Italy...... thoughts ? (1 Viewer)

[snowdrops]

Love France and have loads more to see there, along with feeling a real connection to it. However, thinking of taking 4 weeks off in one go in June and thought may drive over to Italy for 2 weeks of it, Central Italy probably. Any funsters have recommendations of must sees ? We love medieval and roman architecture, art, beaches, good food and pretty little villages. Like to stay on acsi sites with pools so if you have any faves pls let us know those too ?

 

[Kool Kroozer]

I can only speak from my experience, but i was a little biased to begin within (as i didnt really fancy Italy) and fkin hated it Driving around the Lakes was to me the best part - had to drive as there was nowhere to park, stopped off at camping ISEO for a few days from recommendations off Fun and must admit the site was superb, right on the Lake (ISEO) and maybe one of the cleanest sites to date - spotless ! Went into town to grab a bite and was harrassed by what i can only describe as migrants walking around the tables begging with a cap - fcoff willya ! popped to Venice amongst other places and was not keen on that place neither, it just seemed like migrants everywhere harrassing people for money, on top of that we witnessed a bag snatch and a chase through the streets of Venice and also an incident which resulted in a pool of blood outside one of the shops - also Venice... street sellers pizzing in the alley ways and when it was hot (which it was) the place stunk like something from a zoo.. witnessed a small car with 4 youths in turn it over on its roof going to fast at about 11pm in the pouring down rain (luckily no one was serious hurt)... Got a fine for not collecting a ticket at one of the tolls (still not heard or paid anything to date - been 18 months ago) The best part of that visit to Italy for me was driving back towards Switzerland/France... I know lots of folk luv Italy and Eddie (god rest his sole RIP Eddie) raved on about the place all the time, my other half enjoyed it - especially the Lakes (but to me cant say they are any nicer than Lake Annecy) Its what rocks your boat, but Italy didnt rock mine and i wouldnt want to go again, much preferred Slovenia - But France takes a hell of a beating for Motorhoming

 

[EX51SSS]

I'm going to watch this thread with interest. We quite fancy dawdling down Eastern France, diverting into Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany but possibly with the goal of Lake Como and maybe even Lake Garda but probably not as far down as central Italy.

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[EX51SSS]

I can only speak from my experience, but i was a little biased to begin within (as i didnt really fancy Italy) and fkin hated it Driving around the Lakes was to me the best part - had to drive as there was nowhere to park, stopped off at camping ISEO for a few days from recommendations off Fun and must admit the site was superb, right on the Lake (ISEO) and maybe one of the cleanest sites to date - spotless ! Went into town to grab a bite and was harrassed by what i can only describe as migrants walking around the tables begging with a cap - fcoff willya ! popped to Venice amongst other places and was not keen on that place neither, it just seemed like migrants everywhere harrassing people for money, on top of that we witnessed a bag snatch and a chase through the streets of Venice and also an incident which resulted in a pool of blood outside one of the shops - also Venice... street sellers pizzing in the alley ways and when it was hot (which it was) the place stunk like something from a zoo.. witnessed a small car with 4 youths in turn it over on its roof going to fast at about 11pm in the pouring down rain (luckily no one was serious hurt)... Got a fine for not collecting a ticket at one of the tolls (still not heard or paid anything to date - been 18 months ago) The best part of that visit to Italy for me was driving back towards Switzerland/France... I know lots of folk luv Italy and Eddie (god rest his sole RIP Eddie) raved on about the place all the time, my other half enjoyed it - especially the Lakes (but to me cant say they are any nicer than Lake Annecy) Its what rocks your boat, but Italy didnt rock mine and i wouldnt want to go again, much preferred Slovenia - But France takes a hell of a beating for Motorhoming

Sounds very much like how our towns and cities are going these days.

 

[Four of us]

We were in Croatia in September/October and stopped off at Lake Garda on the way back. We were disappointed at how busy and crowded it was. We moved on to Lake Isseo which we much preferred. We have been to Florence, Pisa and Rome several times without the motorhome and loved these but found Italy with the motorhome rather a pain tbh with lots of hooting, busy roads and crowded campsites. I'm not trying to put you off, just giving you our impression. Further south might be better? Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Kingham]

Like many others, I spent most of my touring time in France and to date have only ventured in to Italy once. That was in May 2014, when my youngest son got married in Malcesine Castle on L. Garda.

Most of the family and friends flew out there and stayed in hotels, but I managed to get a pitch on a site that was in the old castle grounds, proving to be a perfect base for the wedding.

The area was busy, the roads particularly so, but this has not stopped me planning a return trip, to take in more of the lakes.

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[ukbill]

italy and the lakes is a great place to visit plenty of sites great history,lovely country

 

[Deleted member 29692]

We love Italy, it's probably our favourite place.

