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Pete

When we went to Garda we actually sailed to Zeebrugge from Hullas I live in the north. However I then drove down through Belgium and Luxembourg to Strasbourg first day so I think from there the route would be similar. I too looked at it all ways and in the end decided to go through Switzerland and St Gotthard tunnel. This was partly swayed by the fact that we wanted to go to Switzerland having never been but on balance it was I feel the better route in the end. We have a coachman Pastiche which will be similar size to you and you can rest assured there are no problems whatsoever with roads. Swiss M/ways are great but get your vignette here before you go. Yes it may cost a bit more but I saved some by brimming the tank in Luxembourg! And at the end of the day it is not all about shaving pence off the cost - it is our holidays!!! I could save a fortune If I did not spend all those euros on the wine!!!

We had a 40 minute wait to go through the tunnel but that was three years ago and i think the year after the fire so they they were convoying the lorries through. And it was Saturday morning and the lorry driver we were chatting to in the q said Saturday was always bad. i think now it is ok.

For your info our route down [with stops] was Zeebrugge to strasbourg. Then into Germany, Switzerland and stop at Lake Sempach. Then St gotthard Milan Brescia and Desenzano. You would carry on that M/way to Venice. Return was back through Switzerland overnighting at Colmar and Bruges. If you wish I can paste my travel log of our Holiday in here as we went to venice also.

One point I would mention is that the Italian sites are smaller than French and I had to choose pitych carefully as they can be tight to manoeuvre on to and I will not push my van at all except with the Frontera!

Other than that you will love it. we plan to go back to Italy maybe this year or next

hope this helps

We travelled Calais - Venice and took route through Switzerland - very quick all motorway - we also noticed the difference in Italian campsites compared to French, also for overnight stops sites in Italy are not nearly as frequent so it might be advisable to plan ahead a bit more than when in France.Don't forget to have cash at the Swiss border for your Vignette (spelling probably all wrong) as, if I'm right, they don't take any other form of payment.

Joe

Much easier to buy in this country and then you drive straight through in 5 minutes rather than a huge q to buy them!

Hi David & Joe.......many thanks for your response to my earlier enquiry....extremely helpful indeed.

It looks as though Switzerland is the route then....fast roads  and given the size of our van the roads appear to not pose a problem  - therefore, ideal and  exactly what we want.

As suggested, we are going to buy the Vignette before we go again saving time at the border as David suggested.............great tip thanks.

If either of you stayed at a site on the way down - any suggested  locations would be greatfully received. By the way exactly how long did your journies take end to end -with stops?

David my email is Locksideuk1@aol.com if you would like to mail me your log to me, as suggested. I am sure it  will, prove invaluable.

Again my sincerst thanks to you both for taking the time out to share your comments......It  is very much appreciated and removes a lot of anxiety when others, such as yourselves,   have been before and can give you an insight into what to expect. 

I sincerely hope that  you and your families have a great Christmas and a very safe and enjoyable 2005. 

Take Care .....Pete   

Hi Pete

Have mailed you as requested off group with details.

hiya , we drove down last year stopping in hotels we did 3 over night stops & we did the  Belgium, Luxenbourg, Switzerland ,  gothard tunnel route . theres no tolls untill you reach the swiss border & this was well worth it for the scenery , i've done this route quite often & it still take's my breath away . oh and what you pay at the border covers you for all the motorways & the tunnel , whichever way you go i'm sure you'll have a great time , we came back the mont blanc tunnel so we could have a few days in chamanoixe ( excuse my spelling i'm hopeless ) but the road tolls & tunnel charge put another £100+ on our expenses so i'd advise against this if you on a budget

cheers & stay safe 

Hi Nero...........and.............Joe D.......

Great advice and information. Many thanks to you both for taking the time-out to respond. Through your comments and insight,  you have been able to  add a further string.............. or two.............or three :):):)  to our bow.

We fast became aware of the added costings but as you have pointed out,  Joe,  it is all well  worth it for both the convenience and the magnificent scenery...... We really cant wait!!

I hope both and  your families have a great |Christmas and a safe and healthy 2005......take every care....Pete 

Hi Pete

I am interested to hear about your trip, I am planning to do a similar one leaving Calais on 26.05.05 travelling down to Italy. We have a Bailey Senator Wyoming so your experiences could be very useful to my wife the route reader!   She also suffers from slight claustrophobia so any popints on the shorter tunnels would be welcome.

Cheers and a Happy Christmas

John D 

Hi Pete, In case no one has mentioned it, if you go through Switzerland you have to buy a Motorway Vignette for the caravan as well as the car.

I always go through Germany amd Austria to the Lakes or Venice.

Safe Journey,

Phil.

Many thanks for the tip Phil....Going to make the decision Germany or the Switzerland route over the hoiday period. Have a great Christmast and a safe 2005.

Regards Pete. 

Hello Pete,

Did the same route as Nero last year and recommend it.  Suggest you consider staying at S end of Lake Garda.  From there you can take the train right in to Venice for 9 eoros per head return if you leave at the stated times (enquire at station)  Station in Venice is right at the Canal & Vaperetto day ticket is only a few euros.   Sites near Venice are not very nice & pretty dear as I recall.  If you need further info - just ask

Oxter 

Suggest you consider staying at S end of Lake Garda.  From there you can take the train right in to Venice for 9 eoros per head return if you leave at the stated times (enquire at station)  Station in Venice is right at the Canal & Vaperetto day ticket is only a few euros. 

Nothing wrong with this suggestion at all but if you have not seen Venice before the only way to arrive for your first visit is at St Marks Square by boat.

David

Hi Pete , just posted a reply to a posting by Jeff re sites etc near Venice,if you check that it will save my typing finger!

We went via Austria -you can get a 14 day motorway ticket -it is worth it -have heard some sorry tales of the fines from others who didn't bother!

Back via Switzerland-very fast route -very good roads -you do need 2 motorway thingies-we bought at the border-no queues(september)-and they do take credit cards.

Jennifer