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When you think about road trips, a journey through Greece and its islands likely conjures up images of stunning coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and winding roads with breathtaking views. For Richard, a former Volvo employee, a customer of TMS Volvo Coventry for many years and now a proud pensioner, this trip was not just about the destination - it was a test of his trusty Volvo XC90, affectionately called the "old girl."
Preparing for the Journey
Before embarking on this epic adventure, Richard made sure his Volvo XC90 was in perfect condition. "She’s always been reliable," Richard says, noting how the old girl has been regularly serviced and maintained by TMS Coventry. Pictured here, she’s getting ready for the road with an annual check, ensuring everything from the engine to the trailer hitch was ready for the journey ahead.
The First Leg: From England to Greece
The journey began in Rugby, where Richard carefully loaded his trailer, bikes in tow, and prepped for the long haul across Europe. On September 17th, the old girl rolled onto the Dover to Calais ferry, ready to tackle the roads of France and beyond. By the evening, they had reached Dijon, where they parked for the night.
Richard and his XC90 handled every mile effortlessly, even while towing a full load, and arrived on the island of Evia ready for the next phase of their adventure.
Exploring Greece on Two Wheels
While the old girl took a well-earned rest on Evia, Richard switched to his motorcycle to explore some of Greece’s most iconic islands—Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, and Santorini. Over 20 days, he toured the islands, covering 1,350 miles of scenic coastal roads, all the while knowing that his faithful XC90 was waiting patiently for the return leg of the journey.
The Return Trip: A Testament to the XC90's Reliability
By September 21st, Richard had crossed back to the Greek mainland from Bari, Italy, after catching a ferry from Igoumenitsa. At their first fuel stop in Greece, the old girl wasn't too happy with the local fuel quality, but she soldiered on without complaint. This moment epitomised the XC90’s resilience, powering through despite the challenges that came her way.
As Richard prepares for the final leg of the journey - Evia to the mainland, through Italy and France, and then home to England - the Volvo XC90 continues to prove her worth. Whether navigating mountain roads, ferry ports, or the long stretches of the European motorways, the old girl is a steadfast companion.
Visiting Manfredonia - Italy
On the way down, they stopped in Manfredonia Italy before getting the ferry from Bari Italy, to Igoumenitsa Greece. In Manfredonia, Richards now 99-year-old Uncle Ken, was based in the Second World War, maintaining and repairing reconnaissance spitfires for the RAF - 1944/1945.
Final Thoughts: A Journey to Remember
For Richard, this road trip has been more than just a holiday - it’s been an adventure that showcases the durability and reliability of his Volvo XC90. Whether towing motorcycles, tackling coastal roads, or parking up for a roadside brew, the old girl has been up to every task. As expected, the return journey was just as impressive as the outward one, with the XC90 handling the long haul back through Greece, Italy, and France without a hitch. With the old girl by his side, Richard is already looking forward to the next adventure.
