Crankypants

which one would you chose for a fully loaded two week self contained tour? I am going to be living in southern Romania 45 km outside of Bucharest for about six months, so I'll have time to go for a few extended outings. Something to consider is that I'll be riding in the fall/winter/early spring months so Greece may be the place, although I will be surrounded by hotsprings in Romania.

PurpleK

Though not on a bike tour, I just returned from Romania three months ago. One of the things that impressed me was how suitable the country seemed to be for bike touring. Most of the towns and villages had someplace to stay the night, the traffic was light outside of urban areas and the road surface seemed pretty good (at least what I could tell of it from buses and trains). The driving style of Romanian motorists is scary, but then again, that's pretty much the same throughout Europe. Be aware, though, that eastern Europe doesn't seem to hold the same degree of respect for cyclists that you may find in other parts of Europe.
I spent some time in Hungary a couple of years ago. I was surprised how flat the roads were in much of the country. Should be some good cycling there, too. I believe Hungary as huge potential to be a major cycling destination due to its road system and evenly spaced villages.

xilios

Don't know much about the rest BUT Northern Greece (western coast) is a must see, on my first ever tour last year I was really surprised.
A lot of history, good roads, cheep food and great people (also the drivers)!
A bit hilly but a great place to ride, and the added bonus, with a short ferry ride you can check out some very nice islands (with great beaches) like Corfu or Kefalonia.
cheers

BorisBob

Bulgaria of course!
https://tour20060.tripod.com/bicycletour2006/

David_Strang

This summer rode from Paris to Istanbul so in Eastern Europe saw Slovenija, Croatia,Montenegro, Serbia Bulgaria and european Turkey -- though not Greece, which I suspect might be the most interesting especially in the spring or fall. Would recommend Montenegro (Crna Gris) as having good climbs and easy to get around, though all are good; Slovenija is the most developed of the lot and also has good mountains (the Julian Alps). Hungary in past experience is not so interesting, thats the flatlands. Have not been to Romania but suspect its a good combination of mountains and not too busy, a bit out of the way which always makes it nicer. Slovakia is also good.

Suspect the weather will dictate, whats good in the summer (at least in my experience, mountains) becomes cold fast.