Good luck to the OP, not mad at all, road trips are great!
I personally would not drive through Switzerland in order to go to Italy, as I found it very boring. Great scenery, just boring drive.
I had greater fun driving via Austria instead.
Please bear in mind that I was driving my MINI as part of a rally with other MINIs, and we liked our drives to be a little bit "spirited".
Have fun, whatever you decide on the route.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
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Thanks everyone for the great advice, really has helped us. Its hard to work out which campsites are the best ones to go for, we find in england the simpler ones are the best for a relaxing holiday as the kids have a bit more freedom, the ones with coninuous bustling of activity cause more stress for everyone. Everyones advice is greatfully received. Oh and dk168 (Birchwood is my favourite campsite too - showers are rubbish though!)
Old Chap: We are going around 22nd July for 3 weeks (worst time probably to go but I need to be back in the UK by 17th August to look after my nephews) Never heard of that ACSI card or camping cheques (I am withthe caravan club - is that cheaper???)
Taffy8078: Thanks for your advice. I am not sure what "paying for the Vignette" means - is this referring to a toll road??? Where and how often do you stop on the way down to lake garda?
Brilliant advice, thank you all - Any campsite recommendations would be great! Thank you
We have also travelled down to Lake Geneva(Evian) via Belgium, Luxembourg......(worth stopping here for the cheaper fuel), back into France then down to Basel and into Switzerland. Paid about 12euros in tolls somewhere near Metz, as opposed to 80 euros in tolls to go through France.
As others have said, if you're going to get a Swiss vignette, then use it. You don't necessarily need to get one before you go, as they will sell it to you on the border as you go in.
There's so much I tell you about the area, most important is August 1st, Swiss national day. Massive parties and fireworks in the evening. Great day out.
If you are using the camper van, and are not adverse to sleeping in it, then you can consider "wild camping". You'll see area's as you drive around where other motorhomes pull up for the night.
We usually have a day trip to Aosta for pizza & ice-cream, over the Grand Saint Bernard Pass, spectacular.
So much to do around Lake Geneva, and my boys love to go swimming in the Lake. They did that most days we were there.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets