With Private Motorcycle to Europe: Part III. Stroll peacefully and welcome back

After discussing the feasibility aspects in Part 1 of the article, and in Part B, we detailed the stages of departure - in fact, in the third and final part of the article series we will talk about conducting with a private motorcycle abroad, and also about the return process with the motorcycle to Israel.

You've Reached Your Destionation. Against the highest waterfall in Europe - the Krimml waterfall

With the Motorcycle to Europe: Part Three (Photo: Tal Reyer, Keenan Cohen)

In the previous section of the article, we stopped at exactly the exciting point where you meet your beloved iron horse somewhere in the "congregation expanse" at the port of Lavrio in Greece - the southern gateway of Europe
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From here, the intricacies of the classic continent are more accessible and accessible than ever. However, there are some important points to keep in mind.
1. Not everywhere in Europe are sympathetic to Israel and its symbols. To avoid deliberate damage to the tool (especially during parking, but not only), consider the austerity of prominent Israeli markers. For example, the blue IL mark on the license number. The easiest way - to paste a sticker on it reflects a red yellow light (like that of trucks and an old vehicle). Without the flag - our plates are reminiscent of a significantly beloved state - Britain.

2. At the time of the release of the motorcycle from the local customs (in the offices of the shipping company Salamis), it is important to make sure that you receive a special form, which must be delivered on departure from Greece. Do not forget about the matter, and when crossing the border to find a customs representative and hand him the form. It is desirable to document the moment.

With the private motorcycle to Europe. Part a'

Most hikers who have already invested and made the arduous journey so far will want to wander beyond the borders of Greece. The classical districts such as the Alps can be reached in two main ways.

A. Riding:
You can ride north towards Thessaloniki, and then cross north into the Balkans. Note that this road is relatively long (both in terms of km and time). It is worthwhile and it is advisable to clarify the route well, not all Balkan countries are sympathetic to Israelis (mainly religious and historical conflicts). In part, the Green Card (the same motorcycle insurance policy) we did is not valid And one needs a unique one - usually one can be purchased right on the border.

Important tip: Not every border that appears on the map handles foreign citizens (tourists). Especially not the ones on side roads.
Important tip 2: Not all land crossings have a customs representative. Sometimes the nearest point is a few (tens) kilometers from the border crossing. Caution not to be missed.

B. On a cruise (ferry).
Greece has two main ports, which are a gateway to the center (and north) of the settlement (usually via Italy).
Patras, about 300 km from Malabrio and Igumenitsa, which requires an additional 300 km. In these cruises, they do not send the motorcycle alone, they join him for a cruise.

The motorcycles are attached and secured on board. Some of the deck ships are covered

With the Motorcycle to Europe: Part Three (Photo: Tal Reyer, Keenan Cohen)

Light unto the nations. Or actually ...

It turns out that crossing a maritime segment with the motorcycle by ferry doesn't have to be the bureaucratic nightmare we experienced on our way from Haifa to Greece.
All you need to do is reach the port gates, stand a few minutes in line for the checkout (you can also purchase the ticket online at a variety of designated sites), purchase a ferry ticket, check in at the pier at checkout, view a card + passport, and get on board. There, the ship's workers will moor and secure the motorcycle as you retire. Simple, easy, and convenient.

Sailing from Greece to Italy (or back) will usually take between 12 hours (Patras - Bari), 24 hours (Igumentisa - Venice) to 36 hours (Patras - Venice). The two main operators are Minoan and AnekSuperfast, the differences between them are minor, both in terms of service on board and in terms of price, our recommendation - simply choose the one that suits you better in terms of hours.

"Airplane" chair in the ship. 24 hours of questionable experience

With the Motorcycle to Europe: Part Three (Photo: Tal Reyer, Keenan Cohen)

An important point to address, is the deceased (or "lodging") in the ship. Remember that you are likely to get sailing after a long ride, and at the end of the cruise you are expected to ride further. Therefore, it is advisable to take advantage of the time (much anyway) of the cruise for rest. Most ships offer 3 "residential" options:

A. On Deck:
Literally Homeless Style: SHS, on deck (iron), exposed to the mercy of the weather (not always sunny, warm and cozy). No shower.

