UK to Preveza

[funkydad]

Which would be the best route to drive from the UK to Preveza? I am OK to Italy but which ferry would you take? I'm planning this for May so ferry schedules might be an issue. Google takes me to Brindisi-Paxi, Paxi-Parga. Would that involve a night in Paxi? Any advice on time to allow, places to stop and so on would be very much appreciated.

 

[Tranona]

Did it (at least as far as Corfu) in April this year. The Brindisi ferry I took stopped at Corfu then Ignoumenitsa, which would be fine for the short drive to Preveza. I think there are two ferry companies, one with a modern ship and one with a tub straight out of Shirley Valentine which I took. I booked through the Greek Ferries agent based in Crete, but OK for contact. Don't know about a route via Paxos and Parga - nether big enough for the Brindisi type ferry. You can also get a ferry from Ancona or Bari, but they were not operating in April, but the season starts in May. However they are longer than Brindisi, bad enough at nearly 9 hours to Corfu, but I am told 7 hours on the newer ship

Be aware if you haven't done it that it is a long way to Brindisi and although the fare is lower, most people save 400 kilometers and pay the higher price from Venice. Saves an overnight stop as well. Driving down I got a midnight ferry Norfolkline to Dunkirk then through Belgium, Luxembourg, Eastern France, St Gotthard tunnel and stopped just the Swiss side of the Italian border. Did the whole of Italy in one day arriving in Brindisi at 10 at night. Don't think I would do it again! Took 6 days driving back - much better.

 

[vyv_cox]

<<< but they were not operating in April, but the season starts in May. >>>

They most certainly were. As far as I know most of them run all year round. Have a look here for instance.

We sailed April 29, Ancona to Igoumenitsa on Superfast but we could have gone from Venice. We went in our camper van and used the 'Camping on board' service which allows us to sleep in the van on deck, without having to pay for cabin or seats. This service may not begin until April.

We used virtually the same route as Tranona in Europe, as recommended by Tom-tom!

 

[Davy_S]

In winter the Italian ferry runs every other day and arrives in Patras, you pays your money and take the choice where in Italy you depart from. I prefer Venice, if you are not carefull in Bari or Brindisi, they will steal the saddle of a nightmare!
Igoumenitsa is the place to get off.

 

[nimbusgb]

I have done Venice-Igonomitsa; Ancona-Igo; Bari,Corfu,Igo. All are workable trips. Venice is top choice, 900 mile drive from home then 24 hours on the ferry, at a stretch <48 hours door to door! Ancona-Igo cost the same,takes just as long on the ferry but is an extra couple of hundred miles to drive. Bari is an extra 1/2 day driving, ferry is overnight. Ferry from Brindisi is about 8 hours ( they're all going slower to conserve fuel I think ). I have never bothered driving all that extra way just to save ferry time.

Unless it is peak season I buy a ticket online the night before embarkation on the ferry, ( deck passenger ) and upgrade to a cabin after sailing. I have paid as little as Euro 40 for a 4 berth cabin all to myself this way.

There are spots in Venice, Bari and Milan that have 'free' wireless 'net access. ( Read - where the locals have not secured their routers )

Igo-Preveza is an easy 80km drive, look out for cattle on the coastal mountain roads! Only 1 3 Euro toll about 1 mile from the boatyards ( Damn tunnel )

I know someone who has driven the whole way ( Italy,Slovenia,Croatia, Albania, Greece. Not a pleasant drive I am told. )

Greek ferry schedules at ferries

I can confirm that camping on deck is only allowed in season and currently with a 'proper' camper or caravan.

There are ferries all year round thanks to the truck borne delivery of goods.

 

[Tranona]

I got confusing information when I was booking and eventually the Brindisi ferry I got was not actually on the timetable on the website. And it was full of trucks with 3 cars and a camper squeezed in at the back. Coming back on the Greek Easter Sunday night was the exact opposite. Full of Italians going home from holiday break. Loads of room on the vehicle deck, but we had to stay in the outside shelter until folks had gone to their cabins and leave a bit of inside floor to sleep on.

My route was courtesy of Michelin and being on my own missed the ring road round at Brussels. Went through the middle in the early hour of the morning. They don't do road signs so was lucky to escape before the rush hour started.

Return trip was great. Did the Ferrari factory and museum, the Slumpf museum in Mulhouse and Molsheim for the Bugatti experience. Oh, and the old GP circuit at Reims. Got to have a break from boating sometime!

 

[DaiB]

Hi,
I have done the trip four times now, we have used Ancona to Igo and Bari to Igo, both were fine though using Venturis lines from Bari to Igo is real rock bottom!! Cheapest ferry though.
I would suggest using "Via Mare" a London based company who were ace sorting out the ferry tickets, same price as I could get on the internet but really quick and nice to deal with, saved a load of hassle compared with trying to book on line.

 

[funkydad]

Thanks to all, planning and pricing now!