Italy, Lake Garda May 2010.

[Theonlysue]

The Italian Job

Luzern aren't consistant. They imply by email that they will take a booking. What the hell, what are we mice or lions, it's not like we would have to sleep in a doorway is it, live dangerously die young. Worst case would be to wild camp one night and hit Garda a day earlier, Italy is only 80 miles from Luzern, but I can't see it coming to this.

Last year when we did it we did not book a single site. I know it's a bit different with a group but we'll survive. Remember Caesar did it on a horse 2000 years ago. If anyone feels uncomfortable shout out.[/QUOTE]


I'll go with the flow. As long as I can have my coffee in the morning
S

 

[bauldy]

Hi

Looking for a shove in the right direction, we cross to Dunkerquie on saturday 8th may the reason is we only have 2 weeks off work and want to make the most of our trip.
So we have a few days to look around before meeting up at Metz so if anyone has any ideas on where to go we would be grateful.
Somewhere on route would be handy.

thanks

 

[hilldweller]

So we have a few days to look around before meeting up at Metz so if anyone has any ideas on where to go we would be grateful.
Somewhere on route would be handy.
thanks

Folk keep saying Bruges is the Venice of the North. Not tried yet, but an idea.

 

[hilldweller]

I'll go with the flow. As long as I can have my coffee in the morning
S

We're going to Italy, you'll get your coffee. If you've not had a genuine Italian espresso you don't know what drinking dynamite is like.

Personally I prefer cappuccino, espresso is too much like premature ejaculation, wham bang and it's all over.

 

[JayDee]

Hi

Looking for a shove in the right direction, we cross to Dunkerquie on saturday 8th may the reason is we only have 2 weeks off work and want to make the most of our trip.
So we have a few days to look around before meeting up at Metz so if anyone has any ideas on where to go we would be grateful.
Somewhere on route would be handy.

thanks

Luxembourg is worth a look.

John

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[Brisey]

Hi Bauldy

We haven't travelled along our proposed route from Calais to Metz and so cannot recommend any places to visit along it. However we have visited Brugge many times and always find it a pleasure. Ghent is also worth a visit and is not too far from Brugge.

 

[staging lady]

E-mailed Butterfly for 14-24th & they received it cos I got a 'read receipt' back. So they know we're coming!!!!

Bill & Shirl

Did you get a reply as we haven't had a reply yet and I wonder if I should resend
the booking?
Lucille

 

[hilldweller]

Did you get a reply as we haven't had a reply yet and I wonder if I should resend the booking?
Lucille

No. I vaguely remember the girl saying "store emails". We may not hear until next month.

 

[Diabalo]

I have just read that the Italians require that you have a green card, but on our gov website they say it's not necessary. Does anyone know?

 

[Brisey]

Found this elsewhere, may be of interest

Motor insurance

Wherever you are travelling in the EU, your car insurance policy will automatically provide the minimum cover (third party liability) required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover extends to travelling in other countries
A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card with you, you should carry your certificate of insurance.
The green card system currently covers 44 countries and is managed by an association of insurers. Their Link Removed gives further details about the green card system and its objectives.
Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the spot if you have an accident in another country.
EU rules make it easier for road accident victims outside their own country to get speedy compensation. This applies not only to accidents that happen in the EU but also to accidents between two EU parties in a country outside the EU belonging to the green card system.
Link Removed

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[staging lady]

No. I vaguely remember the girl saying "store emails". We may not hear until next month.

Thanks, Brian.
Lucille

 

[chrisboyo]

Tesco chunnel vouchers on there way !
We will be crossing on Sunday 9th May returning 13 July
Will prob meet up with you at Luzern on the 12th May
If anyone has already bookes with the site st Luzern or Garda would you please let me know
Happy Daze
Chrisboyo

 

[Brisey]

Hi Chrisboyo

If you read back through the thread, you will see that a few of us have e-mailed Camping Butterfly at Garda. As far as I know there have been no replies as yet.

Brisey

 

[sunsetsunlimited]

A proposed meeting here:

Link Removed

We have visited once. A delightful small site, mainly statics, so advanced booking for a group would be needed. We would all book individually around a common date.

May is a good time temperature wise and good prices, we got ACSI rates last year.

We would want a few days then move on to Malchesini, allegedly the prettiest town on Garda and not far away.

Autoroute says Peschiera is 750 miles from Calais. We normally stop twice. Around Metz ( just an aire ) and Luczern ( excellent camp by the lake, worth a trip in it's own right ).

I'll suggest a the route we used last time, if we meet on route good, if not does not matter.

OR a bit shorter - we meet Lake Maggiore and we'll move on to Garda later. Maggiore is totally delightful but we've done it four or five times now.

Any comments ?

HD,

:thumb: Most helpful and thanks for the welcoming advise. Italy is part of the plan.

Sunsets Unlimited.

 

[hilldweller]

HD,

:thumb: Most helpful and thanks for the welcoming advise. Italy is part of the plan.

Sunsets Unlimited.

