Euro Trip May/June 19' France/Italy/Switzerland/France
Discussion
Well throw Spain in there too but only for a little bit.
I'll update this with some proposed routes in picture form but I'd like to get the ball rolling on this. The purpose of this thread is to get some feedback/advice on preliminary plans to spend 2 weeks travelling and then 1 week in a gite near Gorron in Normandy (have that bit covered so the prequel to this is the bit I need assistance with).
OK so plan is .. Mrs SF and I leave Plymouth or at least somewhere in the south of the UK and travel down to either Santander or Bilbao and very simply drive east to Tuscany (890 miles) then go north through Switzerland over the Alps and head north west up through France to Mayenne. The planned route is the Riviera through France with a detour to route Napoleon (N85 - D4085) starting in Digne Le Bains and heading back toward Cannes. Then on toward Italy on the autostrada. Once in Tuscany we'll go north upto Aosta and over the Grand St Bernard pass. From Tuscany to Gorron is about 840 miles I think.
So the trip is split into two parts in my mind Spain to Tuscany, Tuscany to the gite. I don't mean two driving stints but over all to break up the trip. My questions focus around timing:
Is 2 weeks enough to do the full trip? (Spanish port to France to Italy to Swtizerland to the gite in France)
is 2 weeks too long?
Not having done this before I can't work out if we'll be languishing for days at various points as we have too much time on our hands so to speak or whether the 'pace' will be correct. I don't want to stay in any single destination for more than say 2 days or so. Accommodation will likely be in the form of Airb&b and possibly a little but of camping. Car will likely be my Rover 216gti so progress will be tepid, I'm not looking to storm across Europe in any rush.
Maybe my questions are too specific, maybe I'm not asking the right questions or have missed the most important ones all together but I'm really looking for some steer on the timeframes. it may be a how long is a piece of string as any holiday can be what you make it but hopefully my question make sense.
p.s. Big nod to Harry of Harrys Garage for his euro trips detailing much of the proposed route above, massively entertaining and a big help
I'll update this with some proposed routes in picture form but I'd like to get the ball rolling on this. The purpose of this thread is to get some feedback/advice on preliminary plans to spend 2 weeks travelling and then 1 week in a gite near Gorron in Normandy (have that bit covered so the prequel to this is the bit I need assistance with).
OK so plan is .. Mrs SF and I leave Plymouth or at least somewhere in the south of the UK and travel down to either Santander or Bilbao and very simply drive east to Tuscany (890 miles) then go north through Switzerland over the Alps and head north west up through France to Mayenne. The planned route is the Riviera through France with a detour to route Napoleon (N85 - D4085) starting in Digne Le Bains and heading back toward Cannes. Then on toward Italy on the autostrada. Once in Tuscany we'll go north upto Aosta and over the Grand St Bernard pass. From Tuscany to Gorron is about 840 miles I think.
So the trip is split into two parts in my mind Spain to Tuscany, Tuscany to the gite. I don't mean two driving stints but over all to break up the trip. My questions focus around timing:
Is 2 weeks enough to do the full trip? (Spanish port to France to Italy to Swtizerland to the gite in France)
is 2 weeks too long?
Not having done this before I can't work out if we'll be languishing for days at various points as we have too much time on our hands so to speak or whether the 'pace' will be correct. I don't want to stay in any single destination for more than say 2 days or so. Accommodation will likely be in the form of Airb&b and possibly a little but of camping. Car will likely be my Rover 216gti so progress will be tepid, I'm not looking to storm across Europe in any rush.
Maybe my questions are too specific, maybe I'm not asking the right questions or have missed the most important ones all together but I'm really looking for some steer on the timeframes. it may be a how long is a piece of string as any holiday can be what you make it but hopefully my question make sense.
p.s. Big nod to Harry of Harrys Garage for his euro trips detailing much of the proposed route above, massively entertaining and a big help
Edited by squareflops on Monday 12th November 08:54
Edited by squareflops on Monday 12th November 15:02
Thanks for the info ecsrobin. We do stay in France most years but I get you point 
4 days solid driving then, which were not looking to do and with the detours, stop offs 12 days may be about right then depending. Next step will be to get on the maps and plan routes and accommodation stops etc and get some more specifics on timings.
Is the best port to go down to Santander or Bilbao? Bilbao seems to be 'closer' (further west) but is anyone aware of any advantages to either?
Ah yes the tolls, will need to remember to sort something for those too.
Thanks again.
4 days solid driving then, which were not looking to do and with the detours, stop offs 12 days may be about right then depending. Next step will be to get on the maps and plan routes and accommodation stops etc and get some more specifics on timings.
Is the best port to go down to Santander or Bilbao? Bilbao seems to be 'closer' (further west) but is anyone aware of any advantages to either?
Ah yes the tolls, will need to remember to sort something for those too.
Thanks again.
2 weeks is the outside envelope so will have make do with that, can't remember if I noted it explicitly but the week in France is outside of the 2 weeks being discussed here of course.
