2 weeks to drive from the UK to Lake Como (back by motorail)
Discussion
Hi all
All things being equal it looks like I'll be in a lovely new motor this time next week!
To celebrate, my wife and I are driving from the UK on 26 May to Lake Como. We're grabbing the Motorail from Allessandria back to Dusseldorf on 7 June.
We're looking to have a nice relaxed trip, so whilst driving and enjoying the car is definitely a big part of it, we're looking to spend 4/5 days in the Italian lakes chilling from about 3 June. So, the exciting driving needs to happen before we get to the Lakes between 26 May and 3 June, starting from London!
Before getting to the Lakes, we're quite happy to drive for about 5/6 hours a day but don't really want to do more than that. We'd like to arrive somewhere nice in the late afternoon/early evening, soak it all in and then head out the next day or so.
What I would be really grateful of is some PH recommendations for:
1. The route from London to Lake Garda to be done over 7 days or so, 26 May - 3 June 2012.
2. I've heard France is a bit of a pain to drive through (hearsay and not experience, I would add!) so happy to avoid it if that is recommended. So, we're thinking Calais, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria (if poss) and finally to Italy.
3. Really want to see some lovely spots, enjoy some mountain passes, some valleys and some super food and hospitality on the way. So, looking for some great recommendations and shamless plugging too.
4. Being a "proper" PHer I also want to hit a track or two on the way there. It would be rude not to take the car to its natural hunting grounds. Any other car related stuff is always welcome obviously.
Very excited about this trip, so hope you all can help. Never done this before, so any tips and hints (however basic) are all gratefully accepted.
Coming soon, a thread about how not to wreck your car when using the Eurotunnel and Motorail!
All things being equal it looks like I'll be in a lovely new motor this time next week!
To celebrate, my wife and I are driving from the UK on 26 May to Lake Como. We're grabbing the Motorail from Allessandria back to Dusseldorf on 7 June.
We're looking to have a nice relaxed trip, so whilst driving and enjoying the car is definitely a big part of it, we're looking to spend 4/5 days in the Italian lakes chilling from about 3 June. So, the exciting driving needs to happen before we get to the Lakes between 26 May and 3 June, starting from London!
Before getting to the Lakes, we're quite happy to drive for about 5/6 hours a day but don't really want to do more than that. We'd like to arrive somewhere nice in the late afternoon/early evening, soak it all in and then head out the next day or so.
What I would be really grateful of is some PH recommendations for:
1. The route from London to Lake Garda to be done over 7 days or so, 26 May - 3 June 2012.
2. I've heard France is a bit of a pain to drive through (hearsay and not experience, I would add!) so happy to avoid it if that is recommended. So, we're thinking Calais, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria (if poss) and finally to Italy.
3. Really want to see some lovely spots, enjoy some mountain passes, some valleys and some super food and hospitality on the way. So, looking for some great recommendations and shamless plugging too.
4. Being a "proper" PHer I also want to hit a track or two on the way there. It would be rude not to take the car to its natural hunting grounds. Any other car related stuff is always welcome obviously.
Very excited about this trip, so hope you all can help. Never done this before, so any tips and hints (however basic) are all gratefully accepted.
Coming soon, a thread about how not to wreck your car when using the Eurotunnel and Motorail!
Edited by AdvocatusD on Monday 30th April 17:53
Bouillion Belgium is a easy reach and nice place to stop on the River for the 1st night
Head to Bastogne of Battle of Bulge fame in the Ardenne Forest then head to Baden Baden where on the German boarder side is some unrestricted autobahn for some Vmax fun.
Stay at Seebach at Pension William ask for transport to the top of the mountain to eat at the restaurant there (great steaks)
Great drive down the B500 until Freiburg where you can drive the Hill Climb there ( Google Freiburg Hill Climb ) think its Schauinsland Hill Climb, back on the B500 south thru the Black Forest to Switzerland to Interlaken
Head to Interlaken then stay at Stechelberg switzerland to eat at the James Bond revolving restaurant on top of the mountain (on her majesty secret service ) its a 1 way in valley so stay there reverse the next day and go to Andermatt to do the famous ANdermatt loop, Grimsel,Furker Passes and more
Check out the pass map in the roads wiki for more passes if required
Head to Bastogne of Battle of Bulge fame in the Ardenne Forest then head to Baden Baden where on the German boarder side is some unrestricted autobahn for some Vmax fun.
Stay at Seebach at Pension William ask for transport to the top of the mountain to eat at the restaurant there (great steaks)
Great drive down the B500 until Freiburg where you can drive the Hill Climb there ( Google Freiburg Hill Climb ) think its Schauinsland Hill Climb, back on the B500 south thru the Black Forest to Switzerland to Interlaken
Head to Interlaken then stay at Stechelberg switzerland to eat at the James Bond revolving restaurant on top of the mountain (on her majesty secret service ) its a 1 way in valley so stay there reverse the next day and go to Andermatt to do the famous ANdermatt loop, Grimsel,Furker Passes and more
Check out the pass map in the roads wiki for more passes if required
G man, I just traced this out on Google, it looks wonderful! Thank you very much for taking the time.
http://g.co/maps/b52wb (not sure how to insert a picture of the map)
Hyperlink above of my planned journey (I think!) as there is another PHer would has kindly offered to speak with me...
http://g.co/maps/b52wb (not sure how to insert a picture of the map)
Hyperlink above of my planned journey (I think!) as there is another PHer would has kindly offered to speak with me...
Edited by AdvocatusD on Monday 30th April 22:35
The basics are there on your map, but be aware you google misses out the real roads you want like the B500 at Baden Baden and the Schuinsland Hill Climb, you will have to do it for your self
Search this form for the Bikkers Alpine Map of the Alpine Passes it helps you choose your route. Its rude if you have made it to the Andermatt loop and not do it, you also pass the Reichenbach Falls of Sherlock Holmes fame.
You have a new toy exercise it in Germany and when in Switzerland obey the speed limits the locals have been known to dob drivers in by mobile phone ..
Apply for your Swiss Motorway carnet online before you leave, and ebay it post trip
Search this form for the Bikkers Alpine Map of the Alpine Passes it helps you choose your route. Its rude if you have made it to the Andermatt loop and not do it, you also pass the Reichenbach Falls of Sherlock Holmes fame.
You have a new toy exercise it in Germany and when in Switzerland obey the speed limits the locals have been known to dob drivers in by mobile phone ..
Apply for your Swiss Motorway carnet online before you leave, and ebay it post trip
Gassing Station | Roads | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff