What is the normal route to Istanbul these days ?. Is it worth ferrying from Italy and through Greece ?. How long would a round trip take ?.
We had one go there this year, he went via Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria etc.
There is a Ferry direct ferry from Trieste to Istanbul
http://www.samer.com/activity_roro.php
It takes about 3 days, they have very few cabins on board so I think part of the price is flight to and from Istanbul and Hotel accomodation whilst waiting for the boat.
London - Istanbul via Balkan with single driver will take 5 days - if all goes well. Plan for 6 to be on safe side
Route depends on the rate - well paid jobs take the IT-GR ferry. It can cost quite a lot especially in summer. Tickets start at about 700e one way ancona-patras. venice-patras 900e and more. bari - patras roughly half that and only 10-12hrs. ancona-patras ~20hrs, venice patras ~30hrs. ancone-cesme 2.5-3days, 1200-1500e
The Balkan route is a bit cheaper but slower. You can speed things up by taking train from Wells, A, to Szeged, H. It runs 2-3 times a day, 12hrs is enough for daily rest, costs ~500e one way.