Guys 'n' gals,
As you may remember I'm off driving around Europe on Holiday, I go this weekend so if you are going to be in France, Northern Italy, Western Austria, Southern Germany or Western Belgium and want to meet up quickly drop me a line and let me know

Claudius,
I should be in Monaco in a week, I've sent you a mail

Ta
Ryan

 

Where abouts in Northen Italy are you off to?? I'm from around there so I can advise u on some nice places to visit ...or more importantly some crazy mountain roads to check out!! Mind you it's been snowing quite a bit these last few weeks!!

....oh wait thats even better

 

Claudius....I'm Italian and live in Japan!!He he

 

ah ha, the mist clears.

Not too sure where I'll be stopping in Italy yet, I was going with the free spirit feeling of driving where I felt like, I'll be going to Italy from Monaco and had thought about stopping in Milan and another place on my way through to Austria.

Not sure how bad Milan will be though, never been before

Ta
Ryan

 

Make sure you try the 'Col de petit St Bernard' that drops from France into Italy near the Italian exit end of the Mount Blanc tunnel (may be closed due to snow now however).
The end that drops into Italy is very good if you like lots of little nadgerty hairpins

And if you are going near Monacco, you have to try the Col de Turini and the other one whos name I've forgotten !

I did those and others in the Lotus a few years back and enjoyed every second. Not sure if the wife did though

Don't bother with Milano unless you like being stuck in traffic. And don't bother driving through Monaco, its quicker walking !

TonyC

 

Well, I'm in Düsseldorf, which is quite close to Belgium and Holland. Whereabouts are you going to stay in Belgium??

 

I'd actually already sent you an email Michael

I'll be staying in Brugge, so that's not all that far away if you fancy a day out.

I was planning to stop in Salzburg, then somewhere in southern Germany and then Champagne region (I don't want to have to carry cases of champagne all round Europe ) before I go to Brugge so Brugge is probably as close as I will get to you, I'll have to see how I am on time.

anyway check your email, my plans and contact details are there.

Can you suggest somewhere on route to stop in Germany?

Ta
Ryan

 

Far as I know the St Bernard pass....the long tunnel....has been closed for a few months after the accident they had a few weeks back. Milan is a nice city but very crowded and loads of traffic! It a good place to practice swearing to other motorists...but unless you want to see the usual sights such as the Duomo you might as well drive around the Lakes area...Como and such. Lovley places around there and incredible roads. Might be a bit on the chilly side this time of the year though!
Anyway I'm sure you will enjoy your trip...taking any snow tyres with u??

 

Tony,
Sorry for some reason I didn't see your post the first time I'll check the places out on the map, sounds interesting, I think I may give Milan a miss then. I will be going to Monaco, hopefully Claudius and Maxi can show me the sights.

Shame that tunnel is closed
What's the "Col de Turini" then?

I'll have to drive through Monaco as I've already got a hotel booked there!

okitenik,
There are some lakes we were planning on seeing but I can't remember what they were called.

hmm snow, I need new tyres as it is, I was hoping that these S01's (yes that's right S01's! ) would see me through my hols before I buy something decent.

Ta
Ryan

 

Most famous lakes round the "Pre-Alpi" area are Como, Maggiore, Varese. Stop by Varese or Verbania towns which are quite nice and a short drive away towards Verona you will first pass Lago d'Iseo and then Lake Garda which is very popular with German tourists over the summer period...Ya ya ya

 

cool thanks, I'll look them up

Ryan

 

Hi Dedeffa,I drove to Italy last year to visit Moza for the Grand Prix had the M3 then.I can recommend a stay at Bellagio on Lake Como you reach it by ferry its an enchanting place old Italy with lots of History.If you want details of Hotels e-Mail me.

If you want to stay in Switzerland I recommend the Palace Hotel in Luzerne its five star but not to formal and the foods great.

Petrol.In Italy there is no SUL only 95 octane so you will need lots of octane booster if going in the EVO.

Have a safe trip Regards Barry

 

Wazuptommi,
thanks for that I'll check the places out, no worries about hotels, its much more fun to drive around and look for them.

I didn't know about no SUL in Italy and I've no idea where I can get some octane booster from at this time of night, I'm leaving at 9 tomorrow

Lets hope I can find somewhere that has it

Ta
Ryan