The last two summers we've been to the lakes, Lake Garda and Lake Iseo so far. Garda is very commercialised and tourist focussed, Iseo is a lot smaller and quieter. Both have their appeal, I'd go back to either place tomorrow if I could. Yes, Garda especially does get busy in high tourist season. It's a resort. What the hell do people expect? The times we've been it's been late July and August so it both places were very very busy but that doesn't matter to us.

I've never seen any sign of "migrants" or begging so a completely different experience to the previous poster.

Also don't take any notice of the people that say "never" go in high season. Most of those are the ones that don't seem to understand that we aren't all retired. Yes it's bloody hot. Yes it's busy. Yes the campsites are more expensive. So what? It's still great, there's still nowhere in Western Europe to beat it.

Our only regret is that so far we haven't been able to take a longer trip to properly explore the wonderful country

 

[Jaws]

We enjoy Italy but usually tend to stay north of Rome..
Did Venice but will never do it again as it is a dive in my opinion and seems to attract thieves like flies to poo
Cruising a lot of Europe this summer to end up at Pompeii ...

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[snowdrops]

I am really biased towards France, been all down south and adore Provence particularly . Stayed in amazing places, seen fabulous things, eaten incredible food and speak the lingo a bit. Never ever fancied the north of Italy, but central looked interesting enough to drag me from France; Tuscany and Le Marche look good. Very interesting comments so far. We've been to Rome, Florence, Sorrento etc and loved it, but a friend had said very different experience in motorhome and not for the better, spesh after being spoiled in France. SeeMs to be echoed here so far. I've looked at the acsi app, not as many great pool sites as had hoped.

 

[snowdrops]

We enjoy Italy but usually tend to stay north of Rome..

Cruising a lot of Europe this summer to end up at Pompeii ...

Pompeii was fantastic, but make sure you defo do not miss Herculanium !!!!! Smaller area but detail left is incredible.

 

[Chris]

I much prefer Italy to France.

I would think June would be a lovely time to visit Garda before it gets too crowded.

My only complaint about Italy is the price of beer

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[Deleted member 29692]

My only complaint about Italy is the price of beer

Drink Aperol Spritzes then

 

[snowdrops]

I much prefer Italy to France.

I would think June would be a lovely time to visit Garda before it gets too crowded.

My only complaint about Italy is the price of beer

I much prefer Italy to France.

I would think June would be a lovely time to visit Garda before it gets too crowded.

My only complaint about Italy is the price of beer

Wldnt be far up north enough for Garda as we wld either enter Italy via Frejus or come across Turin, Parma, Bologna to Ravenna. Don't usually drink beer, love cool wines. Feeling encouraged by your love of Italy. We took the train from Biot to Ventimiglia and that was just beautiful.

 

[Chris]

Drink Aperol Spritzes then

I did try one in August Nick, but formed the view that they were for girls

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[kip]

Stayed at Lake maggiore camped at stressa ,site right on the lake, loved it. Scenery was spectacular & the food was superb, (another reason we'll be going back very soon)Did Venice which again we loved, had no issues with antisocial behaviour from migrants or locals.Try it ..

 

[JFD]

Stayed in Malles in the Sud Tyrol a few years ago, and it was superb! Lots and lots of great walking in the mountains, and views to die for. Have also stayed near Pisa in Caming le Balze, which is also amazing, but only if you like heights!!

 

[M1ke]

I'm going to watch this thread with interest. We quite fancy dawdling down Eastern France, diverting into Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany but possibly with the goal of Lake Como and maybe even Lake Garda but probably not as far down as central Italy.

I can recommend Camping La Riva on Lake Como. One of the cleanest sites I have ever been on. Lovely swimming pool too.

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[M1ke]

Drink Aperol Spritzes then

Hahah great advice especially as the Italians make them the proper way with Prosecco!

 

[EX51SSS]

I can recommend Camping La Riva on Lake Como. One of the cleanest sites I have ever been on. Lovely swimming pool too.

Would you know whether they are with ACSI?

 

[M1ke]

Would you know whether they are with ACSI?

I don't know sorry, I'm a bit confused with this ACSI thing.

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[Dorwyn]

I'm going to watch this thread with interest. We quite fancy dawdling down Eastern France, diverting into Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany but possibly with the goal of Lake Como and maybe even Lake Garda but probably not as far down as central Italy.

