Bolsena camping blu

31st May 2013

Lovely sunny day today, had a lazy morning sat outside then after lunch went for a bike ride in to Bolsena town. Little lake side marina although it was very windy. Then rode back to the campsite stopping off at the supermarket for a bottle of Tuscany red to go with our spaghetti bolognaise for tea.

Bolsena camping blu

 30th May 2013

After thunder storms through the night we woke up to sunshine. Sat out having breakfast, did some more laundry then went for a walk to the beach next to the lake, however the views round the lake were lovely the beach was black sand. Had lunch back at the motorhome then a lazy afternoon in the sun.

Siena to camping Blu Bolsena

 29th May 2013 

We set off from the Aire at Siena nice and early as it was a 2 hour drive to Bolsena and we had to get there before lunch as the reception closes till 4.00pm. The drive south took us most of the way down the motorway and out of the Tuscany area. We left the motorway at Orivieto which was another hill town on the edge of a cliff! We followed the road to Bolsena which again was hairpin bends and narrow stretches, however fantastic views of the countryside. When we reached Bolsena we stopped at a supermarket just before going on to the campsite as we were booking on for 4 nights. The campsite was right on the edge of the lake with a little beach. This lake was larger than lake Suiviana but not as big as Garda. Here we were only 80 K north of Rome. Set up camp had some lunch and did the laundry.

Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni to Siena

28th May 2013 

Got up at about 8.30, had breakfast overlooking the vineyards went for a walk back in to the little walled town of Monteriggioni  to buy a box of Chianti and some local honey then set off for An Aire at Siena. When we arrived at the Aire we had lunch then caught the free shuttle bus to the hill town of Siena. The bus dropped us off just inside the city walls and we had to go up 6 escalators to get to the top! At the top we walked to Siena's duomo which is one of Italy's greatest Gothic churches, it has a magnificent facade of white, green and red marble. We then stopped for coffee on our way to Palazzo Pubblico. Siena is another one of Italy's world heritage sites.

Florence to Monteriggioni

27th May 2013 

Up nice and early sun shining sat out having breakfast, we left Florence and headed south for an Aire at poggibonsi where we stopped for a sandwich, the drive here was very lush and lots of vineyards, afterall we were in the Chianti region. After lunch we moved to another Aire at Monteriggioni only 10 mins further south nearer Sienna.When we arrived ,Monteriggioni is an old walled city and we parked overlooking it and also surrounded by fields and vineyards.We went for a walk up to the old town of Monteriggioni we walked under an arch and in to a little courtyard, a band of drummers greated us and locals in medieval costumes it was like going back in time to medieval times. Walked round the town and in to the little craft shops, we tasted local honey. We then stopped for a glass of local Chianti be rude not to in the heart of the Chianti region of Tuscany. A taste of la dolce vita, then back to the motorhome for tea and reflection.After tea had a walk back into the walled town, when all the tourists had gone! Had a bottle of local Monteriggioni  chianti wine surrounded by the vineyards where it is produced, this was one magical place.!!, After a lovely evening we retired to the motorhome.

Brazillian Motorhome 26th May 2013

OMG!!! Just sat waiting for our BBQ to cook when a Brazillian motorhome drove on to the site. Derek went over to talk to the man and he is on a wine world adventure!!! Can't believe he has driven  all this way. nd we thought we have come a long way.

Florence

26th May 2013 Florence

After a good night sleep we woke to sunshine hip hip hooray! After break fast we caught the bus in to Florence centre. We followed a trip advisor walking tour starting at the Duomo then went to Piazza Signoria to Palazzo Vecchio were the original Micheal Angelo's David was until it got damaged, now stands a replica. we walked past the Neptune fountain to Ponte Vecchio the only bridge the Germans never blew up!!! We had an ice cream - it would be rude not to, then found the Hard Rock Cafe were I bought a pair of shorts, then went to try and find the nice little wine shop we were in last night, unfortunately it was closed so we found somewhere else to have a Chianti, then caught the bus back to the motorhome for a BBQ.

