10 days motorhome tour of Italy - Suggestions please

[getitupya]

Hi all,

Planning a short tour of northern Italy in a motorhome this June, looking for suggestions for stops/camp sites bearing in mind;

Pick up RV in Florence, so at least one night fairly local.
Travelling with a 3 year old and wife (so no real long distances, max 300KM in a day).
Been to Venice, Padua and quite a bit of the Adriatic coast so probably want to come up West coast instead
Would like to take in a Lake or two in Northern Italy
Possibily make it to Switzerland?
Drop off RV in Milan

Is this possible in 10 days?

Would ideally like campsites with good facilities for a little one to offset the boredom of the journey for her.

Thanks in Advance

[Olf]

What's driving you towards and RV? I'd hotel if I were you. Can find some excellent reasonably priced hotel in Italy. Safety in an RV for children isn't that hot either.

[getitupya]

Just wanted to get about a little and see more than one centre. My experience of Italian hotels leaves a lot to be desired (I worked around the northern end of the Adriatic for two years). They tend to be poor quality and expensive. I thought the camp sites would be a more suitable for a little one, giving her the chance to run off steam and enjoy the outdoors a bit.

[Enricogto]

Each to their own, but there must be something wrong, if you look closely you'll see that most hotels in Italy are more than good, and regarding the cost I've never experienced above-the-average prices with respect to other hotels in Europe.
If you decide for a RV, then be aware that camping outside of specified areas is forbidden and usually those places tend to be located on the coast and often quite outside of the city centre. This implies that visiting for example a town like Milan yol'be camping waaay far from the centre making anything more difficult.
June is a good period but with some specificity, if you can be more precise with respect to where and when you plan to visit, I'll be more than happy to give you some advice.

Enrico

[getitupya]

Thanks Enrico,

My experience of Italian hotels must be tainted from the ones I used for work in and around Padua, which were fairly basic, and the occasional ones in Venice (expensive)and Chiogga/Sotomarina area (Basic)

This is more about a holiday my daughter will enjoy. City centre stuff is never great for little ones, as sight seeing etc. is well down their list of want to do.

I have looked a little closer now, and think I will pick up and drop off in Milan, then something along these lines;

2 days lake Commo area (or anywhere in easy reach of Milan as I will arive late afternoon
2 day Liguria
2 days Tuscany
2-3 days west side of Lake Garda

So any advice on this route would be great. I have seen some great campsites on the net around the lakes etc.They look to be of a good standard?

Thanks

[Enricogto]

Getitupya,

I get what you mean and I understand, the area you stayed is dedicated to business/budget mass holidays, it colud take a bit more in depth look to find a decent accomodation.
Starting from Milan avoid moving to the Lake Como area during rush hour (6-9 am and 5-8 pm) during the week as the area has heavy traffic from commuters. Have a look here for accomodation, it colud be used for a first check http://www.lakecomonline.com/

If I were you after a visit of Milan (if you've never been) I'd take the A7 until Serravalle Scrivia then the SS35bis to Genova (beautiful scenery as you approach the sea, but a bit narrow and twisty road). From Genova the SP10 to La Spezia as you cross Portofino (very narrow road, beware!) and the Cinque Terre (you could stay here http://www.campingcinqueterre.it/?id_lingue=2). Once passed La Spezia there's Forte dei Marmi (very cool/poshy holiday place) then you could head to Florence thru the A11 (again beware of commuters and speed cameras), stay/visit Florence then south on the A1 to Siena (Chianti area) where you colud visit the town. For accomodation look http://www.camping.it/english/toscana/.
Then heading north always on the A1 to Modena (visit Ferrari museum and others depending on willingness ) then switch to the A22 to Verona for the Lake Garda part of the trip, maybe the easiest place where to find an accomodation as is one of germans favourite holiday location and they love camping, just bear in mind that the most "civilized" part is the southern one (Desenzano, Sirmione, Lazise and Bardolino) while the northern part is enclosed within the mountains and therefore more dedicated to nature and sport kind of holidays.
From there on back to Milan on the A4.
Do not hesitate to ask me for more specific infos, I tried to be as generic as possible!

