(Updated November 2011)
When we set off our proposed route was the following during March 2011 with a view to returning to the UK around March 2012.
However for us we found insurance was an issue and we didn't feel comfortable taking our present van through Albania and Montenegro without access to fully comprehensive insurance (we are not aware of any UK insurers offering this). In addition we really wanted to visit Bosnia and Seriba to complete our picture of The Balakans and thus decided that this will form another trip in either a German registered van or a UK registered van with a lower value. We ran into similar issues with Turkey as our insurer would only provide cover for 'European Turkey' and not 'Asian Turkey' meaning we could only go as far as Istanbul - so Turkey will form part of our Balkans tour at a later date.
So we have amended our route to include Geece > Italy > France > Spain and Morocco! Seemingly Morcco is much easier insurance wise and we have a 3 month fully comprehensive 'Green Card' for no extra cost.
Our Progress So Far
This Google Map shows our GPS Co-Oridnates for every overnight stop we have made (both Wild and the occasional site). We will 'join up the dots' at a later stage so you can see the exact route we have taken!
View Europe By Camper - All Overnight Stopovers in a larger map
The Van
The van we will be using for this trip is a 2007 Adria Twin. It is the 2.3 (120bhp / 6 Speed) model fitted with Cruise Control and Air Conditioning however the feature we were most impressed with was the fact is wasn't white! Being 5.98m long we also passed for the lower tolls in Norway and Denmark meaning we saved over £300 since prices double as soon as you exceed 6m.We wanted a fixed rear bed as we find having to make up a bed all the time really tiring and the under storage for two peoples clothes for all weather conditions, shoes, coats and general supplies were excellent. We made a number of Modifications and Improvements to the van prior to leaving to give us a little extra space and to sort out some of the niggles and we have found that the van has stood up well to being used daily for the last 7 months. We will be writing a full review of the van shortly!
Specifications:
2.3 (120bhp) 6 Speed
Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
Sony iPod/USB/CD/Aux Headunit
Infinity Component Speakers
Custom Interior Fabric (from a 2011 VW Jetta)
Custom Dark Grey Carpets
Customised Dashboard Navigation System
Fiat Headlamp Protectors / Deflectors
Remi Windscreen Blinds
Rotating Cab Seats
Witter Towbar
Permanent Fixed Bed
Two Forward Facing Passenger Seats
Twin Heki 2 Rooflights
70L Dometic Fridge
Smev Two Ring Hob
Smev Grill
Twin 11Kg Gaslow Kit (44L Capacity) LPG
Additional LED Lighting
Twin 86AH Batteries
2100W Inverter mounted under Cab Seat
