looking towards next years holiday - no we haven't gone on this years yet but all the fun is in the planning and 2012 has been decided and booked.
We are looking at touring through Italy taking in major sights possibly Rome, florence,possibly lake Garda and a day trip to venice. All this to do over a 4 week period with a caravan and an 8 and 9 year old in tow. We have done a fair bit of driving down to the South coast of France and down to Northern Spain on many occasions. How easy/difficult/ different is the driving? What would be the best route down?Are we thinking of taking too big a journey? Anyone done it, part of it or could suggest the best way to do it/ or not? My husbands view is as we've taken the long journey over to Italy we might as well see all there is? But I want a holiday too!
Advice please
Ceri
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We have been to Italy with the van twice in the past 3 years and stayed at Jesolo and visited Venice from the site there. We stayed overnight in Germany on our first day of travelling from Zebrugge and arrived at the site in Jesolo at around 7p.m after another full day of travellng. Going through the Gothard tunnel on the way there both trips was fine, coming back through it was a nightmare, stuck for several hours each time in miles of traffic, meaning we arrived at our overnight stop very late. Once in Jesolo we have stayed put as the two days of travelling was enough and having to do the same on the way back. So cannot help with the touring around. We are currently planning a trip to Austria and Lake Garda next year, the Gothard tunnel is luckily not part of it as I doubt my husband will ever go that way again. Sounds a fab trip, I'm sure many have done it and should come along with more helpful advice.i
We have towed a caravan twice to Italy ,in 2002 to just south of Florence and in 2005 to just north of Rome, both in a period of 3 weeks. In 2002 went through Switzerland including St Gothard tunnel and like Sandra we experienced 2-3 hours of delays both ways at the tunnel. In 2005 went via Mont Blanc Tunnel and experienced no delays on route, stopped overnight at St Quentin then Chamonix, and stayed two nights near Bologna before the last stretch to Rome. On balance I would say the Mont Blanc Tunnel route was the best. I found the driving in Italy similar to that in France, except for in the towns and cities where everyone drives scooters and seem to completely ignore traffic signals and weave in and out of cars. I would stongly advise not to take a car into central Rome or Florence the traffic is manic, but use public transport, it was cheap and reliable.
Apart from Rome and Florence I would also recommend visits to Pisa, Sienna, San Gimignano, Lucca, and if you are able Pompeii.
The other issue we found is unlike France the availability of campsites for overnight stops is limited, on the way back from Rome at the time we wanted to stop there was only one site to choose from, the next one was 60 miles onwards.
We really enjoyed our stays in Italy, so if you have the time then I would say give it a go.
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We have driven, towing, to Italy three times. We travel through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria into Italy. You can avoid tolls for most of this way, though not lorry traffic during the week. Lots of people on this forum recommend this way.
We have used the Brenner Pass (toll) and main roads in Austria, or you can buy a Vignette and get on the autoroute to connect with the Brenner near Innsbruck. That would be the quicker option.
We have also used the Reschen Pass, which is not difficult, very pretty, but slower. We like the more leisurely pace.Let me know if you want to know more about this route.
Quote: Originally posted by CarolynV on 02/3/2016
Did you make your trip? We're planning to tour Italy with our caravan and 3 children in summer 2017, so would love to hear about your experience.
Carolyn, Welcome to your first post here, but you are reviving a four year old thread for a visit in 2017 so you may not get too many replies.
I think the answer to your question is that it depends how old your 3 children are. If they are old enough to appreciate Italian culture, history, art, architecture, churches and lifestyle then go for it. The same goes if they are teenagers who would enjoy riding chair lifts and walking in the mountains. But if you are looking for a classic beach holiday then France might be better.
Good wishes.
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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
Topic: driving through Italy with caravan
