carrying capacity and long haul drives.

Hello Antelope, I personally would go the route of a large but not overweighted roof top box and fit the heavy stuff in the rear and passenger seat area too, if your driving alone which is the way I went across the Eu.
I have a question for you,,, I'm thinking of travelling through to Greece next spring and taking a ferry to Italy, as you have researched ferries from Grece to Italy, have you any advice for me, which is best port etc and ferry company and of course the cheapest. I'll be driving south from Bulgaria through to the Adriatic staying in Greece as I don't want to go through Albania.

Cheers
Tony.

Do you know "keithy" has replied to your wanted ad re "wanted roofrack"??
He's waiting for a reply if you haven't responded already.

Hi Tony

As it happens, that's precisley the conclusion I'm reaching. I'll have to discard some stuff to do it, but I'm sure that won't be a problem. The only way I can get round this trailer registration problem is by buying one new from a dealer in Athens, and I'm not sure I want to spend that much. Anyway, having gone for a long drive recently and noticing how the Jimny copes with hills (Crete is quite mountainous) I'm not sure pulling a trailer acros Europe would be good.

I was looking at ferries the other day. You can get a ferry from Patras to either Brindisi, Biri or Venice. As I fancy the drive up Italy, I'm opting for the southern most of those, namely Brindisi. Boats leave either early evening (so an overnighter) or early morning (7am). The trip is about 16 hours, so if you overnight and intend to drive the next day, you may want a cabin, and they're not cheap. Alternatively, a cheap hotel in Patras and Brindisi.... which I favour.

This site is quite useful as all carriers (i think) are listed: www.go-ferry.com/ferry-from-to-patras.html .I'll let you know if I learn more.

Interested to see your route. Despite planning on a ferry and Italy both ways, I am intrigued by the idea of taking the longer route. Bulgaria uis supposed to be beautiful. And I completely understand your reluctance to cross Albania. But what are your feelings no Roumania?

Done it a couple of times from southern Spain with 2 hounds in the back plus stuff. It gets very cosy and I needed the padded back rests. Had tow bar and roof rack which didn't do anything for the fuel guzzling but it's definitely doable.

yes these cars can get thirsty it seems when they have to do any work.

Antelope, My route is from Byala Bulgaria to Igoumenitsa, Thesprotia, Greece, type that into AA route planner and you'll see my route. There's no need for you to go through Romania, it's well out of you're way, bad roads too. (However, going through EU countries, may be easier, Croatia and a few others can keep you busy at the check-points sometimes)
Your route would be Athens to Sofia if going through Bulgaria and on to Serbia- Croatia etc. But personally, I'd take the Brindisi Italy route that way it's shorter and still in the EU.

Thanks for the web-site I'll check it out... Good luck which ever way you chose, it's a bugger making decisions.
Tony.