So we were having a blast in Greece. We had intended to stay through to the start of January and then head up following the coast up to Croatia and then deciding which direction to head back depending on the ferry port back to Ireland.
That said I wasn’t completely comfortable with a crack from top to bottom in my windscreen so rather than do loads of miles on roads in countries we hadn’t been to before we decided let’s get back to Ireland and get the windscreen replaced sooner rather later, we also had something to sort out on the domestic front.
We decided to get a ferry from Patras to Ancona. The Ferry was €830 for the MH, outside 4 berth cabin including the dog in the cabin. Interestingly you could take the dog anywhere on the ship including inside areas. The cabin was comfortable but I did need to get a plumber to sort out the shower drain. We went out via Bari to Patras camping on board for €400. On arrival back in Italy we spent the night in Ancona at an Aire next to a shopping centre. Next stop an Agri Tourismo site the far side of Bologna. The most expensive place I have ever stayed at €125 for the night but equally one of the best value sites we have stayed on. The price included 1 night for 2 people, 1 dog and ehu with showers included but we also got 2 bottles of white wine and a few of their home produced beers and a stunning 3 course meal each. So expensive, yes but worth every cent, YES.
Next night we were in France. A few days later Burgos in Spain for the pet passport then a night near Santander. Set sail 12 noon on Sunday back in Rosslare 3pm on Monday. We were on then Santona, nice ship. We got called down to our van at 2pm as people with pets go to the car decks go first. We then spent 90 minutes before we finally got off the ferry even though we docked at 2.30pm.
Oh I should add that security seems to have stepped up, leaving Italy for Greece the whole MH was throughly searched we also had to drop the drop down bed. Leaving Spain after seeing my scooter in the garage I had to show my log book for it to prove it was mine.
Based on my experience of Stena, Anek and Brittany ferries the overall best cabin and facilities was Brittany ferries. That said I’d use camping on board over the ferry cabins every time.
In France we mainly used camping-car park which we thought was spot on, a ronseal experience as it does everything it says on the tin.
First night back in Ireland at Ferrybank for a takeaway at the Red Elephant. Winter special price €25 for 2 inc ehu, showers extras but used our own. Last night the hub, €17 inc ehu €12 without, shower is apparently on a honestly box system, didn’t use the so cannot comment. The hub is a great set up. So now today Kilrush Marina €25 per night inc ehu and you get shower tokens included in the daily rate.
Next year we are definitely going to Greece as we much preferred it to Spain and Portugal albeit it is more expensive for fuel and shopping, eating out was very reasonable though. We may go a bit further south and get a ferry to Crete from the mainland.
Overall a fantastic trip, loved pretty much every minute of it.
Couple of things we needed outside the norm; male to male hose lock fitting for the odd site in France and the 2 pin plug into the standard Ehu lead.
Just heard my replacement windscreen is currently in Holland so I hope to get that sorted soon
As we are back early we are planning a few trips around Ireland for a change and we will be opening the campsite as an Aire for Christmas and new year.
Until next time. Regards Jamie, Amanda and Bertie.
P.S if anyone wants any specific information please feel free to email me strandcampingdoonbeg@gmail.com
That said I wasn’t completely comfortable with a crack from top to bottom in my windscreen so rather than do loads of miles on roads in countries we hadn’t been to before we decided let’s get back to Ireland and get the windscreen replaced sooner rather later, we also had something to sort out on the domestic front.
We decided to get a ferry from Patras to Ancona. The Ferry was €830 for the MH, outside 4 berth cabin including the dog in the cabin. Interestingly you could take the dog anywhere on the ship including inside areas. The cabin was comfortable but I did need to get a plumber to sort out the shower drain. We went out via Bari to Patras camping on board for €400. On arrival back in Italy we spent the night in Ancona at an Aire next to a shopping centre. Next stop an Agri Tourismo site the far side of Bologna. The most expensive place I have ever stayed at €125 for the night but equally one of the best value sites we have stayed on. The price included 1 night for 2 people, 1 dog and ehu with showers included but we also got 2 bottles of white wine and a few of their home produced beers and a stunning 3 course meal each. So expensive, yes but worth every cent, YES.
Next night we were in France. A few days later Burgos in Spain for the pet passport then a night near Santander. Set sail 12 noon on Sunday back in Rosslare 3pm on Monday. We were on then Santona, nice ship. We got called down to our van at 2pm as people with pets go to the car decks go first. We then spent 90 minutes before we finally got off the ferry even though we docked at 2.30pm.
Oh I should add that security seems to have stepped up, leaving Italy for Greece the whole MH was throughly searched we also had to drop the drop down bed. Leaving Spain after seeing my scooter in the garage I had to show my log book for it to prove it was mine.
Based on my experience of Stena, Anek and Brittany ferries the overall best cabin and facilities was Brittany ferries. That said I’d use camping on board over the ferry cabins every time.
In France we mainly used camping-car park which we thought was spot on, a ronseal experience as it does everything it says on the tin.
First night back in Ireland at Ferrybank for a takeaway at the Red Elephant. Winter special price €25 for 2 inc ehu, showers extras but used our own. Last night the hub, €17 inc ehu €12 without, shower is apparently on a honestly box system, didn’t use the so cannot comment. The hub is a great set up. So now today Kilrush Marina €25 per night inc ehu and you get shower tokens included in the daily rate.
Next year we are definitely going to Greece as we much preferred it to Spain and Portugal albeit it is more expensive for fuel and shopping, eating out was very reasonable though. We may go a bit further south and get a ferry to Crete from the mainland.
Overall a fantastic trip, loved pretty much every minute of it.
Couple of things we needed outside the norm; male to male hose lock fitting for the odd site in France and the 2 pin plug into the standard Ehu lead.
Just heard my replacement windscreen is currently in Holland so I hope to get that sorted soon
As we are back early we are planning a few trips around Ireland for a change and we will be opening the campsite as an Aire for Christmas and new year.
Until next time. Regards Jamie, Amanda and Bertie.
P.S if anyone wants any specific information please feel free to email me strandcampingdoonbeg@gmail.com