I was planning an early trip (May or June) to Italy too, but 'er in t'passenger seat is not keen, mostly because of worries of the aforementioned vagrant beggars. We were there year before last and had no contact or problems of that sort, so I don't know where that came from. We had a lovely time, especially remember idyllic lazy evenings watching the moon rise reflecting over Lake Garda. Wanted to go to Lake Iseo but had probs with the van we had at the time, and so had to go back early, so feel I'd like to go back. It possibly would be by a toll free route previously taken a few years ago through Germany via Fussen. I especially remember a campsite, or aires as it was then, in Glorenza. Glorious, it was. However, it did seem a long route, whereas going thru Switzerland seemed quicker, and I suspect that the 50 euro vignette was worthwhile.

Negotiations continue.

 

[EX51SSS]

I don't know sorry, I'm a bit confused with this ACSI thing.

Erm? Not overly difficult to explain but possibly best to look at their website and there's the facts. Basically certain sites give off peak discounts and irrespective of what the campsite normally charge, there are ACSI 'membership' offers being between €11 and €19 ( possibly will be corrected). So, if a site would normally charge say €35, with ACSI membership, it may charge €15.
The charges above as maximum and ACSI are only an indication and not a suggestion that a site may charge that

 

[magicsurfbus]

We like Italy a lot. It helps if you know enough Italian to get by, but it's not essential. It's a great language to learn though.

There are three rules you need to understand to cope with Italy:

1. They want your Euros and will do their level best to separate you from them, but usually with a smile.
2. All traffic signage is treated as advisory by Italian drivers. For speed limits add 20 Km/hr to calculate the actual speed driven. 'Give Way' is not recognised as a concept in towns.
3. Ugly and badly dressed Italians are not allowed out of doors during daylight hours. The rule is waived for tourists, especially Americans.

Not to miss places in Italy? (Only my opinion mind)

1. Venice
2. Rome
3. Venice
4. At least one of the lakes (ie Garda, Como, Maggiore)
5. Venice
6. Sorrento, for Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius etc

Did I mention Venice?

Other places worth a look? (Only my opinion mind)

1. Florence
2. Lucca
3. San Gimignano
4. Verona
5. Bolzano (home of Otzi the Iceman), S Tyrol

Most overrated places in Italy? (Only my opinion mind)

1. Siena - nice piazza and basilica but not sure why so many rave about it
2. Cinque Terra coastal villages - think Disneyland
3. Pisa - Tower's OK, but..

Not as many aires in Italy as in France but it's still doable. Their Areas da Sosta are mostly private enterprises, like campsites just for Motorhomes, or attached to campsites. Better than nothing though.

Buon Viaggio

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[Deleted member 29692]

Would you know whether they are with ACSI?

Look at their low season prices. They're already in the ACSI bracket so probably wouldn't be discounting further.

http://www.campinglariva.com/prezzi_english.html

 

[EX51SSS]

Look at their low season prices. They're already in the ACSI bracket so probably wouldn't be discounting further.

http://www.campinglariva.com/prezzi_english.html

Well at the time we're looking to go it works out at €40. That being €16 Moho. 2 x Adults. Showers x 2 and a dog.
I've always found it strange that they charge for a pitch and then per adult as though the pitch would be used without anyone.

 

[Deleted member 29692]

Well at the time we're looking to go it works out at €40. That being €16 Moho. 2 x Adults. Showers x 2 and a dog.
I've always found it strange that they charge for a pitch and then per adult as though the pitch would be used without anyone.

Would ACSI discounts apply in mid season even if the site was part of the scheme? I thought it was for off season only.

Charging like that is standard in Europe. It wouldn't really make a lot of difference if they said €30 or whatever including 2 adults and then extras would it? I think that's they way it's done in the UK isn't it? As long as it's clear I can't see that it matters.

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[EX51SSS]

Would ACSI discounts apply in mid season even if the site was part of the scheme? I thought it was for off season only.

Charging like that is standard in Europe. It wouldn't really make a lot of difference if they said €30 or whatever including 2 adults and then extras would it? I think that's they way it's done in the UK isn't it? As long as it's clear I can't see that it matters.

As far as I'm aware, and shoot me down in flames but it's other than peak season therefore assuming that low or mid is not high season. So, if that's the case, and I could be wrong but if that's the case the max would be €19 (plus dog) and may be lower. However, even if I'm not right, it's still €10 cheaper and that €10 may be the difference between staying or not. Happy to abide by their choice of prices and happy to tootle on past.

 

[M1ke]

Erm? Not overly difficult to explain but possibly best to look at their website and there's the facts. Basically certain sites give off peak discounts and irrespective of what the campsite normally charge, there are ACSI 'membership' offers being between €11 and €19 ( possibly will be corrected). So, if a site would normally charge say €35, with ACSI membership, it may charge €15.
The charges above as maximum and ACSI are only an indication and not a suggestion that a site may charge that

I knew there was a reason I didn't understand it, all my summer travel is in August due to a saucepan who is still at college.