Montopoli in val d' Arno to Florence

 25th May 2013

Woke this morning by the rain again ! This was becoming a usual thing and then clearing later in the mornings. However today the rain was hear to stay! We left the Aire about 10.00am and headed to an Aire at Florence, it rained and rained and rained all the way. When we arrived we had a sandwich and stayed in the motorhome till 3.00pm to see if the rain stopped.Caught the bus in to Florence centre and had a walk round the little market stalls then stopped at a little wine shop for a Chianti and prosciutto ham. Then caught the bus back to the Aire.

Pisa to Montepoli in val d' Arno

 24th May 2013 

We set off from the Aire at Pisa after breakfast and a reasonable nights sleep and stopped for fuel then headed for the Aire at Montopoli in val d'Arno which was only a 45 min drive.We would stop here the night then head in to Florence in the morning. When we arrived at the Aire there were lots of Motorhomes parked up, however we soon realised it was being used by the Italians to store there Motorhomes too. I changed the bedding and we had a bite to eat, sat out in the sun, partly cloudy and it was quite breezy.Went for a walk , however it reminded us of some of the French villages we have stayed in, very quiet with no one about! Went and had a look in the cemetery across the road from the Aire.

Lake Suivania to Pisa

23rd May 2013 

Another sleepless night with the rain and me constantly coughing! We left the Aire at about 9.30 am. Had a slow drive to Pisa round winding roads ! However the views were stunning, and the sun was appearing.When we arrived at Pisa we found the Aire but thought it might be noisey so we followed some other Aire signs which took us to another quieter Aire. We parked parked up an as we were shattered went to bed for a few hours kip. We got up about 3.00pm and went for a walk in search of the leaning tower of Pisa about 2k walk. As we approached the back of the tower it looked pretty small next to the Duomo, which was surprising, the view from the front was a lot better with grass lawn area. The area was full of tourists and lots of little market stalls selling tat! We took our pictures had a walk round and headed back to the motorhome as there is nothing else really to see.The French gas bottle ran out so Derek changed it for the Spanish one. We had our tea then walked to the Carrefour for some provisions and to buy a new tin opener as I had managed to break ours.Sat outside till the sun went down then had an early night cos we were both shattered.

Ferrera to lake Suivania

22nd May 2013

We were up nice and early as we normally are on Aires, however the sun was shining and we had our breakfast then packed up and headed for a free Aire at Lago de Suivania. We drove down the motorway to the other side of Bologna , where we left the motorway and headed for the lake. The roads were very winding with hair pin bends too, my heart was in my mouth at times and I was that twitchy even Derek told me to go and sit in the back.The countryside was again stunning. When we got to the lake there were a couple of Motorhomes parked up so we joined them. Derek went for a little walk and nosey at a cafe which over looked the lake. Our motorhome was overlooking the lake too. This lake was only a small one compared to Maggiore and Garda.Sat out all afternoon until the sun went down reflecting on our trip so far.

Lido de Jesolo to Ferrara

 21st May 2013 

Sunny morning again today,we packed up and had a chat with Trev & Ann then said goodbye and wished them a safe trip and left the campsite about 11.30 am. We were heading for an Aire at Ferrara.As we headed south along the motorway there were lots of vineyards and poppy fields which looked really pretty.La dolce vita! The Aire at Ferrara was in the town centre and there were a number of Motorhomes already parked up, not a bad spot for €6.00 a night. We went for a walk to Lidl for a few provisions and then back to the motorhome for a nap.Had our tea then an early night as I was still coughing and Derek started with hey fever ! What a right pair we are.

