hi all,

being a total newbie here i may have missed this in another thread, although i did look for it.

i am traveling to greece (athens) in may for a month, and we want to drive, going down through italy, taking the ferry from somewhere like ancona to patras or igoumenitsa. we will pick up and return to zurich, so no one way fees to worry about.

however, i am hitting the same wall with rental companies regarding taking rental cars to greece or on ferries - in that, they don't seem to allow it. does anyone have any advice for me in terms of options? it also seems like i can not drive through eastern europe so can't take the land only option either.

we are taking a fair amount of stuff with us, so the option of dropping one car in italy and walking on board with all our luggage, and then picking another car up in greece seems a like a lot of hassle (we really will have a lot of luggage).

short of buying a car, i am feeling a little stumped.

thanks in advance for any help!

Just an update for everyone, which might be helpful for others in this situation. I believe, that as Swiss residents (and thus not in the EU), we are eligible for Peugeot and Renault's lease buy back deals, wherein you just pay for the use of a brand new car for a minimum of 17/21 days respectively. It includes insurance (fully comp for anyone driving), 24 hour assistance, unlimited mileage and the price is totally fixed at the start.

http://europeforvisitors.com/peugeot-leases.htm

http://europeforvisitors.com/renault-eurodrive.htm

Not the official websites, but useful starting points. Only Swiss pick up points are Zurich and Geneva as far as I can tell, but for long term renting, this is probably OK for people...

Anyway, if anyone has any experience using these services, please let me know - I'd be keen to hear any advice, trouble, pros/cons etc.

Thanks.

benjers

Thanks for the links.

We'll be touring Southern Europe (Switzerland, France, Italy, Greece) in July/August and have booked a car with Renault on a lease buy back deal which includes full insurance.

We looked at rentals but the insurance wasn't that good.
Enjoy your holiday and I hope the strikes don't spoil your trip.

cheers

Thanks Bill
Was it enough that you were resident in Switzerland, or were they more interested that you were Australian? Can you send me the details of who you booked the trip through? I am not finding it straight forward to get the right contact details.
Thanks!

Hi
I don't live in Switzerland and I have an Australian passport.
I'm suspecting that if you live in Europe you don't qualify
but if you have a European passport and live outside Europe you qualify.
http://www.ideamerge.com/leasing/qualifications.html

In Switzerland I only have the contact details of their pickup and drop off centre.
Give them a call and they should be able to put you through to their booking office.
http://www.renault-eurodrive.com/cms/australie/index.php?id=114&centre_id=43

I've booked my car through Renault Eurodrive (Australian office)
but I could have leased it through their US office or through IdeaMerge.

http://www.ideamerge.com/motoeuropa/...ar_leases.html
http://www.renault-eurodrive.com/cms/australie/

We took the ferry from Venice to Patras ten years ago.

Small car, 4 people, outside cabin with window:

It isn't very cheap, this year the above will cost in July: GB £ 1,239.40 return
but considering you have 2 nights on the ship and save a very long drive it is quite attractive to me.

You need to book soon, as May bookings are filling up!!

http://www.aferry.co.uk/timetable/Ve...oanLinesuk.htm

http://www.minoan-lines.ch/

The above ( via Ancona) would be a lot cheaper with a different company and their 50% off early bird deal

http://www.superfast.com/site/content.asp?sel=660&loc=2

Book your ticket in advance and get 50% off fares!
Offer is valid for reservations and ticket issuance made until 31st March 2010.
• Valid for travel up till and including 31st December 2010. • Once ticket issued, reservation may be changed but not cancelled.• Route: Patras – Igoumenitsa - Ancona v.v.,
Patras – Igoumenitsa – Bari v.v.• Discount applies only for the official fares 2010 (excluding “PURE CABIN” supplement, “PET IN CABIN” and “PET IN KENNEL” charges).• No further discounts apply.• Ticket cannot be issued with an open return• The discount does not apply on fuel surcharges (if applicable). • For those travelling in 1. LUX accommodation 2. Cabin accommodation in Bari route and 3. Camping on board in Ancona route, the 10% Early booking applies.• Limited capacity available.

Thanks billv and Ittigen - not sure how to Thank you officially, so this will have to do!

We are thinking of driving to Ancona - anyone know if the google maps estimate of 6 hours from Zurich to Ancona is accurate? I also think that driving from Igoumenitsa to Athens rather than going all to the way to Patras with the boat is quicker... Will report back in June when we get back!

I spoke to Peugeot last week, and they said yes, an EU resident living in CH *can* use the tax free lease back scheme! Bonus!

I think it will be over 7 hours plus any stops so I'll count it as a 9 hour trip

yes, sorry bill, 6 hours is for Venice... got myself confused there. thanks for the update.

here is another ferry company in case you find departing from Venice more convenient

http://web.anek.gr/portal/page/porta...d/Fares_Offers