Three Countries Trip - Summer Holiday

DSB
DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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Just planning our summer holidays, and I though I'd just post up my ideas in case anyone has any suggestions.  We intend to take in 3 countries this year: Germany, France and Italy.  Some places will be the same as our visit in 2014, some will be places we have not visited for years, and there will be someting new.

Day 1: Travel from home to Calais - catch Eurotunnel late evening.

Day 2: Travel through the night to arrive in the Mosel in the morning: Camping Bergen (just N. of Cochem)

Day 3-5: Explore Mosel & surrounding area

Day 6: Travel from Bergen to Freiburg I.B. (Black Forest) - site still to decide? Camping Belchenblick (Staufen) or Kirchzarten perhaps.  Looking for a large pitch - I know it can be a problem in the BF.

Day 7-12: Explore Black Forest etc

Day 13: Travel through Jura's towards the Rhone - 1 night in transit at a place yet to be decided.

Day 14: Arrive at Aubignan (N. of Carpentras) - Camping Le Bregoux.

Day 15-18: Explore N. Provence - Mt Ventoux again

Day 19: Travel to Frejus area (site yet to be decided? L'Etoile D'Argens, the site at Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Esterel?

Day 20-30: Holiday in Provence

Day 31: Travel to Italy - overnight somewhere - yet to be decided!

Day 32: Arrive in the Florence area - not decided on site yet.  Years ago we stayed at Barco Reale at San Barento - but we're looking for somewhere with largish pitches - more of a problem in Italy?

Day 33-41: Explore Tuscany.  We'll also meet our son and his wife who are hoping to fly out to Tuscany for a wedding.

Day 42: Travel from Italy into France via Frejus Tunnel.  Aim for French side of Geneve - ?La Columbiere, Neydens - where we've stayed before - a favourite of ours.

Day 43-45: Explore area

Day 46: Travel from Neydens to Chalon-en-Champagne

Day 47: Book the vets for worm treatment (for dog!!).

Day 48-49: Explore Champagne area

Day 50: Travel from Chalon to Calais.  Eurotunnel.  Arr. Blackhorse Farm for one night.

Day 51: Travel from Kent to home.

This is our first draft, and it could change.  Any ideas and suggestions would be appreciated.

David

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Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,831 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #2

    Day 52- 55.  In bed? 

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #3

    When I posted up what we were proposing to do in 2014, some said they thought we were trying to cram too much in.  We did manage it though, and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I suspect Day 52-55 will be spent washing!!  There's me thinking that this looked a bit
    more relaxed? LaughingLaughingLaughing

    David 

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
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    edited February 2016 #4

    I suggest you should employ a PA then it would save all that tiresome writingWinkingHappy

  • Qashqai66
    Qashqai66 Forum Participant Posts: 551
    edited February 2016 #5

    I wonder how many miles you can cover in a day.  It looks to me as if you are planning considerable daily mileages.  Years ago we used to do 250-300 miles per day but can no longer do so.  We are cosidering Roscoff to Florence at the end of August and home
    via Provence.  We tend to make very careful plans but when the time comes they are subject to cahnge.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #6

    I'm fatigued just reading it, let alone driving it.

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #7

    I can tend to do 300-400.  A fortnight ago I did home to Falmouth and back in one day - about 600 miles.  That was pushing it a bit and I was quite tired the next day.

    David 

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #8

    I was going to do the Mosel in 2014, on the way back to Calais, but it seemed a bit out of the way, so thought we'd put it at the beginning and then pop down to the Black Forest before going on to Provence.

    David 

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #9

    We are lucky that Mrs One also tows so if we need to do a long stretch it makes it easier.  We are going to the Moselle, Austria and Hungary this summer for 5 weeks maybe 6 at a push.  We think this is reasonable for us

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #10

    Go for it Mr & Mrs OP.  We'll look out for you. Laughing

    David 

  • chasncath
    chasncath Forum Participant Posts: 1,659
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    edited February 2016 #11

    We'd like to suggest that you come west of Frejus/St Maxime and the dreaded St Tropez roundabout to La Croix Valmer and beyond. We think you'd like our 'Secret Campsite', but can't tell you where it is!!Happy

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #12

    Looks good David, we are doing similar including Italy but with 5 more countries in addition although only passing through Belgium. I will keep my eye on your thread for any site suggestions (we only have a 'rough' route to follow)