Camping Capraro

 20th May 2013 

Woke this morning to sunshine and blue skies, had a bit of a lie in after our early start yesterday. Spent the morning round the campsite and I put a colour on my hair as I was starting to look like an Alsatian ! Not had it coloured since we were in Thailand in February so it was well overdue.Derek cleaned the BBQ.In the afternoon we decided to go for a walk along the beach and take a last look at the Adriatic Sea, stopped at a cafe on the beach for a coffee then walked back to the campsite and started to pack a few things away ready for moving on tomorrow.While we were sat out a lovely British couple (Trev & Ann)came to talk to us from Nottingham, they were on a 10 week trip and they were heading to Dubrovnik which they said would take them about 2 weeks from here stopping along the way.

Camping Capraro

19th May 2013 

Woke early this morning at 7.30am alarm after a whole nights sleep.After breakfast we set off in the rain for Venice walking to the bus stop on the main road to the bus station where we changed buses, and caught the bus to punta sabione. Once at punta sabione we caught the boat to Venice San Marco. We headed straight to San Marco square had coffee and hot chocolate in caffe florian which was established in 1720. The drinks were served on a silver tray and we even paid €12.00 for the orchestra! We then headed for the Rialto bridge and market. The bridge was larger than expected.There was some kind of regatta taking place with lots of boats, canoes and gondolas sailing past along the grand canal.We then headed for the Rialto market and purchased some souvenirs ( including a brolly)and then the sun came out. We then made our way to Harry's Bar for our signature bellini's at €15.00 each however we had to cherish the moment which was wonderful. Unfortunately the queue for the basilica San Marco was too long for us to wait. After spending the whole day in Venice our feet were tired so we headed back to the campsite by ferry, and bus which took 2 hours.To finish off a lovely day we had an Italian meal then back to the motorhome for an evening to reflect our special day.

Verona to camping Capraro lido de Jesolo

 18th May 2013

Up early and another lemsip for breakfast, we left the aire at Verona and headed to Venice. As we travelled across this beautiful country the sun was shining and there were miles and miles of vineyards, the countryside is so lush though not surprising considering the amount of rainfall the last few days.When we arrived at camping parco capraro at lido de Jesolo we had a BBQ for our tea.Had an early night on 4 glasses prosesco, lemsip, cough medicine and an anti histamine.

Verona

 17th May 2013 

Yet another sleepless night due to the rain and me coughing horrendously , after breakfast which consisted of lemsip and yoghurt,Derek decided we would go and find a chemist for a bottle of cough medicine. Went for a walk in to town to see the arena, a roman coliseum 3rd largest outside Rome, visited the tomb of Juliet, the Roman theatre,Roman bridge, Duomo and the castle. We stopped for a coffee as per usual. The things we have noticed since we have been in Italy are lots of recycling bins ( perhaps that's why they are skint, they must have the best system in Europe). Also there is no need to have any tea cos when you buy a drink they give you lots of nibbles free ( small sandwiches ,crisps,nuts,olives,cheese,twig lets,omelettes , fried vegetables) as much as you can eat.

Camping butterfly to Aire Verona

16th May 2013

Another sleepless night due to Mother Nature and the rain! And me coughing.Derek went to the shop for fresh croissants for breakfast and then we left the campsite. The rain kept on coming all the way to the Aire at Verona. When we arrived at the Aire there were a few other British Motorhomes which was unusual as we haven't seen many on the aires we have stopped at along the way here.We had a brew. Realised we must have left the umbrella somewhere on the route but can't remember!  We caught the bus in to town and saw the castle, roman arches, piazza Elbe which was once a roman forum, lots of old roman buildings and the famous balcony of Romeo and Juliet, rubbed the breast of the bronze Juliet for luck, however it's not stopped the rain. Walked back from town to the motorhome, lots more had joined us.

Camping butterfly Lake Garda

 15th May 2013

Woke up this morning with a throat like swallowing razor blades! However the sun was shining. We had our porridge sat outside.We went for a bike ride along the canal then for a walk round the town stopped for coffee, takeaway pizza and Italian ice- cream, then cycled back to the campsite. Spent the rest of the afternoon round the site and reading up about Verona. Put the bicycles back on the motorhome ready for moving on tomorrow. The rain started so we packed up and pulled the awning in so as not to have everything wet in the garage.