Enrico

[GAjon]

This sites OK for looking for campsites in Europe.

http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/

I used to find campsites for France and Spain last year

[getitupya]

Thanks for the website tips guys.

Enrico,

I had not thought about rush hour traffic to Lake Como, it is probably the last thing I want after travelling all day with a 3 year old! I guess Como is definatley worth a visit though, or should I just focus on Milan? I have been there for one night, but stayed close to the airport (in a very nice hotel!) and got my first introduction to grappa....I then had to drive all the way to Mugello for the Motogp the following morning with the worst hangover I have had.

I have also had a weekend in Florence for the motogp, loved it, but again, not so much fun for a 3 year old so I will probably try Sienna or Lucca whilst in Tuscany. I see from one of the websites there is a campsite just to the south of Florence that overlooks the city, that may be an option?

My former colleagues all recommend Garda, especially the west side up to Riva del Garda, what would be your recommendation there?

I actually hadent thought of the Ferrari (and Ducati) museums, but as I will be passing it would be rude not to!

[Enricogto]

getitupya said:

Thanks for the website tips guys.

Enrico,

I had not thought about rush hour traffic to Lake Como, it is probably the last thing I want after travelling all day with a 3 year old! I guess Como is definatley worth a visit though, or should I just focus on Milan? I have been there for one night, but stayed close to the airport (in a very nice hotel!) and got my first introduction to grappa....I then had to drive all the way to Mugello for the Motogp the following morning with the worst hangover I have had.

I have also had a weekend in Florence for the motogp, loved it, but again, not so much fun for a 3 year old so I will probably try Sienna or Lucca whilst in Tuscany. I see from one of the websites there is a campsite just to the south of Florence that overlooks the city, that may be an option?

My former colleagues all recommend Garda, especially the west side up to Riva del Garda, what would be your recommendation there?

I actually hadent thought of the Ferrari (and Ducati) museums, but as I will be passing it would be rude not to!

Getitupya,

yes Como itself is worth a visit but traffic could be more of a problem especially in the the morning (the return in the afternoon is more diluted) and is also heavily dependant on the severity of safety checks at the Swiss border in Brogeda. In normal conditions it takes about one hour to get to Como from Milan, also depending from where do you arrive (which airport) and where you have to pick up the RV. Milan is also definitely worth a visit , just be prepared to leave the RV outside and take public transport as now all the centre is a congestion charge area.

Lucca and Siena are excellent choices, smaller towns with a lot of art and good food in the surroundings, other less "common" options could be Grosseto and Pisa.
I've never had camping experience, so I really can't tell if it's a good place, if it's the Panoramico Fiesole it is conveniently located and you can easily reach the centre by bus (line 7 if I'm correct, from 6ish am to midnight).

About Garda, as I said the south is more of a beach type of holiday, while the north (Riva del Garda, Limone and Malcesine) are more enclosed on the first part of the Alps (Rovereto and especially Folgaria,a lovely mountain place at around 30 mls from Riva). Think of that part as one of the best for mountain bike, trekking and other outdoor activities. The area is one of the preferred by northern europeans (germans above all) so plenty of camping sites for every typology of holiday.

I mentioned Ferrari as I thought that being on Pistonheads....anyway going from Tuscany to Garda you pass in the area, with not just Ferrari "old" museum and Ducati, but also the new Ferrari museum, Maserati, Lambo and a couple of private collections I could redirect you at, if you are interested.

Enrico

[HCMH]

Lake Garda is stunning - there is a fantastic camp site in Riva Del Garda: www.campingbrione.com I highly recommend it. Much more space than the campsites on the lake.

I wouldn't go near Milan, especially with a 3 year old in tow.

Lago D'iseo is supposed to be fantastic as well, with a large island in the middle (boat tour).

Sounds like a great trip, safe travels.

H

[getitupya]

Thanks for the tips guys, I will post up my final choice..

[Russ T Bolt]

We have been all over Italy in various motor homes ove the last 10 years.