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #13

    We'd like to suggest that you come west of Frejus/St Maxime and the dreaded St Tropez roundabout to La Croix Valmer and beyond. We think you'd like our 'Secret Campsite', but can't tell you where it is!!Happy

    Come spill the beans chasncath.  We've usually stayed in the Argens because of the closeness of the motorway.  Need to have our fix of Monaco Fireworks.  Near the motorway makes it doable.  I could be talked around though!!  Laughing

    David 

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #14

    Looks good David, we are doing similar including Italy but with 5 more countries in addition although only passing through Belgium. I will keep my eye on your thread for any site suggestions (we only have a 'rough' route to follow)

    We'll be passing through Belgium and could touch Luxembourg depending on our route to the Mosel, and might do a day trip into Switzerland from the French side of Geneva. We'll no doubt drive into Monaco for one of the International Firework Display evenings,
    but are unlikely to do any more countries.

    At one stage I was thinking of coming back from Italy via Austria, but that would lengthen the journey just a little too much at the end of the holiday.

    Sounds good though, Dave.

    David 

  • chasncath
    chasncath Forum Participant Posts: 1,659
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    edited February 2016 #15

    We'd like to suggest that you come west of Frejus/St Maxime and the dreaded St Tropez roundabout to La Croix Valmer and beyond. We think you'd like our 'Secret Campsite', but can't tell you where it is!!Happy

    Come spill the beans chasncath.  We've usually stayed in the Argens because of the closeness of the motorway.  Need to have our fix of Monaco Fireworks.  Near the motorway makes it doable.  I could be talked around though!!  Laughing

    David 

    We got into trouble with the regulars, who have been going there for thirty years in some cases, when we posted this Story

    p.s You'll need to book these days. Ask for the 'noveau terraine' which is where our pitch was in the photo.

  • DianneT
    DianneT Forum Participant Posts: 521
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    edited February 2016 #16

    David look into staying at Camping Trend near Wolfach which is more central in the Black Forest and much prettier area than around Triberg.Look
    here  we have stopped there twice but have stopped in the area with the caravan at Alisehof camping just outside Wolfach.  Both excellent sites but we found Trend better for being nearer the main route. Both are ACSI
    Camping Card Sites.  Both sites featured on  here too.

    DianneT

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #17

    It's been year's since we've been to the Black Forest - you can tell how long - our youngest,  now 18 has never been.  We've only ever stayed ay Belchenblick and Kirchzarten, but in over 18 years, things change. LOL.  We're also interested in some larger
    pitches than we have found at Belchenblick and Kirchzarten.

    I'll take a look a little later.

    Thanks for that Dianne.

    David 

  • davebakerpurton
    davebakerpurton Forum Participant Posts: 69
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    edited February 2016 #18

    If you have the time Croatia is worth a side trip

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #19

    One of these years we will go to Croatia - it's on my mental list.  I think probably a step too far for 2016 though - too many places! Laughing

    David 

     

  • DianneT
    DianneT Forum Participant Posts: 521
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    edited February 2016 #20

    It's been year's since we've been to the Black Forest - you can tell how long - our youngest,  now 18 has never been.  We've only ever stayed ay Belchenblick and Kirchzarten, but in over 18 years, things change. LOL.  We're also interested in some larger
    pitches than we have found at Belchenblick and Kirchzarten.

    I'll take a look a little later.

    Thanks for that Dianne.

    David 

    .The owners are very accommodating if you ring them 3 or so days ahead or even book a pitch they will give you a larger pitch.  As you know we have a large 8 metre caravan so need a large pitch.  Another Brit there last year had same van as ours and had
    plenty of room.

     

    DianneT.

  • Sumitra
    Sumitra Forum Participant Posts: 154
    edited February 2016 #21

    If you contact the German tourist. Board they will send you a German camping guide free of charge.In the guide they tell you the pitch sizes.

  • DianneT
    DianneT Forum Participant Posts: 521
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    edited February 2016 #22

    On most campsites we visit or have visited in Germany they have a variety of pitch sizes.  We have only once been cramped on a site and that was in Holland . When we were given a pitch between two existing caravans pitched nose to tail.  Luckily 4 folks
    German and Dutch helped us get in Even with the MM it was impossible to get in with just the side of the van being 1 foot from the hedge.  Once we were in No problems.

    DianneT

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited February 2016 #23

    To respond on a specific point, pitches in Italy are very small almost without exception so you need to research this.

