Planning a 17 day Euro trip... Leaving this Thursday!

[will_]

Zed 44 said:

Or alternatively, just don't go. If you have to plan doing the pass to fit into such a narrow time slot it is definitely not worth it. Plus the side coming up from Merano, the road surface really is ste and in a biggish car, you practically have to do a 3 point turn to get around some of the bends.

There are so many good passes in Europe that it astonishes me that the Stelvio has the reputation it does. It's almost been taken over by bikers and cyclists. Soon the only cars allowed will be electric ones.

Afraid I agree.

Pyrenees has the best driving roads given the volume of traffic in the Alps, particularly in the summer.

[will_]

DuraAce said:

To much planning IMHO.

If you prebook everything then you have to keep on schedule every day. You can end up feeling like you're against the clock and don't have the opportunity to stop en route if you find somewhere you like that you hadn't planned for.

I use paper Michelin maps in conjunction with my sat nav to plan a rough route of major towns/passes/attractions I want to see. Book the first night accommodation before your go and then do everything else as you go. You'll never struggle to get accommodation, use the Internet on your phone as you go - booking.com and Airbnb etc.

Not sure I agree - depends where you are and the time of year. It is a massive hassle to have to try and find somewhere to stay if you are somewhere reasonably remote or it is peak season.

Personally I have everything booked in advance, with last minute cancellation if possible and a bit of flex in the timetable each day. I tend to find 200 miles cross country is a decent target per day to allow time for decent stops and not being too knackered to enjoy it.

[logit]

Hi chaps, currently in Siena and having a lovely time. Thanks for all the input. Think I'll give Stelvio a miss and just do the Andermatt loop.

I was looking at our route from Siena to Lake Como and it takes us past Maranello. Is it worth stopping off at the Ferrari museum? How does it compare to the Mercedes and Porsche museums in Stuttgart? My wife isn't in to cars so think I can only negotiate a visit to one of them

[lucido grigio]

You should go into Ferrari Galleria if you can.

I've been 4 times.

Are you driving up the SS12 ?

Good windy road but awful surface in some places, last time I drove Lucca to Maranello.

[will_]

logit said:

Hi chaps, currently in Siena and having a lovely time. Thanks for all the input. Think I'll give Stelvio a miss and just do the Andermatt loop.

I was looking at our route from Siena to Lake Como and it takes us past Maranello. Is it worth stopping off at the Ferrari museum? How does it compare to the Mercedes and Porsche museums in Stuttgart? My wife isn't in to cars so think I can only negotiate a visit to one of them

Then try and go to Pagani.....