Travel from Berlin to Athens

You'll need to say what interests you to get helpful responses. Big cities? Historical sights? Scenery? It does seem odd to have decided that you're driving all the way to Brindisi and to have no plans before that point. If you decide that Denmark, Northern Germany and the Netherlands interest you the most, you should probably fly to Athens.

We are interested in just about anything ( and everything). We were hoping for a break before visiting my husband's large family in Athens. The reason for driving is that there are four of us. I had hoped to drive thru to Athens but the cost is prohibitive( $7000. ) The major car rental people don't like Greece for some reason... so that's the reason for going through Italy.. We can drop the car in Brindisi ($1500.) So I guess I am looking for people's favorite Italian car trip and stops for approximately 8 days. We stayed a week in Rome and loved it on a previous trip.
Alternatively I thought of taking the train to Prague, Vienna, Belgrade, Sofia and on to Thessaloniki , but the cost for four people is more than the car, not to mention that Greece canceled train service to Sofia.

Carol, With a time frame of only 10-days, there's no way I'd even considering driving! Aside from the time, you'd probably be paying an astronomical -off fee and the Ferry trip would use the better part of a day. For driving in Italy, each driver will require the compulsory I.D.P. and the CDW charges would also probably be steep. Have a look at This website to get some idea of the flight options from Berlin to Athens. There are good choices from the Berlin airports, including EasyJet and Aegean Air. I've flown with both of those and would recommend them. As usual with the budget airlines, booking early usually gets a more favourable price and most often only ONE carry-on item is allowed. Check the airline websites for the details on the luggage limits and carry-on rules. Happy travels!

"So I guess I am looking for people's favorite Italian car trip and stops for approximately 8 days." Let's say you're like most people and you want to see Venice. If you rent in Berlin and head south, the car won't be much use in Venice, since cars aren't permitted. You'd need to leave your car parked at your mainland hotel in Mestre and take public transport into town during your stay. If you're just interested in getting to Italy to start a road trip, then you'd be better off flying there, or taking the train, to make good use of your time and money. Your $1500 estimate likely includes a heavy foreign drop-off fee for picking up in Germany and dropping off in Italy, perhaps $300 or more, that you would save if you began your rental in Italy and ended there as well. Check Air Berlin, Germanwings, and Easy Jet for cheap fares between Berlin and Venice or Milan or wherever. Or take the train from Berlin. Advance-sale tickets train tickets at www.bahn.de into Italy include some tickets at deep discounts. These are called "Europa-spezial Italien" fares. Purchase 92 days in advance for the greatest availability of bargain tickets. Berlin to Venice for four adults costs 156€ total if you get the best deal. That's the same as you'd pay for gas alone between Berlin and Venice! Then after spending a day or two in Venice or Milan or wherever, start your road trip, drive fewer miles, and rent for fewer days. It should cost much less this way.

Thanks! I didn't think about the cost of the gas... and you are right about the drop off fee... I'll check online for flights...

I agree with other folks' replies....forget the car....gas, tolls & drop off fees (plus possible traffic tickets) are prohibitive....fly or train & fly is much better for timing, price, and nerves....you may think you'll see more by car, but with only 10 days all you will be doing is driving and hardly no sight seeing to get from Berlin to Italy & then taking a very slow ferry to Greece. That is no way to spend a vacation. There are plenty of low cost air carriers and train specials with many routes that you can make your own itinerary for places you really want to see. My advice is to pick 2 places that have good routes to stay for 4 nights in each and enjoy. Keep in mind that in July and August much of the folks living in Europe are on holiday as well, so expect crowds. And that's just one more reason to stay off the roads.