driving to italy

[ant leigh]

Looking to take a holiday in Tuscany later this summer.
In the past have flown to Pisa and hired a car for the duration.
This year I am toying with the idea of driving from the UK.

Any other PH's with any experience/thoughts.
Specifically best routes, costs, hassles, what to take, how long (starting in the Manchester area), how to get across the channel.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

[dcb]

ant leigh said:

Any suggestions gratefully received.

1150 miles, it says here. That's a three day
drive in my book, or 2 days if you are young and keen.

Manchester to Dover easy.

Calais to Geneva pretty straightforward 500 miles.
Bring plenty of CDs and pop the cruise on about 95 mph,
sit back and relax.

After the Italian border, you are in Southern Europe
and it's not like Northern Europe anymore. Only 400
miles from Geneva to Pisa.

Expect speed limits to be largely advisory, creative
overtaking, some wild motorway and pretty good food.

[Bartz1]

Went to Monza in November, via Spa, the Nurburgring and Stelvio. Ok, it's not the most direct of routes but more fun than Autoroutes all the way down. We got to Glorenza on day 2, about 6k from Stelvio. The next morning we left for Stelvio by way of the Umbrail pass then made our way to Monza. 3 days of unforgetable driving.

[qualityscrew]

How about this route to Tuscany? Nice route including two stunning Swiss passes!

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

We drive to Italy most years. As already suggested, take the time to do the Alpine passes. We alway use Channel Tunnel/Peages as the quickest (but most expensive).

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Another excuse to post this up



I always think it looks serene & a bit surreal!

[ant leigh]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Another excuse to post this up



I always think it looks serene & a bit surreal!

Where is that? looks great.

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

We drive to Italy most years. As already suggested, take the time to do the Alpine passes. We alway use Channel Tunnel/Peages as the quickest (but most expensive).

So Alpine passes on the way down looks good, Stelvio as suggested by another poster.
I was thinking of the coast road and Route Napoleon on the way back.
Is that worth the extra few miles?

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

ant leigh said:

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Another excuse to post this up



I always think it looks serene & a bit surreal!

Where is that? looks great.

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

We drive to Italy most years. As already suggested, take the time to do the Alpine passes. We alway use Channel Tunnel/Peages as the quickest (but most expensive).

So Alpine passes on the way down looks good, Stelvio as suggested by another poster.
I was thinking of the coast road and Route Napoleon on the way back.
Is that worth the extra few miles?

We always go one way & back another. We also break it up to stay interesting places.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Can't recall the exact location of the photo. Was a back route somewhere in the Alps

[ant leigh]

Bartz1 said:

Went to Monza in November, via Spa, the Nurburgring and Stelvio. Ok, it's not the most direct of routes but more fun than Autoroutes all the way down. We got to Glorenza on day 2, about 6k from Stelvio. The next morning we left for Stelvio by way of the Umbrail pass then made our way to Monza. 3 days of unforgetable driving.

Tempted by the ring but carrying a few passengers so using the RR not my RS Megane
Stelvio and Umbrail look well worth driving though, definately on the route plan

[Bartz1]

The new RR, as in Range Rover, we saw being tested at the 'Ring in 2011 so not unreasonable to take it there. The Porsche museum at Stuttgart is also worth a visit. But as usual there are so many places to see and too little time. I'm looking forward to our next road trip, the 'Ring at Easter...

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

There's a lot of roads in Italy where a Rangie will be tight! (but the locals get 8 wheel trucks down them )

[dcb]

ant leigh said:

Stelvio and Umbrail look well worth driving though, definately on the route plan

About 100 miles out your way.

I guess if you are new to the Alps, then by all means tick them off,
but there are more interesting drives nearby.

[ant leigh]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

There's a lot of roads in Italy where a Rangie will be tight! (but the locals get 8 wheel trucks down them )

Every trip down a narrow road will have the OH checking I haven't hit a rock/tree
The villa we use is down a long hilly non tarmac road, so I doubt the Megane is practical anyway

Just looking to drive something more inspiring than a hired Fiat when I am there

[redback911]

Driving to Italy and no mention of the Dolomites? Maybe these piccies will tempt you:













All those pictures were taken on the following route:



This is the video from Davos (Swiss Alps) via the Dolomites to Padua (Northern Italy):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_DScGjkbwo

The trip was actually from the UK to Slovenia, the full blog with daily routes/maps is here:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by redback911 on Saturday 5th January 19:08

[ant leigh]

dcb said:

About 100 miles out your way.

I guess if you are new to the Alps, then by all means tick them off,
but there are more interesting drives nearby.

Love to know your suggestions.

[ant leigh]

redback911 said:

Driving to Italy and no mention of the Dolomites? Maybe these piccies will tempt you:













All those pictures were taken on the following route:



This is the video from Davos (Swiss Alps) via the Dolomites to Padua (Northern Italy):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_DScGjkbwo

The trip was actually from the UK to Slovenia, the full blog with daily routes/maps is here:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by redback911 on Saturday 5th January 19:08

Very tempting yes. Some good photos there. This year dolomites looks a bit too much of a detour but I have promised the OH a trip to see some prancing white horses or something in Vienna the year after. Maybe can see if they can be worked into that trip.

[dcb]

ant leigh said:

Love to know your suggestions.

http://www.alpineroads.com/tyrol.php

Take your pick. The highest ones aren't the best ones.

I've done them all, some of them multiple times.

Timmelsjoch probably my favourite. I've seen snow
stacked 3 meters high in June and the bloke that runs
the cafe at the top is a right comedian (for an Austrian).

[ant leigh]

Some great suggestion from all posters thanks.
OH has reviewed the photos and I have 'convinced' her it will cost less to drive than fly 4 people and still hire a car at the other end.

The challenge looks to be picking from all the great choices.