Good point about the language, I've always struggled in France when out and about by myself, no one but myself to blame there as I could make the effort to pick some up but not tried so far. Could be an interesting dynamic to the trip in learning important phrases etc for the up coming country.
Leaper, will look into that as looks like a great stop off.
Good point about the language, I've always struggled in France when out and about by myself, no one but myself to blame there as I could make the effort to pick some up but not tried so far. Could be an interesting dynamic to the trip in learning important phrases etc for the up coming country.
Leaper, will look into that as looks like a great stop off.
Leaper - that hotel looks lovely and isn't too expensive so will likely book that, cheers bud.
g3org3y - Superb, I'll read up on that now, can't wait
the goal of about 200 miles a day sounds great and will be a good yard stick for accommodation stops etc. Yes it dawned on me just now that the whole trip will be dictated by the arrival time of the ferry so will look to book that today quite possibly,
Thanks for the input chaps, very useful and much appreciated.
For those who aren't familiar this will be the transport of .. choice
I was looking at buying an SL350 for the trip but buying a car for 3 weeks seems a little excessive, I'm sure the Rover will do very well
IMG_1655 by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
IMG_1651 by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
g3org3y - Superb, I'll read up on that now, can't wait
the goal of about 200 miles a day sounds great and will be a good yard stick for accommodation stops etc. Yes it dawned on me just now that the whole trip will be dictated by the arrival time of the ferry so will look to book that today quite possibly,Thanks for the input chaps, very useful and much appreciated.
For those who aren't familiar this will be the transport of .. choice
I was looking at buying an SL350 for the trip but buying a car for 3 weeks seems a little excessive, I'm sure the Rover will do very well IMG_1655 by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrIMG_1651 by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr27 year old economy box from a now defunk british car maker, I have no apprehension whatsoever
Great reads on both g3org3y! thanks so much for posting, so really good info in there and will refer back to those again during planning.
Both outbound & return ferries booked. Arriving in Santander @ midday on a Sunday so gives some time in the afternoon to acquaint ourselves with the locale and get to our first accommodation stop.
Great reads on both g3org3y! thanks so much for posting, so really good info in there and will refer back to those again during planning.
Both outbound & return ferries booked. Arriving in Santander @ midday on a Sunday so gives some time in the afternoon to acquaint ourselves with the locale and get to our first accommodation stop.
Good point bud. On that I've been discussing the Switzerland leg and have had a conversation about Swiss not being quite necessary as part of the trip. Mont Blanc could be an alt route and keeps us in France, Switzerland has a charge to enter I believe and I hear there's a zero tolerance policy on any type of shenanigans; not that I'll be honing about too much. Something to think about.
I was looking forward to the Grand St Bernard pass though, maybe we'll do the petit instead!
I was looking forward to the Grand St Bernard pass though, maybe we'll do the petit instead!
Cheers Deesee good info.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Haven't had the chance to take many pictures of it today, one at the house and one outside the OH flat
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Figured as fun as it would have been to take the rover the bm might be more suited to a 2k mile trip. I love it my first auto too, I must be getting old.
Tempest_5 said:
I trust you will keep us informed of your progress or otherwise as this escapade develops !
I will, here's one Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrHaven't had the chance to take many pictures of it today, one at the house and one outside the OH flat
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrFigured as fun as it would have been to take the rover the bm might be more suited to a 2k mile trip. I love it
my first auto too, I must be getting old. Well .. haven't really done any yet 
We're planning on sitting down this week and booking a more rounded out itinerary with a view to doing some set excursions etc on certain days, wine tasting etc.
We've booked all the accommodation, namely Santander the afternoon we arrive and leaving early next morning for Marseille, that's a bit of a trek at around 8 hours ish but the subsequent days driving are half that at most. Once in Marseille we've got a nice hotel on the beach booked and are spending 2 days there I think. Then onto Nice via Route Napoleon. Once Nice is done we have one more stay in La Spezia just before we go to Florence. We have a nice farmhouse/apartment place booked surrounded by vineyards with a 28m pool in Toscona.
I'm still not sure how to get to Brittany from, Italy, either over the Alps, Swiss or French or do the Mont Blanc tunnel but I'll be doing more research on that. We'll need to stay somewhere inbetween those two places also but think I'll B&B something closer to the time, will be a bit more interesting if we book on the fly I think
The BMW is behaving itself and booked in for an oil and filter change tomorrow before we leave. I think it'll be a great GT but part of me does wish I was taking my previously owned Boxster as that was glorious.
What's your plans? Be interesting to read!
We're planning on sitting down this week and booking a more rounded out itinerary with a view to doing some set excursions etc on certain days, wine tasting etc.
We've booked all the accommodation, namely Santander the afternoon we arrive and leaving early next morning for Marseille, that's a bit of a trek at around 8 hours ish but the subsequent days driving are half that at most. Once in Marseille we've got a nice hotel on the beach booked and are spending 2 days there I think. Then onto Nice via Route Napoleon. Once Nice is done we have one more stay in La Spezia just before we go to Florence. We have a nice farmhouse/apartment place booked surrounded by vineyards with a 28m pool in Toscona.
