Another European road trip - any tips please?

[BenB91]

Hi all,

Planning my first European road trip and would appreciate your advice please.

I live in Kent, so the first leg to Calais is very easy.

The car of choice is a Mercedes SLK55 AMG (R172) - small boot but we can manage with small squashy bags.

I've been to Lake Garda before, but all other destinations are new to us.



What do you think?

Thanks

[LRDefender]

Depending on how important Milan & Verona is to you, I'd give them a miss and stay in the mountains a bit longer. Lots of lovely small towns & villages around the Lakes to visit and some lovely driving roads too.

[guyvert1]

Also, from Garda to Geneva, consider diverting through Susten Pass on the way, stunning views and roads.

[Johnniem]

I'm guessing this is a mooch around Europe tour rather than a hoon? Opinions will differ depending on what you are after. Mountains are good for hooning but the countryside, lakes and coast may suit you better for a general mooch around. If you are a foodie, concentrate on food and wine areas that you like.

In any event, have a great time!

[BenB91]

guyvert1 said:

Also, from Garda to Geneva, consider diverting through Susten Pass on the way, stunning views and roads.

That does look stunning. Might make more sense to add onto the Furka Pass to Lake Como section.

All being well, this type of trip will become an annual thing, so I can always add on sections next year.

[Grande Pedro]

I think you're allocating too much time to Lakes Como and Garda; they're nice but 2 nights (one or two full days) max is all that's needed there IMO.

[BenB91]

LRDefender said:

Depending on how important Milan & Verona is to you, I'd give them a miss and stay in the mountains a bit longer. Lots of lovely small towns & villages around the Lakes to visit and some lovely driving roads too.

Both important to us, so we can tick them off the list of European cities.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

With regards to the Como leg don't miss Varenna. It's more pleasant than Como itself & less bling than Bellagio.

And make sure you visit Villa Carlotta. (Possibly by buying an all day lake ferry ticket)

Edited by 2 sMoKiN bArReLs on Thursday 16th January 14:16

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

One other thing I'd add is that the Ferrari Museum in Maranello is not far away from the museum in Modena but is head and shoulders better in every way.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

...although you say factory tour, which I misread first time

[Busa mav]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

With regards to the Como leg don't miss Varenna. It's more pleasant than Como itself & less bling than Bellagio.

And make sure you visit Villa Carlotta. (Possibly by buying an all day lake ferry ticket)

Edited by 2 sMoKiN bArReLs on Thursday 16th January 14:16

Definitely agree, I wasn’t sure when wifey wanted to go to Villa Carlotta, but really enjoyed it.

[Guyr]

Grande Pedro said:

I think you're allocating too much time to Lakes Como and Garda; they're nice but 2 nights (one or two full days) max is all that's needed there IMO.

I love Lake Como, but agree that Como and Garda are similar and 8 days for both seems a lot.

Personally I'd shorten/remove Garda and add some days in Switzerland/Southern Germany.

Suggestions would include from experience Lucerne, Grindelwald, Baden-Baden. Maybe even loop up via Innsbruck and Munich

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Guyr said:

Grande Pedro said:

I think you're allocating too much time to Lakes Como and Garda; they're nice but 2 nights (one or two full days) max is all that's needed there IMO.

I love Lake Como, but agree that Como and Garda are similar and 8 days for both seems a lot.

Personally I'd shorten/remove Garda and add some days in Switzerland/Southern Germany.

Suggestions would include from experience Lucerne, Grindelwald, Baden-Baden. Maybe even loop up via Innsbruck and Munich

Trouble with that is you might spend too much time travelling rather than holydaying.

I think there's plenty to explore around Como & Garda. Hire a speed boat, take a ferry, visit Carlotta, trek up to Castle Vezio etc etc.

[Metric Max]

I would swop Baden Baden for Strasbourg. Lake Garda is nice but a bit over commercialised IMO. Look at Lake Iseo instead. Also Lake Como is great but have a look at Lake Orta.
Others on here have said that Geneva isn't especially interesting, I haven't been there. Slightly south is Annecy which I have been to and would go again.
Love the spreadsheet, that's how I do it!

[Fluffsri]

We did very similar last year.

Calais to Colmar lovely place!
Colmar to Interlaken
Interlaken to Milan
Milan to Garda - with day trip to Verona on the train.
Garda to Innsbruk
Innsbruk to Augsburg via Romantic Road
Augsburg to Wurzburg
Wurzburg to Munster
Munster to Calais

[BenB91]

Grande Pedro said:

I think you're allocating too much time to Lakes Como and Garda; they're nice but 2 nights (one or two full days) max is all that's needed there IMO.

We plan to spend time in a luxury hotel; sunbathing and making use of the pool, etc. It's a road trip, but needs to feel like a relaxing holiday as well.

[BenB91]

Johnniem said:

I'm guessing this is a mooch around Europe tour rather than a hoon? Opinions will differ depending on what you are after. Mountains are good for hooning but the countryside, lakes and coast may suit you better for a general mooch around. If you are a foodie, concentrate on food and wine areas that you like.

In any event, have a great time!

Spot on! Mooching around European, taking in the sights and good food along the way.

[BenB91]

Thanks all.

Swapping Strasbourg for Baden-Baden sounds like a good idea.

I’ve been told to avoid Geneva and swap for lake Annecy.

Villa Carlotta is on the list, thanks for the suggestion though.

[superpp]

I know this is a car forum, but I would get the train to/from Milan from Como to avoid driving in a busy Italian city.
Its only around 8 euro each way from memory and around 1hr, you can get it from Varenna on the lake.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

superpp said:

I know this is a car forum, but I would get the train to/from Milan from Como to avoid driving in a busy Italian city.
Its only around 8 euro each way from memory and around 1hr, you can get it from Varenna on the lake.

That's a good shout. Plus download the Trainline App (if you haven't got it), it makes everything a breeze.