Routes to northern Italy for Lake Garda
Hi everyone. I've read a lot of your threads and learned a great deal about this area for which many thanks. We are going to Lake Garda then Venice in September/October. We've already booked our Italy sites through the Club.
Can anyone recommend routes to get to and from the area, starting at Calais? We have a 7.5 metre long motorhome weighing in at 3850 kg. I've never driven the motorhome in mountainous areas but know I'm going to have to this time!
We prefer to avoid tolls but will pay them if it's the best way to get there! We've allowed 4 days for the journey. We usually drive for about 6 hours a day. We have the ACSI book and card and like using Aires in France but have never used them in other countries.
Your advice and opinions gratefully received.
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You can either cross Austria via the Brenner Pass, or cross Switzerland via the St Gotthard tunnel. The routes are clear on any big road map unfolded on the kitchen table. You can reach the borders of those two countries toll free if you wish.
But because your Motorhome is overweight for the normal vignettes to cross those two countries, your real homework is to ask Google to give you the information for a permit to cross Switzerland with a large vehicle, or for a Go box to cross Austria.
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You will get differing opinions on the best route but the simplest and quickest if you don’t mind the tolls is Calais, Reims, Metz, Strasbourg, Basel, St. Gottard, Lugano, Milan. We have done this route dozens of times. Switzerland is scenic and mountainous but the gradients are gentle. Motorhomes of over 3500 kg require special paperwork over and above the normal Swiss Vignette so you need to research this.
Alternative is via Austria and others will reply accordingly. We once stayed in Austria and did a day trip to Venice so there are all sorts of options.
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OK. Here is my toll free route to Italy. Calais - Belgium - Germany - Ferne Pass - Landeck - Reischen Pass into Italy - Bolzano then toll to Garda. If you go over the Brenner you will need a box or something as your motorhome is over 3500 (can't comment on that). We have used this route on a number of occasions. Remember to fill up in Austria where the fuel is much cheaper than in Italy. A shortage of places to stop after you enter Italy but if there is room there is a small parking place by a lake shortly after you enter Italy. Plenty of en route places to overnight and it should not be necessary to book. Your 4 day plan is right and will make for an easy trip. Have a great time.
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I agree with the above posts that you should avoid the motorways in Austria because you’ll need a GoBox with your motorhome. However, the routes suggested by Comeyras will be easy with your unit.
When you enter Italy you’ll find lots of motorhome Aires (Sostas) and the Italians are very relaxed about the overnight parking of motor homes. In other words you can park almost anywhere overnight without being challenged. Have a look at the Campercontact website for details of the Sostas.
Ask for more details about visiting Venice if you’re not sure.
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OK. Here is my toll free route to Italy. Calais - Belgium - Germany - Ferne Pass - Landeck - Reischen Pass into Italy - Bolzano then toll to Garda.
In 2015 we did Hook of Holland to Peschiera Del Garda using a similar route BUT one point ot note is that you must go via Landeck town and not the Landecker tunnel as tunnel use requires a vignette/GoBox.
Our buddies have a 4.2 tonne Autotrail and we both found the route via Fern/Reisa not just an easy drive but thoroughly enjoyable and a planned overnight in Austria turned into a 4 day stay as we liked it so much.
I know that you say you have booked sites but, at that time of year, there is no need to book and if you get an ITX fare from the club you can make substantial savings on the longer routes making them a viable alternative to Calais.
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If you are prepared to pay tolls, then 100% motorway route is through France and the Frejus Tunnel. A night-stop at the municipal site at St Jean de Maurienne and you can be through the tunnel and down past Turin to arrive at Garda mid-afternoon. We've taken this route often, but there again our motorhome is 3.5 Tonne Classe 2.
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Hi p4ggc,
I have not done Italy in our MH yet but did it towing a big van for 10 years on the trot down to Fornella Camping on Garda. We did Belgium, Ulm and Brenner, all tolls for speed as we were working then. The Brenner area and the Dolomites are fantastic to drive through. The tolls in Italy were a lot less than France, especially for tourists, but cant say if it is still the same now. Perhaps someone who has been recently can comment on this. I am sure you will have a great trip and go back again and again.
BillC
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