I've done the Istanbul to UK return 3 times. Usually the Ancona-Igouminitsa, but also Bari to Igouminitsa too.
I believe there are two companies to choose from. but very little in it in terms of quality etc. You can check out the boats in detail from their websites
As they are overnight ferries, you need to decide what you'll do for sleeping:
1) Deck space for camping out. This is ok, but prime spots get taken early and you have to trust that no-one will nick your stuff when you go for some food. Also can be very humid at night
2) Aircraft style seat. Basically a standard train/airplane seat along with 50 others in one part of the boat. Cheap, but not comfy or quiet.
2) Dormitory. For 6-8 international lorry drivers (usually). Male and females are in different parts of the boat. Cheap if you can sleep through the snoring and smells.
3) Cabin. The way to go in my opinion. Get a shower, relax properly, your own loo, sleep in a bed etc. Splash out for a window view too!
As for the route. It is certainly doable riding from the UK to Ancona in one hit to get the 10pm crossing. Its a long day in the saddle mind and you need to catch a 4am Eurotunnel!
Other recommendations: From Ancona, head directly west through Umbria for some great roads and typical Italian countryside.
From Igouminitsa, use the old E92 (a wide single carriageway) which was replaced by the super slick motorway back in 2009ish (thanks to EU money!). The old E92 is a fantastic riding road with very little traffic on these days and it will take you over the mountains rather than through them like the motorway does!
I believe there are two companies to choose from. but very little in it in terms of quality etc. You can check out the boats in detail from their websites
As they are overnight ferries, you need to decide what you'll do for sleeping:
1) Deck space for camping out. This is ok, but prime spots get taken early and you have to trust that no-one will nick your stuff when you go for some food. Also can be very humid at night
2) Aircraft style seat. Basically a standard train/airplane seat along with 50 others in one part of the boat. Cheap, but not comfy or quiet.
2) Dormitory. For 6-8 international lorry drivers (usually). Male and females are in different parts of the boat. Cheap if you can sleep through the snoring and smells.
3) Cabin. The way to go in my opinion. Get a shower, relax properly, your own loo, sleep in a bed etc. Splash out for a window view too!
As for the route. It is certainly doable riding from the UK to Ancona in one hit to get the 10pm crossing. Its a long day in the saddle mind and you need to catch a 4am Eurotunnel!
Other recommendations: From Ancona, head directly west through Umbria for some great roads and typical Italian countryside.
From Igouminitsa, use the old E92 (a wide single carriageway) which was replaced by the super slick motorway back in 2009ish (thanks to EU money!). The old E92 is a fantastic riding road with very little traffic on these days and it will take you over the mountains rather than through them like the motorway does!