Camping butterfly lake Garda

Blog 14th May 2013

Woke up again to blue skies, spent the day round the pool skyped  Mum , Chris and Wendy. Sat out having our tea living la dolce vita.How funny we didn't realise there were washing line police! We were told to take our washing line down as it was not allowed. A man came along on a bike and told us off hahaha.

Camping Butterfly Peschiera Lake Garda

13th May 2013

Today we woke to blue skies not a cloud to be seen anywhere. Derek went to the supermarket for croissants for breakfast then we went for a bike ride in to Peschiera, a lovely little town in a wall and moat around it. The moat even had water all the way round too, something we have not seen before. There was also lots of little cafes and restaurants along side the canals, also lots of boats around. We stopped for a coffee along side the waters edge and sat watching the world go by. We then cycled to the supermarket and back to the campsite. On our way round to our pitch we stopped at the Eurocamp reception and said hello to Philip and Nikki who are running it. Philip is the son of a friend of mine Sami who I went to school with, his gran Lynn had told me to go and see him. Unfortunately they are not coming here until June so we will miss them. Cooked tea outside. Derek downloaded his photos on to the computer.

Desenzano to Camping butterfly

12th May 2013

After a good nights sleep we woke to blue skies and sunshine, la dolce vita! We set off for Camping butterfly about 10.00am, it took about 30mins together there, we only had a choice of 2 pitches.We have never seen an Acsi site so busy! We set up camp and did the laundry.

Desenzano del Garda

11th May 2013

Good old Mother Nature kept us awake again during the night with heavy showers, however when we got up the sun was shining. We moved the motorhome to a nicer pitch on the Aire and sat out having breakfast overlooking lake Garda watching lots of Ferrari convertibles drive by. One of the Motorhomes got stuck in the gravel and had to be towed out, this brought back memories of us getting stuck last year! We had a walk along the beach and stopped at a little beach bar for a drink, we had lost count at this point of how many Ferrari's and Harley Davidson motorbikes we had seen today.Went to the beach bar across the road for happy hour! Happy hour in Italy is buy a drink and all you can eat buffet is free! We then went to the restaurant for tea.

Lecco to Desenzano del Garda

10th May 2013

After a very noisy night we got up had a shower and after breakfast we set of for an Aire at Monte Marenzo about 10mins drive,the rain was once again with us, on the way to the Aire we had a nightmare with the sat nav! taking us down narrow streets and some we could not get down and had to reverse! After re diverting a few times we decided to head to lake Garda. It took 1.30 mins to get to lake Garda when we arrived it had stopped raining.The Aire we stopped on was called Desenzano del Garda pit stop La Spiaggia. The lake looked like the sea.Had a nap then went for a walk in to Desenzano del Garda, very picturesque but not as quaint as Lake Maggiore.Then back to the motorhome for our tea. Sat out overlooking the lake. Plenty of Motorhomes on the Aire for the night.

Verbania to Lecco

 9th May 2013

Up early this morning an off to the garage for 9.00am. While waiting for the motorhome to be repaired we went for a drink Derek had coffee and i ordered a frizzante, thinking it was sparkling water but it was sparkling wine,it was only 10.00am! but it would be rude not to drink it so when in Italy !!!! It took about 2 hours and€380 lighter ! We said goodbye to Alberto.As we headed for Como we left beautiful Lake Maggiore behind us taking our memories with us.When we arrived at Como the Aire was closed so we headed for another Aire at Como which was also closed so we had a bite to eat then headed for Lecco. Lecco is on lake Garlate and we were the first motorhome to arrive.The Aire overlooked the lake,however not as picturesque as Lake Maggiore.