B. "Airplane" chair:
While "on paper" sounds like a reasonable option (especially given the price differences), it is advisable to give it up. This option also does not offer access to the shower, but only public toilets.

third. Room / cell (just like the hotel):
Most ships offer a fairly wide range of cell types. Starting from a single cell, to a cell containing 4 beds (2 x bunk). You can save and share a cabin with other travelers (men / women alone, unless you come as a group and catch a whole cell) or pamper yourself and take a single cell. Cheap is not. Cozy? - Depends on the height of your standards.
At the end of the cruise, simply get on the motorcycle, and continue riding towards the next destination. No customs, officials, or unnecessary headache. of genius.

Tip: Take note of everything you need to sail the motorcycle. During the voyage there is no access (except with the captain's special permission) to the deck of the vehicles.

Tip 2 : This is not a luxury ship. Therefore, even in the room, the quality of sleep is not good. The ship's engine constantly produces vibrations, the window is not open (forget about fresh air), and everything is very narrow and claustrophobic.

Tip 3: No ship on the Internet. That is, there is, but overpriced and limiting the amount reminiscent of dark austerity periods. Cellular reception is also not really available unless you are moving close to the beach.

Single room (room). Not exactly a Hilton or a scramble, but at least there's a shower

With the Motorcycle to Europe: Part Three (Photo: Tal Reyer, Keenan Cohen)

The long way home

After traveling for your enjoyment, seeing landscapes, experiencing experiences, and of course you did the winning photo with the private, yellow license plate, against a well-known tourist site - it's time to bring it back home.
The ferry back from Greece leaves (usually) on Mondays and arrives in Haifa towards Thursday morning. However, it is advisable to check with Rosenfeld's representatives (in Israel) a few days in advance that there is a ferry and you do not want to board the vessel.

Come back to the port of Balabri, and head to Salamis' offices. Remember that working hours in Greece are different from those of Israel and certainly from those of Germany. On Sundays only a few hours work in the morning. Most days there is a long lunch break. The main point of light here is that you can also arrive a few days before the ferry sailing and leave the vessel in port. From the time you handed it over to shipping company representatives - it is insured (from theft, less from damage). They will already make it to the ship.
The bureaucratic process is short and simple. Show the card (which you will receive from Rosenfeld. Do not have to print - possible by email), passport, explain which customs representative you left the form (the one you received upon arrival in Greece) and ... this is. You are free to go.

This time too, it is advisable to give up public transport, and just take a taxi to Athens / Airport. If you have a good day and not a busy day, Slamais representatives will kindly order a taxi from the local station, which is about two and a half kilometers from the port entrance - so you don't get carried away with agriculture. But don't worry about it ...

Entrance to Patras Port. Something symbolic ...

With the Motorcycle to Europe: Part Three (Photo: Tal Reyer, Keenan Cohen)

This is not Europe

Remember the way of the marines that you had to pass in the motorcycle transport class? Well, this time she does it in Revers.

Tip: Start the process as early as possible in the morning.
On Thursday, Rosenfeld's offices arrive. You get a voucher for paying Haifa port taxes, leave your riding gear, and cross the road towards the HNF. The same long hall, the same room full of officials and counters, the same scruffy pay position, the same agonizing wait "for the data to be updated" ...
After payment, the customs house must be reached. About a quarter of an hour - twenty minutes walk. Search Google "Gate 3" or "Customs House" and hope for the best.

Tip: The entrance to the Customs House is slightly hidden, and is behind the railroad tracks - there is an underground passageway. Look for the "Gate 3" sign on the north side of the intersection of "Saraya" and "Independence Road".
Another tip: don't forget your driver's license, passport, and driver's license.

After receiving the customs clearance, return to Rosenfeld. All that's left to do is pick up the motorcycle. The collection is carried out from "Warehouse 20" (about a 15-hour walk to the west, from the entrance (Gate 5), which is opposite Rosenfeld's offices). But here lies another obstacle. The pickup can only be done on Sundays, and only from 8 to 15 hours. Enough that you started the "motorcycle release journey" a little late, walked too slowly, or just got stuck in line at one of the institutions on the way - you'll have to come again on Sunday (and then have to re-enter the port).

Proper Disclosure: The writer is the CEO and owner of EuroMotoTours.co.il, which specializes in motorcycle, car and other travel journeys to a variety of destinations in Europe.

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And sometimes it's just worth everything, with the private motorcycle on the summit of Passo de la Stelvio

With the Motorcycle to Europe: Part Three (Photo: Tal Reyer, Keenan Cohen)