Driving Across Europe?

Question

Does anyone know roughly how long it takes to drive from the UK channel tunnel to Italy?

Planning a European exploration and looking for the best route - how many times should we stop along the way? Where should we go? How long to get there and back and see as much of Italy as possible?

Any and all advice greatly appreciated!

I'm driving my own car from the UK, thanks for the route planner site - that's very helpful!

Any other advice on what to see along the way?

Answer 1

I can door-to-door from my London home to the Italian border in a 12-hour day, but that's a case of not stopping to see the sights and knowing the roads.

Via Michelin is very good for route planning (www.viamichelin.com). You can look at a map of your destination and see what's on the way, then click a link and Michelin gives you recommendations on hotels and restaurants.

I would personally recommend you drive hell bent for leather for Lyon (take the A26 from Calais, which turns into the A31 - you'll avoid Paris traffic). I wouldn't recommend you stay in Lyon itself -it's a big city, but is surrounded by incredibly beautiful countryside (and is between the Rhone, Burgundy and Beaujolais wine producing regions). If you want to push it a little further more there is a place with rooms literally on the top of Mont Cenis (not as high as Mont Blanc but nothing to sniff at) which is very pleasant for an overnight. A few yards away is the border crossing. The Mont Blanc tunnel is quicker but boring. Going this way, though, you'll see a lot of Italy in relatively little time, starting with Lake Como (stunning!). The Italian motorway network is very good, much better than the UK. Even though you might run a small risk of being busted for speeding in France on the peages (fast motorways), I have never had the misfortune and am obviously a bit of a speed demon. Anyway, from Gerona you can work your way fairly quickly down the west coast, through Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples (Positano, Amalfi, Capri), stopping along the way. If you are planning on visiting Milan be warned it is not an attractive city for tourists unless you are a shopping/culture vulture, in which case you will be in paradise. Milan has a good public transportation network and is surrounded by discount fashion malls. You can stay outside the city borders and take the subway - fast, clean and efficient - into the city centre - which is a much better option for a car driver. Be advised that if you want to see The Last Supper you should now make reservations in advance. Since "The Da Vinci Code" movie, the church where the painting is located has been overwhelmed with visitors. The Scala, despite recent scandals, is still THE place to go for opera (I personally prefer the open air theatre at Catania in Sicily, but you have to take an overnight boat or a flight to get there).

Don't be put off by tales of Italian driving. They are very good drivers by international standards, even by European standards.

I like to stay in pensiones when in Italy, they are very comfortable and have a lot more character than international hotels. A smattering of Italian (language) helps, though people do try their best to communicate, bless them. Also be aware that in this Catholic country, double/king beds are a rarity (you can always push the two twin beds together during your stay). I do find that the food in pensiones and villas which do boast restaurants is sub-par when there is such a wealth of amazing restaurants in Italy. On that subject, be advised that when you go to a restaurant the portions are usually very big (unless you're in a snooty "designer" restaurant) and they usually serve four courses rather than the customary three - a starter, then a pasta or rice dish, followed by main then dessert. The pasta or rice is served as a "second plate" and not as a side with the main meal. I have made the mistake of my eyes being bigger than my stomach on more than one occasion in Italy.

Crime (mostly theft) used to be a problem in Italy in the 80s but on my last five visits (all within the last four years), I have felt very secure.

Answer 2

Do you have a rental car? Can you take that car from England to Italy? Check with the rental company.
How long you will drive? I think you can make it in 3-4 days, it depends what you want to do on the route. Sightseeing? OK-you need more time.
To use the tunnel by car is not possible,you have to go on the train-i think.

Answer 3

from my house in hertfordshire - chatel (french-swiss boarder) every year and from door to door its about 14 ish hours depending on road works and traffic. and italy should be a few hours more so i'd spend a night in a hotel and then drive the rest teh next day. so to get to italy probably about two days. Use the AA route planner, give excellent directions and have fun! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Answer 4

Italy is cool but its not god know what...

check out Slovenia ( Italy's neighboor country) it is BEAUTIFUL and vast majority of people there can speak english which will never happen in Italy

dont want to be mean but Italians are so arrogant

Answer 5

Sounds like a cool trip. If you plan good you should have a great one.

I would check www.viamichelin.com to plan the itineary.

Enjoy!

Answer 6

maybe three weeks