We are moving to Greece next year with our dog; who will be 15.
Due to the age of our dog, we don't want to fly her over, as she gets very nervous and scared easily, so therefore we are wanting to take the ferry and drive there.
I've looked through numerous websites and picked up some useful information, however I was wondering if anyone had taken a similar route.
We are thinking of driving to Dover and getting the ferry to Calais. From there, we will drive through France with numerous stops along the way, and then onto Venice. From Venice we will get the Superfast Ferry to Patras and then travel to Kefalonia from there. All in all it should take about 5 days.
Obviously, we will get all necessary forms and documents, as well as vaccinations and a pet passport for our dog, just wondered if anyone had done similar or had any more information. I know there were a few topics on here with some information, but they are out of the 6 month archive.
Thanks!!!
Message posted by mcjackson on 07 April 2007 at 3:22pm - IP Logged
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hi becky give me a ring 01274 599525 regards dave / sue
Message posted by Jimmy H on 07 April 2007 at 4:13pm - IP Logged
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Jimmy H
We take our best friend to Corfu twice a year, on the cross channel ferries you have to leave your dog in the car, the tunnel is better (but usually more expensive) if you want to stay with your furry friend.
In my experience almost all hotels and restaurants in Europe are dog tolerant but it's best to check first, we usually stay at ETAP hotels (etaphotel.com). The Minoan Venice to Greece ferries(don't know about Superfast) are geared up for dogs, you can camp on deck (to end of October) in which case you can just walk your dog around (either on the camping deck if it's not busy or up on the main decks if your dog can manage the stairs) until they 'perform' and then clean up.
There are also kennels usually situated near the funnel where you can leave them, take a small padlock and chain plus some bedding if you plan to do this. Dogs aren't allowed in cabins officially but the crew usually turn a blind eye if they are not causing a nuisance.
Happy sailing.
Jim
Message posted by Jimmy H on 07 April 2007 at 4:49pm - IP Logged
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Jimmy H
Just had alook at superfast.com and they don't appear to sail from Venice to Patras or anywhere else for that matter, it looks like you'll have to go down to Ancona. But the good news is that they have cabins in which they allow pets, all at a price of course!
Message posted by cannock girl on 08 April 2007 at 11:27pm - IP Logged
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Two years ago this week we travelled to Corfu with our old dog also15 years old,we also advise you use channel tunnel both quick, and quiet,for your dog, We crossed travelled down France on very dog friendly motorways,with very frequent [aires] where you can walk your dog and with water available.All the hotels near the motorway were dog friendly,and cheap and cheerful we used the ancona ferry,i spent the night on top deck under the funnel with my old pall, plenty of deck for exercise etc.
We found he did,nt like the tunnels into Italy, so we opted for Ancona not VENICE,this route was great. not once did anyone ask to see his passport they were not interested we could have brought 10 dogs over,much different taking a pet the other way, i believe.
We arrived safely, and we all enjoyed our new life here on the island, my old dog seemed rejuvinated, swimming in the sea, chasing through the large garden at the house,spring, and summer passed quickly,and in the autumn, after a long day on the beach, he died at my feet, peacefully,and much loved.
I vowed no other dog, would cause me that much heartache ever again, BUT three weeks later a scruffy old bitch gave birth on my doorstep,then went away leaving me 3 offspring to care for,allright i said till we find them homes. now 12months later they are still here,curled up at my feet. BEWARE a soft heart in CORFU.
Regards to you and safe journey,
Kath SIDARI
Message posted by JB on 09 April 2007 at 12:04am - IP Logged
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Oh Kath I am sat here in tears now ..... memories of my first cocker spaniel and the thought of my current one who will be hopefully living out her life on the Corfiot beaches (she is nearly nine).
We are setting off for Corfu by car on the 20th via Germany, Austia and Venice (all of which I am very familiar with) - we are on the Venice to Corfu ferry and as my crazy companion hasn't done much travelling it will be an adventure ....... I am sure she will be like Tigger on speed for the whole trip!!!
Thanks for the tip about the padlock though Jimmy - that was one thing I hadn't thought of.
Message posted by KEIRA on 09 April 2007 at 11:05am - IP Logged
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Thank you for the information - and what a moving story!
We are undecided as to which route to take, seen as we've never done this before. We're wanting the quickest and most comfortable route for our dog, because of her age.
From Ancona; did you get the ferry to Corfu or to mainland? We're going to Kefalonia so will have to go to mainland first and then take another ferry.
Did you drive from France to Italy? How long did this take?
Also, how long did the ferry from Ancona take?