I'm still not sure how to get to Brittany from, Italy, either over the Alps, Swiss or French or do the Mont Blanc tunnel but I'll be doing more research on that. We'll need to stay somewhere inbetween those two places also but think I'll B&B something closer to the time, will be a bit more interesting if we book on the fly I think
The BMW is behaving itself and booked in for an oil and filter change tomorrow before we leave. I think it'll be a great GT but part of me does wish I was taking my previously owned Boxster as that was glorious.
What's your plans? Be interesting to read!
Yea that does sound the best option although I'm terrified of heights and driving along the edge of a 1000ft cliff with no barrier on the wrong side of the car fills me with sheer horror but I'm sure it'll be fine Sounds like an awesome trip too bud, as you say taking quite a different route but some spectacular destinations and routes there.
We've fleshed out Marseille now; a hop on/off city tour and a visit to Palais Longchamp by metro should be nice. Will plan Nice this evening.
I need to swap over the ferries from the Rover to the BMW and make sure my dormant credit card is working in case of unforeseens.
Sounds like an awesome trip too bud, as you say taking quite a different route but some spectacular destinations and routes there. We've fleshed out Marseille now; a hop on/off city tour and a visit to Palais Longchamp by metro should be nice. Will plan Nice this evening.
I need to swap over the ferries from the Rover to the BMW and make sure my dormant credit card is working in case of unforeseens.
GreatGranny said:
Contact your CC provider to let them know you're going away and may have unusual transactions on there otherwise they may block it.
Happened to me in Malta when trying to place a deposit on a hire car.
Good shout Gran, I'm going to the bank this afternoon to sort my business account out so will ask them about this too, see if they can note my account. Happened to me in Malta when trying to place a deposit on a hire car.
Is that a requirement Deesee
I just have my photo licence and PP, hopefully they will satiate the authorities should I get pulled! Looking forward to La Spezia and Cinque Terra now also (as recommended by someone on this thread - thanks again
) It seems we only have one day there though which may have been a little short sighted when originally planning. May mean we have to drop a day in Florence but can't see that being an issue for the proprietor of the guest house were staying in, all paid up just; means we potentially arrive a day later. interesting guys, good info/feedback.
We've done 900 miles since Santander without incident however Marseilles was a complete and utter nightmare. They have tunnels in the city which cut off GPS the roads then fork off in 19 different directions at the exit before the sat nav can catch up which leaves you totally lost. It's hellishly busy and tolls abound. The city itself seems to be run by mobs of youths on scooters and every single car is scraped/dented from bumper to bumper.
Think alternate 1985, bars on windows and all. Marseilles is s
t.
In bed at the moment in Nice, amazing place and wish we weren't leaving so soon tomorrow. We've had a stunning day today sunbathing on the (topless ahem) beaches 30 seconds from the hotel, walking around the marina with many many million £+ yachts and seeing the views of the city and sea from the parc de la colline du château.
La Spezia tomorrow and onto Florence on Saturday. Will stay out of Swiss.
Will update with pics when I can.
We've done 900 miles since Santander without incident however Marseilles was a complete and utter nightmare. They have tunnels in the city which cut off GPS the roads then fork off in 19 different directions at the exit before the sat nav can catch up which leaves you totally lost. It's hellishly busy and tolls abound. The city itself seems to be run by mobs of youths on scooters and every single car is scraped/dented from bumper to bumper.
Think alternate 1985, bars on windows and all. Marseilles is s
t. In bed at the moment in Nice, amazing place and wish we weren't leaving so soon tomorrow. We've had a stunning day today sunbathing on the (topless ahem) beaches 30 seconds from the hotel, walking around the marina with many many million £+ yachts and seeing the views of the city and sea from the parc de la colline du château.
La Spezia tomorrow and onto Florence on Saturday. Will stay out of Swiss.
Will update with pics when I can.
Well quick update for now as I'm contemplating what I'm doing with my life in work.
Trip was a success, all back in one piece with no issues at all with the car etc. it certainly was an experience. Driving in Marseille was horrific, Nice was stunning, Mont Blanc was amazing, the weather in Italy was lacklustre at best. France was great to finish off. Some challenging days both interpersonally and geographically (no one said the autostrada was 1000ft above the ground!) but we made it through without killing each other or driving off a sky bridge in Italy.
Pics to follow
Trip was a success, all back in one piece with no issues at all with the car etc. it certainly was an experience. Driving in Marseille was horrific, Nice was stunning, Mont Blanc was amazing, the weather in Italy was lacklustre at best. France was great to finish off. Some challenging days both interpersonally and geographically (no one said the autostrada was 1000ft above the ground!) but we made it through without killing each other or driving off a sky bridge in Italy.
Pics to follow
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