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Topic: Caravan to Italy - anyone done this?

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Kelper

01/4/2016 at 12:13pm
Location: Northern Ireland
Outfit: Sterckeman Alize Concept CP480

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Yes, go for it!
We've only done Italy three times ... but had no problem with sites ... or the people on them!
Some have huge pitches, others medium, and some small ... it's up to you to select what you want ... or move on if you don't like a site ... we seldom book ahead!
As others have said, and having spent a lot of time talking to and observing others methodologies ... vans seem to us to be a better option due to being able to leave everything set up and just drive the car off on excursions ... an MH has to be packed up each time and reset for daily visits ... and then there's parking in cities/towns ... often a challenge with an MH.
Ultimately it's each to their own ... we've just entered the van fraternity after years with an FC after more years with tents ... as you get older, you get lazier!

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

JanM55

01/4/2016 at 9:37pm
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Ace Jubilee Ford Mondeo

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Hi
We towed the van to Lake Garda last year for the 1st time, after spending previous years holidays in France, Belgium and Holland. It took 3 days to get there but well worth the long drive, which is also part of the holiday. Driving through France, Belgium, Luxembourg & Switzerland and staying at some beautiful campsites on the way.
It was the best holiday so far.
Go for it.. you will be hooked on touring abroad like everyone else on here.

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paulgill1

02/4/2016 at 10:25am
Location: Autotrail Delaware
Outfit: None Entered

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Hi.
We have an 8 meter van and did Perugia. Sorrento, Rome, Florence, Garda, Venice and Iseo last year. No problems at all. Just be aware that if you get a TA you are classed as a truck on the motorways as they use the number of axles to calculate.
Go for it.
Cheers Paul & Gill

chrisandsandra

02/4/2016 at 2:05pm
Location: Somerset
Outfit: Murvi Morello

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We've travelled all over Europe, including Italy, Croatia and Greece, for weeks or even months at a time without problem in our 5.5m long panel van conversion so have to disagree that you necessarily need a big motor home or a big caravan to do it. Being the size we are we ca get into most car parks except those with height barriers and can also get about in towns. However, it would not suit everyone I suspect so would agree with the comments about thinking about what is the best set up for you.

After that then, yes, Italy is more than do-able. All the campsites we stayed at were at very least acceptable and most very good. The only problem we had was in the more popular areas around some of the lakes where sites would not accept us or only offered us small pitches when we wanted to stay for only a night or two, but it wasn't a major problem as there were always pitches on other sites in quieter areas nearby. What we enjoyed most of all were small towns in places out of the way of the main tourist areas where we were made to feel most welcome.

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

freeatlast

03/4/2016 at 9:30pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Mitsubishi ASX4

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Its not where you go but how you do it. Try and drive the 1000 miles from the Channel in just a couple of days, and its a horrendous trip. Take your time, stop off on the way finding interesting places to stop and don't drive too far in a day. Personally we tend never to do more than 250 miles in a day. We've camped, caravanned and motorhomed throughout Europe, New Zealand and the US. In the really hot weather, we would often get up early (though some sites remain locked until 7 or 8 am) drive for an hour or two and then stop and have breakfast. -Ideally having fresh croissants bought at a passing bakery. That way you arrive before they day gets too hot, though remember many Italian/ French and German sites close over lunchtime too.

Italy is a long way if you've just got a fortnight to get there, see the place and get back. Three weeks or longer is very doable though.

david8858

03/4/2016 at 9:55pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Lunar Clubman SI H

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Next time in France I'll be sure and keep an eye out for this new phenomena the, "passing bakery". sounds fascinating.

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Best Regards

David

bordertroot

03/4/2016 at 10:27pm
Location: Scottish Borders
Outfit: None Entered

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We did an eight week trip all the way down to the heel, ACSI sites all the time . You get good and not so good sites anywhere and as other posters have said the people were all very helpful and friendly

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

JULIED444

09/4/2016 at 11:56am
Location: SOUTH EAST
Outfit: CARAVAN - Bailey Pegasus

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Yes, go for it. We had a fab time, started off at Pisa, then Tuscany (fab site not an English word spoken for the whole week we were there) then finishing off in Rome. Please see my reviews for campsite information.

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Julie
Summer 2016 Camping las Dunas, Spain

Woop Woop I won £50 of Halfords vouchers for one of my camp site reviews - make sure you do yours!

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