London to Portofino in a day?

[4leks]

Would it be very hard to do in F360 in a day? I've never travelled to Italy by car before. I remember I've done one overnight trip to Nice a while ago (very similar mileage, 800+ miles but in different car though, no near as fast as F is) which took me around 14 hrs. TBH I enjoyed it a lot but was tired by the end of the trip as it was overnight overnight trip after whole day in the office and I don't like driving at night. I have done a lot of circa 500 miles trips but it is almost 850 miles we are talking about now.
Planning to leave around 6am, taking tunnel, then pass Reims, Dijon, Geneve, Mont Blanc tunnel, Alessandria, Genova, Portofino. I've been travelling down to Geneve few times and know this road well but never been through this route to Italy.
I'm planning to do it by 8-9pm (circa 850 miles, no speeding )

Do you think it is realistic? Would it be too hard? Any suggestions please?

I was thinking to take slightly different route to enjoy more "country roads" but this would be an extra 200-300 miles and at least 18hrs altogether which is not doable in 1 day. I will be driving along, my missus doesn't want to go by car that far (even with overnight break halfway) so she will take a plane on the same day and I will be meeting her in Italy.

[4leks]

Thx a lot guys.
Based on the above it looks like it should be doable.
In ideal world I would've taken different route from Reims - N44 & N19 to Besancon, then Lausanne, St Bernard tunnel, Aosta, Alessandria, Genova.
The actual mileage should be evn less but I guess N road would add another 4-5 hours time (at least).
I'm OK driving long distances on my own, I normally don't fall asleep whilst driving. My main concern is not to get tired that much so I will have to spend next day doing nothing
Looks like leaving around 5am will be a good idea, so I can catch earlier channel train
I know the roads up to Mont Blanc tunnel but ve never been south of the tunnel. How is Aosta/Alessandria/Genova bit of the route early evening hours?

edit: and also I understand you can't do 200+ on the French motorways on cruise control all way down any more what is the safe speed, is it 160 kph? (I mean I'm not too bothered about the fines but don't want the car to be seizes, this will destroy the whole holidays)

Edited by 4leks on Thursday 26th May 13:13

[4leks]

fulham911club said:

I've just looked at the route you'd take - its about the same as I do (time wise).

So you can do it.

I'd say leave a little earlier and try and get a 6.30ish tunnel : that way you'll arrive in time for dinner!

yeap, the mileage is very similar to London - Monaco I believe

[4leks]

Thx a lot guys, really appreciate your tips!

Looks like it should be a nice drive, really looking forward to it now

[4leks]

PlaneFan said:

D

Are you staying just in Portofino, or travelling around Italy? I've lots of places worth visiting...just ask.

:-) PF

Will be mostly travelling around a week or so, Portofino is just a first destination point. That's why I would prefer to take 360 than flying there & hiring a car.
Any particular places you would suggest to visit? Cinque Terre is on the list already

[4leks]

PlaneFan said:

Siena and Lucca for starters. Both stunning places. Further afield...head south east well into Tuscany. All depends on whether you need to get back to Portofino every night, or you want to stay away for a night....this will open up further possibilities :-)

Thx
I've been to Lucca before (as well as Pisa & Florence), have not been to Siena. Is there any nice places on the Ligurian seaside? Wanted to spend couple of days on the beach as well. I'm planning to drive from Portofino south to Cinque Terre but have not made any further plans. Pretty flexible. No, I don't think we'll be coming back to Portofino every night

[4leks]

Thank you for input, guys.

I've decided I will be going to Genova only on the 1st leg. Not a big difference but should save me an hour or so going down from GEO to Portofino especially if I'm late and will be approaching in the dark.

Yeap, I'm pretty sure I will require more than 1 stop for fuel unfortunately

I understood the roads around Portofino are pretty narrow so it will be a bit of challenge driving around. But we are not planning to stay in Portofino itself for too long, will be travelling around to explore Ligurian coast etc.

[4leks]

on the way back will be staying overnight somewhere half way
any recommendation where to stay between geneva & dijon?
I'll be leaving early afternoon so should pass Geneva by 8pm but it is unlikely I will reach dijon

[4leks]

Thank you for all your help, guys. I will deffo write a report about driving conditions and roads upon my return