Silivia

Has anyone taken the ferry from Greece (Patras) to Italy (Bari)?
Could you share your experiences and any advice? What ferry line did you use, how far in advance did you purchase tickets? What type of cabin did you book?
Thank You

GeoffHamer

I've been several times between Italy and Greece, but usually use the northern Italian ports of Ancona or Venezia. The only decent ships to Bari are run by Superfast - they're the only firm with modern ships (www.superfast.com). Superfast's Bari ships and those running to Ancona and Venezia are fairly similar in terms of passenger amenities. The cabins all have a bathroom with a shower and toilet; you pay more for a cabin with a window. I didn't book far in advance, but I was travelling out of season. There are now so many ships running between Greece and Italy, that you will only really need to book in advance for the peak season.

Gino

Silvia,
We too, have taken Greek ferries but from Venice to Patras.
Go to http://www.greekferries.gr/sff-en/superfast.htm site for prices,etc.
They will book online.
They are pretty nice ships with fairly good accomodations and a variety of eating facilities.
It was a great way for us to get from Venice to Patras with a waiting bus to take us to Athens. We considered it a great value when considering sleeping accomodations along with transportation.
I would certainly do it again.

Silivia

Thank You so much. We are going in May and heading to Naples-that's why I picked Bari.
I'm hoping we can just walk up and purchase a ticket or buy a ticket a day or two before we leave. If not, we will end up flying - which is a lot more.
Any advice for the ferry trip? I've never done this before - is it a pretty smooth ride?
Did you take the train or bus from Athens to Patras?

Patrick

We took a ship from Bari to Dubrovnik and while waiting to depart we saw a ship come into Bari from Greece. Seemingly thousands and thousands of backpackers kept pouring out of it. We couldn't imagine how crowded that ship must have been. Someone told us it was the ship that accepts Eurrail passes for free passage. If you want to be able to move on the ship, I'd suggest you find out what line that is and avoid it.

Carolina

Another vote for Superfast.

Mykoniatis

Geia kai chara

Because I sail with all the compagnies,but only Ancona Trieste and Venezia I want to say that the best cabins are in the new ship from Minoan lines from Ancona -Greece.

GeoffHamer

Travelling in May, the ferries from Greece will be quiet and you will not need to book in advance. It's easiest to buy a ticket from a travel agency in Pireas or Athens. Superfast's ships are big and and Adriatic is usually calm, so you are most likely to have a smooth trip. Superfast run a connecting bus from Athens and Pireas to Patra, or you can get a train, or get an ordinary bus from Athens - all will drop you close to the port in Patra. You need to check-in at Superfast's office before going to the ship. Superfast's ships are distinctively painted red, but they also run to Ancona so there may be more than one in port. The ships have escalators up to the reception from where a steward will take you to your cabin (this is normal on Greek ferries). On board, there are two or three bars, self-service and waiter-service restaurants and a swimming pool (which will probably be empty out of season). At Bari, there should be taxis on the quayside which is the best way of getting to the station.

mzani

As for the cabins those- de luxe with a queen bed- on the brand new MINOAN LINES
ships are a royal treat(with room service)

In any case most of the shpis are like cruise-ships with leisure amenities (pools/cinemas/casinos)

Silivia

WOW - Thank You so much for all the information. You have alleviated a lot of fears

I also found out that a cabin is half price with my Eurail Selectpass (82 instead of 161)