One of the best times we had was here http://www.camping-fusina.com/en/default.aspx, if you can can a lagoon side pitch it is stunning. I know you said you didn't really want Venice but it is nice travelling across on the ferry.

Was a few years ago that we went there though, so may have changed.

The only lake campsite I rated was in Lugano, but on the Swiss side. I found the Como etc campsites quite tight for space, but we did have a fairly big motor home.

Don't have children so not really placed to comment on sites with child friendly facilities.

In terms of distance/itinerary you are planning I would say no problem at all in the time you have, but it does mean you won't stay anywhere too long.

Edited by Russ T Bolt on Sunday 6th May 21:10

[dave_s13]

Russ T Bolt said:

Don't have children so not really placed to comment on sites with child friendly facilities.

[/footnote]

Well it 100% ruins enhances the experience I can tell you

You don't want to be anywhere within easy reach of open water with a 3 year old running about, you will be constantly keeping an eye out for her drowning, I'm sure you know that though.

We just did along weekend in Wales, in a campsite in snowdonia, it was great but the travelling there/back can be very, very stressful when the kids decide the car is $hit and screaming at you it more fun. Mine are 3 (and a bit) and 5 months. The baby is fine to be fair but her big sister can be a complete tw@t when she wants to be

OP - I think you are mental but good luck to you.

[the_g_ster]

This is a curious thread really, as with a little one in tow then can see a camper is on face value a good idea, but you will be crawling everywhere and will be so so hot in your very expensive tupperware box.

So, solution, sell the camper, get a nice car, with kiddie space, spend some time on tripadvisor finding some good hotels and go and enjoy.

Driving in italy is not as bad as people say, you can get there pretty quickly if focused, and the euro should get better as various european countries decide they don't want to repay their debts and so you should have fun. Avoid Milan as mentioned, Garda is very nice indeed, and try if you can to get to the Cinque Terre, as it really is lovely.

best wishes, and have fun, though swap the camper for an M5.

[getitupya]

Your all starting to worry me!!

I live in Inverness, so the idea is (was!) to fly to Milan (or any other city) and rent a camper from there. Driving from home would be a chore for me even to get to the ferry port. I have driven to Venice once before, in the late 90's and from memory it (although not in any major rush to get there) took me four plus days with ferry crossing. As I only have 10 days to spare, it would definatley mean flights are the only option.

As for the little one, I honestly thought she would be happier in a camper than hotels, given the adventure of it all. We would only do a maximum of 250- 300km in a day at worst, so nothing too long, and would stop for a couple of nights at each stop. Her and the missus can sit at the table in the back and keep each other entertained, whilst I do the driving.

Maybe as my Italian friend suggested, I should take advantage of Sardinia being quiter in June and get a hotel in the north of the Island for this break. Maybe she is a little too young to enjoy this trip??

[dave_s13]

getitupya said:

Her and the missus can sit at the table in the back and keep each other entertained, whilst I do the driv

I'm not familiar with the interior layout of a motorhome but sure this would mean they, or one of them, are unrestrained. Bad idea.

Have you taken her away before? Where did you go and how was it?

In my experience 3yr old don't really give a st about travel and culture. They just want a beach/pool, other kids to fight with and a but of a disco. I mentioned above we went to Wales weekend just gone. Went to a haven static caravan site called greenacres. We got a van 2mins from the beach and the evening kids activities kept her happy as a pig in st, which gave us a rest. Lovely place snowdonia, going back in a couple of months.

We saving going abroad for a few years yet.

[Olf]

^ This. As I mentioned earlier the child safety picture for the RV is poor to say the least. I have young-un and just had a 2 week touring holiday with them (in a car) the most what did they enjoy most - the beaches and the pools - what did they request most? To stay where we were and not keep moving around.

[getitupya]

I take your points about them being most happy round pools etc, she is quite well travelled already, been to Florida, Spain x 2, Cyprus x 2, on a Cruise, been in Italy already when I was working there, and Norway recentley and (fingers crossed) never been much bother at all.......but she is getting more nd more prone to tantrums etc. so maybe the idea of a camper van is a bit stupid!