Camping parisi to Verbania

Blog 8th May 2013

Set off from Camping parisi back to the Aire at Verbania for a one night stay so we can get the wing mirror repaired. Had a lazy day sat out in the sun for most of it.Went for a walk round the town centre then back to the motorhome.

Baveno to Milan to Baveno

7th May 2013

Up early this morning , sun is shinning and Milan here we come!!! Train from Baveno at 10.20 am. The train journey from Baveno to Milan was amazing,the train went along side Lake Maggiore for a good 40 mins the views were stunning over the lake and the mountains which had snow on the tops.When we arrived in Milan we got the underground to the Duomo Cathedral which was spectacular, had a walk round the area and did some window shopping in all the designer shops then stopped for a drink and a panini.We then went to the meeting point for our tour.We went inside the cathedral which was made out of marble and had 3200 saints on the spires and the outside facade.We then walked up the shopping mall to a statue of Leonardo de Vinci and past La Scala opera house ,from there we walked to the castle which we didn't even know was there! Stopped for a 20 min coffee break then on to see the last supper painting. The painting was large and painted on the wall of the dining room in the Santa Maria delle Grazie. We then headed back to the station to catch the train back to Baveno. To finish our day off we stopped at a restaurant overlooking the lake,then back to the campsite. We had good news about the wing mirror,it will be fixed on Thursday so we will then head over to Lake Como.

Baveno

6th May 2013

After being kept awake with the rain finally surfaced at 10.00am, sat out having breakfast cos it was dry although a bit chilly.After lunch we took a boat ride to the Borromean Islands, the first one Isola Bella the Palazzo Borromeo is designed to look like a ship, prince Charles and Princess Di visited in 1985. The next island we visited was Isola Pescatori a very pretty island ,then back on the boat to Baveno. On the way back to the campsite we stopped at the bakery.

Baveno

5th May 2013

Had a bit of a lie in. When we got up it was a lovely day the sun shining. We went for a walk to the supermarket to buy some meat for a BBQ . It was to be the first one of our trip.Went for a walk in to Baveno, lovely picturesque place and we could see the Borromeo Islands.Sat out all night overlooking the lake.

Verbenia to Baveno

 4th May 2013

After breakfast we moved on to an Aire at Baveno, it started off rainy then when we arrived the sun came out.When we arrived at the Aire there was no electricity as described in camperstop. We went for a walk to the train station and bought tickets for the train to Milan on tues, then we went for a walk to the campsite we were going to book for 2 nights while we visited Milan, however we decided to book on for 4 nights, so we returned to the motorhome after calling at the supermarket and moved to the campsite called Parisi camping next to Lake Maggiore at Baveno. Sat out all evening overlooking the lake.

Verbania

3rd May 2013

After a free nights camping we got up early to take the motorhome to the Fiat garage so they could have a look and order the new wing mirror.Alberto who worked on the reception was really helpful and arranged for a new one to be fitted on 9th May. We then went back to the Aire at Verbernia, we went for another look around the town then a lazy day back at the motorhome researching our next stopover. Poorly motorhome!

Camping sole to Verbania

 2nd May 2013

Up and showered this morning. Derek comes back to the motorhome and says" how good are the Italians ? We go for a shower in our shorts and t shirts and the all go looking like Laurence Olivier " walking around I fancy robes! Hahaha.left the campsite and headed for a free Aire at Verbernia, the sun shinning, when we arrived it was just a car park with no other Motorhomes parked up,so we decided to move to another Aire 5 mins away and nearer to the lake.We went for a walk to look for the nearest Fiat garage so we could get the wing mirror repaired.The garage was closed cos it was only 1ish so we went for a cold drink in a bar next to the garage called cafe Maggiore ,also had our first espresso !By the time we got back to the Aire de sosta as they are known in Italy, we had walked 7 k, other motorhomers were sat out having lunch, one even had a son of hibatchi BBQ like us.Went for a walk round Verbenia and coffee.