Search not working? Cheshire - Southern Italy

[cts1975]

I'm having trouble with the search facility on the forum. It seem that detailed searches are not available. I was hoping to get some planning done this weekend.
Does anybody have any forum posts/links that will give me some ideas of routes etc for a trip from Cheshire to Maratea, Southern Italy. I'm taking the other half and me step son to see his grandad and we wanted to drive. We will be taking 3 weeks in July or August of next year.
The reason I have started planning early is to keep me focused on saving the money to pay for it all!
A few questions then:

I am aiming for approx 8 hrs driving per day. How far in August can i expect to get in 5/6 hours after leaving the tunnel?

Over or under the Alps?

If i book the hotels in advance will this create more or less stress in terms of having to be somewhere each day versus finding somewhere to stay on spec?


I've been told that France in August is full of heavy traffic, especially at weekends. How much restriction will this put on the route - is it mainly the toll roads that suffer ?

Can somebody suggest a basic route - I've bought a western European road map to get me started.
Thanks

[iva cosworth]

French toll roads [autoroutes] are empty mostly as locals dont want to pay.

Italian autostrada more busy.

Google maps says 1200 miles and 20 hours driving ,so i would drive minimum 10 hours a day or else

half your holiday will be driving to and from.

Thats Maratea ,Potenza presumably ?

Edited by iva cosworth on Sunday 21st August 10:27

[cts1975]

Maratea,Basilicata. To be honest I would prefer to stop a few extra nights on the way there and back.
I'm struggling to find accomadation for a reasonable price. Its either villas or tent it seems.
Staying with my step sons grandad is not an option as he lives in a small flat.
I was thinking Calais - Lyon - Northern Italy (Lakes) - Maratea
Lyon to Maratea is approx 850 miles. Lyon to just north of Florence is approx 430 miles, then a further 420 miles on to Maratea.

[FisiP1]

Not suggesting its the best way to go, but the Plymouth-Spain ferry might be an option, for an alternative route. Ferry is more expensive and the driving distance isn't that different but if you do the France run often it can freshen things up.

[cts1975]

I really fancy driving through France.
I went to France with school when I was 14 in the 90's, and the coach ended up on its side in a ditch.
I never did get to see much of France!
I don't think the other half would fancy sleeping on a boat either. I wouldn't have thought there would be much in it in terms of cost?

[FisiP1]

Spain Ferry is a couple of hundred more last I looked, obviously depends on the time etc.

If you want to see France then you want to see France! I just mention the Spain route since some of us do the northern France run a lot and often forget there is an alternative.

[cts1975]

I think we are heading to Monaco then follow coast round to northern Italy.
If i get the tunnel at say 10 am ish how far would I expect to go in say 5/6 hours of driving after the tunnel?
Any suggestions for towns/hotels etc?
Thanks

[Bonne Route]

Lyon - the culinery capital of France is approx. 6 hours from Calais, with some great hotels and restaurants. The start of the Route Napoleon to Monaco isn't too far the next morning!

[cts1975]

That sounds perfect. I had Lyon in my head after looking at the map this week.
I need to get a room for 2 adults and a 15 year old. My searches seem to bring up Camponille/Formula type hotel chains with family rooms. They look reasonable in price and are clean/modern etc. I'm concerned that we will end up out of town so to speak, and not able to walk to local restaurants etc.
I'm wondering if I will just be looking for my bed after all of the driving though

[Bonne Route]

Have a look at Tripadvisor, 151 hotels listed for Lyon!

And being in France's culinary capital, after an easy drive on the Autoroute all day, you are NOT allowed to be Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!

[cts1975]

I've found this hotel north of Lyon.
ETAP HOTEL Château Gaillard link :
http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-7412-etap-hote...
Looks ok for £40 per night.

[stuwalsh]

I drive Uk-Crete via Venice at least twice per year.

A channel ferry is better than the tunnel from Cheshire, (where we lived in the UK), as you can comfortably do Dover in one hop and spend a couple of hours having a meal and a break. I normally stay in N France, far enough from Calais not to be involved in their illegal would be immigrants. Arras is good. Then head towards Lille through Luxembourg and stay in Mulhouse. Avoid staying in Switzerland, mega bucks! This is about a 5hr drive. Then via Basle through the tunnel into Italy at Como. I then stay at Padova which is 25km short of Venice and reasonably priced. About 5hrs again.

Campanille hotels are good in France. F1 if you are on a budget, (Euro 30-35/night incl. breakfast!)Ibis in Italy are well priced.

[cts1975]

I'm in Cheshire so it looks to fit our travel plans.

[stuwalsh]

Forgot to mention this route avoids tolls on the French Autoroutes, which are costly. It adds virtually nothing to the drive in terms of mileage and and less than 1hr driving time. Also don't forget your vingnette for Switzerland. It's about Euro25 and you get it from the Swiss Travel Service in London. They are valid by the calender year.

[cts1975]

I spoke with somebody yesterday who recomended staying at 'Le Patio' hotel just outside Cannes.
Has anybody used it ?

[C3BER]

For search:

Google pistonheads then your subject.