The van we were planning has 4 seats with belts in the back round the table, and we had specified a child seat soit should be safe enough.....

Sardinia sounding more and more likely!!

[getitupya]

Bit of a late update on the trip....but here goes;

Flew to Milan where we were met by the rental company. Van was outside, 40 mins later, paper work signed up, instructions given, luggage loaded (way too much!) GPS programed and the girls safely belted up in the back (there was room for them to sit side by side at the table, little one in child seat and the wife beside her) and we were off.

I had booked a campsite for the first night in Dormaletto the shores of Lake Maggori. Less than an hours drive to keep stress to a minimum with the unknowns. Shouldn't have worried, roads were reasonnably quiet once we left the outskirts of Milan, putting trust in GPS made a massive difference in my perceptions of driving in Italy, my previous memories being spending most of my time wondering what lane I should be in!!

Arrived at camping village lake maggori <www.lagomag.com> very friendlly staff had booked us a lakeside pitch, but asked us to walk around and see if there were any we would prefer, but we stuck with their choice as it was right on the lake besides a small beach. Spent two enjoyable nights here (only downer being that the pool was not yet open for the season). Onsite bar /restauarant quiet but good. Did a trip to Stressa further up the lake, which was stunning.

As we had not made any firm bookings with any other sites (and on advice of staff at first site) we just looked on google maps where to head next...so off we headed in Lake Garda direction....ended in staying in Lazise...which can only be described as beautiful. Again great campsite (http://www.campingspiaggiadoro.com/) this time with very large pools and great facilities, beautiful town within walking distance, plenty to keep little girl happy (including brilliant italian ice creams).

After two nights here then we headed south east to meet with friends at Roslino di Mare on the Adriatic coast. Not quite as classy as the lakes, but nice beaches etc. Campsite again was excellent http://www.rosapineta.it/ Spent a couple of days there also.

Back on the road and back to Lake Garda, spent two days at www.campingbaiaverde.com in Manerba Del Garda. Again very impressed with the campsite, although a little away from the town centre. Still a few restaurants in the area. We went to rent a boat here but unfortunatley the weather was against us, and at the advice of not traumatising a 3 year old by taking her out in rough weather it never happeneed.

last stop was in Vebania again on Lake Maggori....chose here as this was where the camper rental company were based, and they had offered to take us to the airport after dropping van off with them, which made life easier for us. Verbania again is highly recommended, absoutley stunning on the water front with lots of cafes and restaurants...highly recommended.

So to sum it up....fantastic, would have no worries in recommending a similar trip. Travelling in camper was very easy (130kph limit applies on autostrada) toll roads quite expensive but very easy and not very busy. Virtually all service stations have camper facilities for topping up/emptying tanks. Safety of those in back never in question. Campsites all of very high standards, great facilities and friendly staff.
We only met one other brit in 10 days (who actually lived in Italy) most of the campsite/restaurant/cafe staff were suprised we were British as the lakes especially is dominated by Dutch and German tourists (Don't let this put you off, they were all very friendly too). Weather was not brilliant, but we were only stuck in van one night and with plenty Vapollencia Classico (my new favorite wine Zenato Amorone)to keep us company it was no issue. For a three year old, it was just about ideal, swimming, play parks, ice creams and pizza/pasta for your meals!! She had a ball!

What would I change for next trip....maybe not try to squeeze as much in, we covered 1500kms in 10 days, does not sound a lot, but that was only travelling every second day. Italy is pretty big, so trying to cover a lot in a short time is pretty hard. Next time for me it will be lake Commo and a bit of Switzerland.

[Torchy1957]

I appreciate this thread is a bit old now, but I've been looking at this http://www.motorhomefreedom.com/places-to-go/motor... and thinking about a motorhome ski holiday after Christmas. So far the snow has been pretty minimal in the Alps, so I was thinking that a motorhome would allow me to find the best resorts for skiing once I get there. Does that sound like a reasonable plan?