Driving from UK to Crete (may need a boat as well)

[Dino D]

So this is not a romantic Z3 trip but musing about driving the family down (will have be in something large like a LWB Viano van - 2 adults, 3kids).

Anyone done a similar drive?
Seems like a good 4-5 days unless you can do shifts driving.
Ferry over from Italy vs driving down through the Balkans is popular (to avoid really bad roads).

Have driven plenty around Greece so used to that. The drive from Igoumenitsa to Patras is great- amazing ocean along the way.
Patras to Pireaus’s is a a quick 3hr dash on the motorway then overnight ferry down to Crete.

easyjest is no doubt cheaper but we’d have a car there for duration so no hire car costs (about 6weeks).

 

[Nodzed]

https://www.myrouteapp.com/route/open/3025907

Takes in the Grand Ballon France and the Grossglockner Austria, it's basically the way I would go except I'd go into Switzerland and across to Austria using multiple mountain passes (needs a bit of tweaking).

 

[billz]

I second what @Nodzed recommends. Even if you are not in a Zed then the drive through the Ballon and the Alps will still be spectacular and if you have 6 weeks no great rush.

 

[Dino D]

https://www.myrouteapp.com/route/open/3025907

Takes in the Grand Ballon France and the Grossglockner Austria, it's basically the way I would go except I'd go into Switzerland and across to Austria using multiple mountain passes (needs a bit of tweaking).

That’s a good route but I’ve been warned again driving down through Croatia / Montenegro / Albania - very slow roads.
Slovenia has great roads though.

looking at ferry over from Italy - probably Venice or Ancona as both go to Patras or Igoumenitsa.

Bearing in mind this will require a large van I’m wondering about doing all those passes...sounds like at least 6cyl turbo diesel will be needed (if I’m getting a diesel it better be a good one!).
Hairpins with a fully loaded bus might be interesting- I got everyone car sick when I decided to do some mountains on Crete (in a Fiat Doblo)

VW did a VR6 engined Caravelle but only on SWB. Merc did a 3.7l V6 petrol but thinking I’ll be stopping for petrol waaaay to often...