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We're taking the Bristol to Bosphorus Challenge

19/03/2018

Travelling through Europe for 5,000 miles from Bristol to Turkey, we’re taking on the latest challenge - the Bristol to Bosphorus Challenge - alongside leisure vehicle manufacturer Bailey of Bristol.

What is the Bristol to Bosphorus Challenge?

Taking in some of Europe’s most iconic cities and spectacular landscapes, we’re looking to inspire you to venture abroad and experience great journeys in your caravan or motorhome.

Our group of explorers will leave Bristol in two caravans, one motorhome and a campervan on 9 April and begin the epic journey across Europe, taking in the sights of 21 countries in as many days.

Where are they going?

The ‘Bailey to Bosphorus Challenge’ will set off from the Bailey’s South Liberty Lane production facility in Bristol, travel through Europe across the Bosphorus strait in Turkey, into Asia as far as the coast of the Black Sea and then back again.

The tour will travel through: UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium and Holland.

Algarve, Portugal

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Follow the journey

Track the team

You can follow our team of explorers on their journey with Bailey’s team tracker.

Alternatively, see below for our weekly posts or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with #Bristanbul.

Campsites

Along the way, our team will be staying on some of our European sites, follow in their footsteps and book a pitch for yourself!

Week 1 | 9 to 15 April

Gallery

Day 1 - Ready to set off

Day 2 - Boarding the ferry to Caen

Day 3 - Weaving past the mountains from northern Italy to Slovenia

Days 4 and 5 - A peaceful sight was enjoyed from the site at Lake Bled, Slovenia 

Day 6 - The tranquil lake of Split in Croatia was the day 5 to 6 stop-off

Day 6 continued - From Split, the team journeyed further south into Croatia along the coastal road.

Day 6 - Dubrovnik, here we come!

The #Bristanbul journey begins

In a cold and rainy Bristol, the team prepared their vehicles, ready for their long journey ahead. Their ferry awaited in Portsmouth which carried them across the Chanel to Caen in France.

Travelling through France and the mountainous landscape of Switzerland, the rainy weather began to clear up. By day four, the team had reached the calming waters of Lake Garda in Italy.

From northern Italy and Slovenia, the journey continued along coastal cliff-side roads, weaving around plenty of hair-pins until finally arriving in Croatia and some warm, welcoming sunshine.

Week 2 | 16 to 22 April

Gallery

Day 7 - Arrived in Dubrovnik

Day 8 - A quick lunch stop

Day 9 - All smiles on the shores of Lake Ohrid

Day 9 - Beautiful views in Greece

Day 10 - A visit to Hellas Memorial at sunset

Day 10 - Driving through Turkey

Day 11 - Arrived in Istanbul

Day 12 - Exploring Istanbul by boat

Day 13 - Beginning the homeward leg of the journey

The explorers head to Istanbul

The sun continued to shine as the team progressed with their onward journey from Croatia, aiming to cover four countries in one day. An unexpected issue saw them camp overnight in no man's land between Albania and Macedonia, before arriving at Lake Ohrid the following morning in time for coffee.

Their journey continued through Greece, taking in beautiful mountain views on route to Turkey. They crossed the border on day 10 and, after a long day on the road, visited the Helles Memorial just before sunset. 

Day 11 saw the team’s arrival to the huge, bustling city of Istanbul – they finally made it! Their stop in the city was brief but the first and most important visit was to the local bazaar, to stock up on delicious foods and supplies, ready for their homeward journey. They had a day to look around and take in the sights, before packing up for their next leg towards Bulgaria.

Week 3 | 23 to 29 April

Gallery

Day 15 - The team visit Dracula's Castle

Day 16 - Taking a bath in Budapest

Day 17 - Enjoying some down time in Prague

Day 18: The team visit the Skoda Museum

Day 18 - Cooking up a storm before the long trip to Germany

Day 19 - A low bridge signals the team's arrival to Germany

Day 20 - The first ferry crossing of the day over the Rhine

Day 20 - The second ferry crossing of the day, from Holland to the UK

Day 21 - The team arrive back in Bristol

The team returns to Bristol

Week three started with the team crossing the Danube into Romania, ready for a spooky stay. After a night at Vampire Camping, the team headed to Dracula’s Castle (a.k.a Bran Castle) where plenty of photos were taken and souvenirs purchased.

From Romania, the journey continued through Budapest and into Prague. The team enjoyed an abundance of Czech cuisine, and there was just time to visit the Skoda museum on the outskirts of the city before driving 360 miles to Germany.

The last leg of the journey saw the team head to Holland where they caught a ferry to put them back on home soil. One rainy drive later and they were back at base in Bristol - their 21 countries in 21 days a glowing success.

Check out the team's adventure on social media