Italian Adventure Val and Louise

30/06/2023

And that’s it folks!
Back in England after the most fantastic road trip ever
Thankyou for sharing our adventures with us x

28/06/2023

An underwhelming stay in Belfort France last night, but knew we had a lovely place to look forward to-
Staying in
L’Abbeye des Premontres
In Pont a Mousson
The Abbey itself is open to the public and has peaceful gardens to wander in.
It is now a cultural centre, hosting exhibitions and concerts etc, but also has a hotel within its walls
Very peaceful

27/06/2023

Very sad to leave Italy today and especially Valsolda which now holds a special place in our hearts
A beautiful hotel in a fabulous setting.
Mario, the maitre d’i looked after us so well.
We set off for France. Sat nav wanted to take us through the Gotthard tunnel, but we decided to go over the top over the Gotthard Pass
Spectacular views - absolutely breathtaking

26/06/2023

So - we were aiming to head to Kandersteg in Switzerland today, but the route was longer and more complicated than we anticipated.
A couple of hours last night researching brought us to this gem
Hotel Stella Italia in Valsolda on Lake Lugano.
Landed lucky again and just been for a lovely swim

25/06/2023

Our final full day in Italy before driving over the border into Switzerland tomorrow
Walked from the campsite (see views)
Then caught the 2 hour ferry to Sirmione picking up at Garda, Bardolino and Lazise (where we stayed en route to Bolzano)

24/06/2023

A relaxing day today. Decided we wanted a swim in Lake Garda
The designated area for the park busy and quite difficult to get in, so walked 10 minutes down the road to Porte Pontese, sussed out where we will be catching the ferry to Sirmione tomorrow and had the most wonderful swim with views to die for
Swimming with ducks compulsory!!

23/06/2023

23/06/2023

What a find on our way to our stay on Lake Garda
Cascate de Riva
Words cannot express the beauty and sheer force of nature of the place plus the flowers were wonderful
Video will appear separately

23/06/2023

Our last day with our wonderful hosts Mike and Dina.
We visited the beautiful village of Merano close to the Swiss Alps for a spot of lunch
Then walked round Lac Monticello - so peaceful even with group’s swimming in it - felt very jealous!
On to the pretty little town of Egna before returning exhausted!
Leaving for Lake Garda later

22/06/2023

Bolzano is a beautiful town
A stroll around last night
Will be sad to leave tomorrow, but on to new adventures

21/06/2023

Sorry folks but you asked for photos of our trip through The Dolomites
So many to choose from!

20/06/2023

A few pics from Bolzano when we arrived last night
Todays trip to the Dolomites will go on tomorrow as we had a few issues with phones

20/06/2023

Yesterday
Lazise to Bolzano - to meet with Lous friends who are hosting us for a few days
Route took us up the East bank of Lake Garda, stopping of to take the cable car up Monte Balde in Malcesine
Fabulous views from the summit

18/06/2023

Ancona to Lazise (on Lake Garda) en route to Bolzano
Good journey, a paddle in Lake Garda, lovely hotel, fantastic food and even gluten free beer,complimentary lemoncillo shots - happy days

17/06/2023

Day 8
Managed to negotiate Rome traffic and exit the city
The route took us across to the East coast through the mountains - spectacular views
We arrived a our destination in Ancona.
Beautiful place - ex convent
Disappointed to find our “twin” room was in fact a double.
Reception tried to rectify their error but unable to offer alternative accommodation (we would have been happy just to bunk down there)
but instead offered us a free meal each and wine too!! Happy Days!!
Although some of the food left Val a little perplexed !!
PS - See last photo for alternative accommodation!!!

16/06/2023

Day 7 - we think
A day in Rome
20,000 steps and just over 8 miles walked and now feeling every step of it!
Lots of photos I’m afraid - but it was wonderful

And now about to watch Angels and Demons and recognise all the places we visited today!!

15/06/2023

An exciting day today
Started out by checking out the beach at the holiday park
Then travelled cross country to the Saturnia thermal pools
What a fabulous treat that was- and even better you only pay to park- the pools are free. Great coffee bar, bar and restaurant too
Then cross country again to our accommodation in Rome - another holiday park but an ideal stopover for 2 nights
Rome - here we come tomorrow!!!

14/06/2023

More thunderstorms this morning making driving a little difficult but arrived in Pisa to sunshine
Needed a wee - cost 4euro but hey, look at the ceiling
Pisa was incredible
Another thunderstorm as we were leaving but have arrived at our accommodation for tonight
A lovely lodge - brand new- we are the first users!!
Air conditioning too - a luxury!!

13/06/2023

Video had to be posted separately

13/06/2023

Au Revoir a France
Bongiorno Italia
Mon Blanc tunnel was so easy
But the rain came again
Forecast looks better
BUT - what an absolute gem we have found to stay tonight- a farmhouse to ourselves! Spanning back to 1802 and 4 generations living here
2 bedrooms - what a treat
However - the owner informed us the place was haunted so needless to say we are only using one room!!
Plus bathroom is downstairs so have made a pact to wake each other up if we need to use it!!!

12/06/2023

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Last nights hotel room and tonight’s
Lol
Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc
A lovely walk into the town
Very poignant and sad moment at the children’s playground of last weeks attack

12/06/2023

Day 2 Great journey down to Troyes (mid France) A few stops at their great service stations
Our toll gadget works a treat, so we sail through those
Arrived at our hotel 5 minutes before the heavens opened and the thunderstorm hit
Apologies for very wet photos but we ventured out and found a lovely restaurant where we could sit outside under the canopy and enjoy a perfect steak and a glass (or 2) of wine.
A beautiful old city - the buildings were amazing

11/06/2023

Bonus - Arrived at port in good time and put on an hour earlier ferry
Only in line 10mins before boarding
En route a France

10/06/2023

Day 1
Drive down to Dover
Overnight stop before morning ferry
A lovely evening walk with beautiful sunset

04/06/2023

Yikes! Only a week to go
Slight adjustments to itinerary had to made because of the flooding but all sorted
Excitement kicking in!