    My only other comment is that we hate the Frejus area and the site we were recommended to where there were a number of Brits was hot, dusty and not at all to our liking. Maybe there are some better sites but personally we will avoid that coastline and stick
    with inland areas.

    Take care in Florence. I was robbed.

  • Qashqai66
    Qashqai66 Forum Participant Posts: 551
    edited February 2016 #24

    To respond on a specific point, pitches in Italy are very small almost without exception so you need to research this.

    My only other comment is that we hate the Frejus area and the site we were recommended to where there were a number of Brits was hot, dusty and not at all to our liking. Maybe there are some better sites but personally we will avoid that coastline and stick
    with inland areas.

    Take care in Florence. I was robbed.

    Write your comments here...Your comments about small pitches caught my eye.  Ever since starting out with our first caravan in 1980 my wife and I have said we will never have a large caravan.  Famous last words as we are now awaiting delivery of our new
    van which is 7.368 metres shipping length or 24' 3".  The appeal of a transverse fixed bed became so overwhelming that we succumbed.  We have been considering going to Florence in September and, in the light of your comments about pitch size, we wonder now
    if it might be an unwise choice.  Have others found pitches in Italy very small?  We have certainly stayed at a number of French sites where pitches have been cramped.

  • DianneT
    DianneT Forum Participant Posts: 521
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    edited February 2016 #25

    We have been to Italy a few times right down to the foot. I can honestly say we have never had a problem with our 8 mt twin axle.  We stopped at a excellent ACSI CC Campsite near to Florence and went into the City by train.  We stayed there on two occaions.
     We have stopped at 3 sites on Lake Garda 1 site twice near to Sorrento, 1 site down in Puglia., twice on Trasemeno, on the Cinque Terre and  Bracciano to do Rome. Most sites will help you if you ask for a larger pitch though I suppose it depends what time
    of the year you are travelling we always go April/May/June out of season.

    DianneT.   

  • Qashqai66
    Qashqai66 Forum Participant Posts: 551
    edited February 2016 #26

    Thank you for that information.  We will be going in September and always use ACSI sites.

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited February 2016 #27

    We stayed at Sestri Lavante for the Cinque Terra and we allocated a "large" 7 meter pitch! Just about squeezed the van in and the car. Around Lake Maggiore the site we stay at has very few pitches where you can fit a large van, canopy and car. The same is
    true of every other site in the town.  Yes, there are sites with larger pitches but it is something to be aware of and plan accordingly. Worse case is that you won't have room for any kind of awning, even a sun canopy, but that's not the end of the world.

  • MichaelDerby
    MichaelDerby Forum Participant Posts: 27
    edited February 2016 #28

    I am planning ( researching sites etc) for our trip this year at present. We do similar trips  to yours in that we will be stopping in several countries.  Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy and France.  The present plan is stops at Maasricht (4 nights), Rudesheim
    (3 nights),  Ellwangen (4 nights), Innesbruck (5 nights), Riva del Garda (7 nights), Florence (6 nights), Pietro Ligure ( 4 nights),  Frejus ( C&CC Holiday Rally - 7 nights) Gap (4 nights), Thonon les Bains (6 nights), Langres (3 nights) Leon (3 nights) and
    Albert (4 nights).  Altogether we will be travelling for 61 days. 

    Whilst accepting that it doesn't suit everyone, for us, the whole purpose of having a touring caravan is to tour around different countries and see as much as possible.

    I would agree that most Italian sites are somewhat tight for a four berth caravan, but if it is before the high season it may be possible to "pinch" a bit of space from the next door pitch if it is unoccupied.

  • chasncath
    chasncath Forum Participant Posts: 1,659
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    edited February 2016 #29

    "but if it is before the high season it may be possible to "pinch" a bit of space from the next door pitch if it is unoccupied."

    If there's one thing that really gets us annoyed when touring in low season, it's caravanners parking their cars on vacant pitches thus reducing our choice of pitch. Don't do it. You will find that the site management will take a dim view as well.

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #30

    Just been looking at sites in Tuscany, and we were wondering about Camping Belsito inland from Montecatini Terme.  I know it's a long shot, but just wondered if anyone from on here has been.  There are a couple of reviews on UKCS as a starting point.  They
    seem to have a selection of pitch sizes, including some large ones.  Swimming pool complex looks good, but I'm a bit concerned about the roads to get to the site after the main turn off to Montecatini.

    Any takers??

    David

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #31

    Blank page - please see previous page for my last post. 

    David