the west, southwest, and south.
I’m worried about the heavy tourist crowds. Is it really more noticeable than elsewhere in Greece? Is there a way to avoid the crowds without missing out on the iconic places, which I imagine are stunning in Crete? Thanks for your thoughts and experiences!
Hi,
I'm heading to Greece via Albania soon. Does anyone have info on transportation from Gjirokastër to Ioannina?
Which company, fares, and schedules—it's not very clear with Google.
Thanks!
Patrice
Thanks!
Patrice
Hi everyone,
I’m just passing through Bratislava quickly (one afternoon, one night, one morning) and I’d love to see the highlights of the city. I’ve put together a little itinerary—feel free to let me know what you think!
Start at the castle and its beautiful viewpoint Visit the Baroque gardens St. Martin’s Cathedral, quick visit National Theatre Discover the Cumil statues Primatial Palace via Hlavné Namestie Michael’s Gate Grassalkovich Palace via Obchodna Walk across Namesti Slobody to head back to the upside-down pyramid Head down to the Blue Church Cross the Danube to see Sad Janka Krala, then return via the UFO Bridge There you go—10 km and a packed day! What do you think?
Thanks, Stéphane.
I’m just passing through Bratislava quickly (one afternoon, one night, one morning) and I’d love to see the highlights of the city. I’ve put together a little itinerary—feel free to let me know what you think!
Start at the castle and its beautiful viewpoint Visit the Baroque gardens St. Martin’s Cathedral, quick visit National Theatre Discover the Cumil statues Primatial Palace via Hlavné Namestie Michael’s Gate Grassalkovich Palace via Obchodna Walk across Namesti Slobody to head back to the upside-down pyramid Head down to the Blue Church Cross the Danube to see Sad Janka Krala, then return via the UFO Bridge There you go—10 km and a packed day! What do you think?
Thanks, Stéphane.
Hi,
I’m renting a car in Greece (Heraklion).
Should I get extra insurance?
What’s driving like with the Greeks?
Thanks for any tips!