Sorry for all the questions, but we're just wanting as much information as possible, so that we can plan our route.
Thanks for your best wishes Jill, will keep you posted on the developments!
Message posted by MartynG on 09 April 2007 at 12:33pm - IP Logged
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Both Anek and Minoan sail direct from Ancona to Igoumenitsa and the crossing takes about 15 hours. As has been said abouve, there is an "animal village" on the Minoan ferry, which seems to work very well.
Martyn
Message posted by cannock girl on 09 April 2007 at 2:37pm - IP Logged
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HI, We went Anek line ferry, 14 hours to IGOUMENITSTA, then we caught a connecting ferry within the hour to Corfu,
going back to the journey down through france, we made a holiday of it taking 5 days, no ferry booked till we reached Ancona. We spent 3 nights in a hotel and 2 nights camping in a beautiful site by a small medieval french town, both of us in a little igloo tent, the dog in the car. do you know i have forgotten the hotels, but will never forget the river, and the overhanging balconies of the town, and the massive cost 8 pounds a night for us, the tent and the car, we hope one day to visit there again.
Kath.sidari
Message posted by Jacky on 12 April 2007 at 6:18pm - IP Logged
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What made you decide to catch a ferry to Igoumenitsta and then another to Corfu, rather than go direct to Corfu. As we will hopefully be making the journey ourselves in the near future just wondering what the pros and cons of each trip are, we to will have our little dog with us (not forgetting our six year old daughter too!).
Thanks
Jackie
Message posted by cannock girl on 12 April 2007 at 6:28pm - IP Logged
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All Minoan Lines’ ships coming from Venice stop in Corfu, before Igoumenitsa, except the period 3/4/07 to 21/5/07, when they approach Igoumenitsa before Corfu.
All ANEK Lines itineraries also stop in Corfu, since March 23rd. But ANEK Lines’ ships coming from Venice approach Corfu after approaching Igoumenitsa.
Message posted by mcjackson on 14 April 2007 at 12:38am - IP Logged
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We frequently do both from Venice or Ancona but with animals we much prefer the Venice crossing, no stress from any animals and it is lovely just walking them up to the deck and having a drink, they all just lie down in the sun and doze until you take them down to the camping deck. Could just be personal preferance but that is always the one we'd take if we can.
Regards, Sue and Dave
Message posted by Jacky on 14 April 2007 at 11:36am - IP Logged
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We will be using the Venice/Corfu Ferry again in June. We use and recommend the Minoan ferry. This is a very nice and very large ferry.There is also an ANEK ferry, which I've never used. They all take approximately 24hrs to get to Corfu.
Confusingly the ferries often go past Corfu and stop at Igoumenitsa first and then return to Corfu. (its all Greek to me). Always check with the pursers office if Corfu is the first or second stop.
These are the only two ferry companies that go into Corfu harbor from Venice. From Ancona the ferry stops at Igoumenitsa where you have to change to a local ferry to Corfu.
Ferries operate from Bari and Brindisi to Corfu but then its a long drive down the Italian coast. I haven't used them so unable to compare.
From Venice you get fantastic views of the city from the top decks during the first 30 minutes of the voyage. Don't miss it! I would definitely recommend a cabin, though it does add a bit to the final cost. If you have a suitable vehicle its possible to camp on a car deck.
In my opinion you should pre book to ensure you get a cabin or car deck, but in anycase at peak season it's a must. You didn't say when your traveling? The Venice sailing times are not the most convenient, as most sailings depart at 1400hrs for which you MUST be there two hours before (1200hrs) if your in a vehicle. On arrival at the ferry terminal take your documents to the admin building and register for the trip. You get a card displaying your destination (Corfu) for the car.
All passengers are asked /told to walk on board only the driver can stay with the vehicle. So car passengers can get aboard before the car is loaded, though don't forget your passports and tickets!(ensure the driver has his ticket and passport). Agree to meet up with the driver at the pursers office where they give out room keys and information. Make sure you have all the items you want on the trip handy before arriving at the terminal.
There are several internet sites for booking ferries try www.viamare.com.
For your dog there is a doggy village and is at the top of the boat in kennels, for peace of mind take a padlock (bit bigger than a suitcase lock though). You can get access to your dog at any time during the voyage. Take appropriate items to clear up after your dog after walking him/her round the "usually" quiet open deck such as kitchen roll/polythene bags etc. There's a dustbin in the dog village for your use. I know some owners have smuggled dogs into their cabins!
Hope above of use and you enjoy the best way to arrive at Corfu. Let me know if you want further info?
Tony
Message posted by mcjackson on 17 April 2007 at 1:01pm - IP Logged
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