My pleasure, I'm afraid I've got it bad for Italy, so my goal is make sure everyone sees it once, and after that the magic will rub off.

However, since starting this thread it's clear I'm far from alone, there are folk in here who have visited far more than I have.

So if you want any information ask here or start you own thread.

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[The Clangers]

Brian,

We are new to motorhoming and thinking about going abroad for 3 weeks in May. We were thinking about France, as we have a small Border Terrier dog and know the French are dog friendly. However, we quite like the idea of Lake Garda, at least the wife does and I like an easy life.

Do not know about the Swiss, but know the Italians are keen on "handbag" type dogs, but little else. Would not want to go and find we could not eat out or go into shops because of dog. I was wondering if you or anyone else knew doggie attitudes in these countries?

David

 

[daps]

.
Wonder what you were going to say there. Phew!!

 

[hilldweller]

Brian,
Do not know about the Swiss, but know the Italians are keen on "handbag" type dogs, but little else. Would not want to go and find we could not eat out or go into shops because of dog. I was wondering if you or anyone else knew doggie attitudes in these countries?
David

Sorry, I have no idea, not having a dog any more it's not in our frame of reference. But I'm sure that I've seen it on the forum somewhere, try using the search engine.

To be blunt I'd not fancy any restaurant that was full of dogs.

If it keeps you out of shops just think how much it will save you.

There is a very helpful English speaking girl at Butterfly you won't get a better answer than from her.

 

[Baggins]

Motorhome unfriendly

Having just passed the southern end of Lake Garda in my ramble around I can say that it is THE most difficult place to park a camper/motorhome that I have come accross (other than Venice). I have not seen as many motorhome tow-away signs outside Santander (and they've got a lot). For a forty mile stretch around to bottom end there was only one 'official' camping car car park and that was 6.50 Euros an hour IN NOVEMBER! It may well be more friendly further north but I didn't even stop to enjoy my usual coffee and snack in a local bar.

Very disappointing in the winter months.

Here in Cap Ferrat the parking meters have all been put under wraps.


BW


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[hilldweller]

THE most difficult place to park a camper/motorhome that I have come accross (other than Venice).
Very disappointing in the winter months.<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

Understandable - the place is crawling with campsites. Why give it away when you can sell it.

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[Rapide561]

Dogs

Hi

I will probably join you at some point o this one

Dogs - very welcome in Italy, but note that dogs must wear a muzzle to travel on the boats at Garda. Many restaurants etc will allow dogs. Buses and trains ok, and from my experience, no ticket needed on buses, but a full fare ticket needed on the trains.

Russell

 

[hilldweller]

Hi
I will probably join you at some point o this one
Russell

Quite right too, it was you who pointed me there in the first place ! I look forward to meeting you and buying you a drink In fact we'll all owe you a drink.

You know the place better than I do, what do you reckon on when we should get really serious on booking ? Many of have emailed but no reply yet.

 

[leeks]

It's a goer

I have just sent email to camp butterfly. We will be joining the happy band on the 14th of May.
leeks

 

[hilldweller]

I have just sent email to camp butterfly. We will be joining the happy band on the 14th of May.
leeks

Excellent. Now I can say I'm taking a leek in Lake Garda


Well it almost works.

 

[billkce]

Hi Brian et al,

Anyone had a response from the Garda campsite yet? If not, when do you suggest we start phoning them to book?

Billkce:Sad:

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[onthebeach]

Hi

No reply as yet

Leggo:thumb:

 

[hilldweller]

Hi Brian et al,
Anyone had a response from the Garda campsite yet? If not, when do you suggest we start phoning them to book?
Billkce:Sad:

Russell - what do you think ?

Me, don't panic 'till end of January.

 

[markymark]

Roundabout cost of trip??

Good evening everyone,:thumb:

How much would one put a side for a trip like this? Just the basics.
campsite fees
fuel, 2.8jtd fiat ducatto
toll charge
ferry crossing
Bribe money

How much mileage would be gained on van?

cheers

 

[Rapide561]

Garda

Hi

The site is now closed for winter. I would suspect Peter and the team there will be having a holiday and will respond to emails as soon as they can.

In the meantime, I have a route for Garda on this forum that I will bump to the front page for you all.

I don't know what dates I will be there, but it will be toll free all the way, except Switzerland.

Maybe we need a pre Garda meet for a coffee and chat?

Russell

 

[Rapide561]

Cost

Markymark - here are my guesses

Fuel - I guess you get about 25 mpg - it is 750 miles from Calais to Garda, so a 1500 mile round trip. Work on a fiver per gallon. It will of course be a lot cheaper filling to the brim in Switzerland.

Tolls - you can avoid them - see the thread about routes to Lake Garda, but also read the Swiss toll thread.

Bribe money - how much do you want to send me? Sono italiano adesso!

Ferry crossing - as little as £31.25 each way with P&O Ferries | Ferries to France | Cross Channel Ferries - book on a value crossing where there are limited facilites open. There will always be food available.

Campsite fees - as per their website or maybe use an ACSI card.

Cheers ears

Russell

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