Italian lakes...

[gerarddwatts]

Don't forget to validate your BEFORE you get on the train. Have a great day .
Verona is also worth a visit and if you can get a ticket for a show in the Arena di Verona for a special night out.

No validation for train tickets? I know you must for buses and vaporettos....

 

[johnnyboy]

No validation for train tickets? I know you must for buses and vaporettos....

Things must have changed?? I can remember getting a bollocking from the ticket inspector on my way to Florence a few years ago......

 

[gerarddwatts]

Ah...but we are in oligarch class....!

 

[johnnyboy]

Ah...but we are in oligarch class....!

Ah of course. I should have taken that into consideration

 

[Engineer]

I can recommend the Hotel Baia D’Oro also in Gargnano.

Not five star . Probably four and a half

Looks good, might have to check that one out

 

[gerarddwatts]

Venice....La Serenissima....beautiful as ever, very busy but less busy than I had expected.

Yet again...boats....seems to be a lot of boats involved in this trip, but there is no doubt that the all day vaporetto pass is one of the (few) bargains in Venice

Cherry and I have been several times before and love it but our pals never had...in fact today was the first time Pete had ever been on a train...anywhere! But he is from the Broch....or not far away anyway....

 

[gerarddwatts]

Round Dorsodouro, across to Lido. Back to San Marco and a tour around, marvelling at the Doges palace. Sad to see many famous landmarks and shops...Cafe Florian ...in the Piazza closed. Sone nice Rolex's....for exhibition only....in the shop.

Back up the Grand Canal, via Rialto, Mercato and all the sights to the station for sandwich and welcome juice.

 

[gerarddwatts]

And on the train....primi class which involves free prosecco, juice and crisps.
Back to a slightly overcast Desenzano, hunt out supper very welcome shower and pack for the next adventure.
Petrol is cheaperhere than anywhere so far, so fill up in the am before the slog to our next stop, just south of the Gottard pass.
The plan is to meet up with Jim Esson, ex BMW club stalwart, once Helensborough, now Lausanne.

 

[gerarddwatts]

And if course, Jim is a member of the UKgser massive....

 

[neil 23]

Looks like an amazing trip Gerry

 

[gerarddwatts]

And finally the evening thunderstorm....we did well to get away with it so long!

Quick dash for the 50 yds to our chosen restaurant to reward ourselves with grown up sized beer pots...


Restaurant wifi won't upload....you'll need to wait...

 

[Deleted account 230523001]

I have been in on this since the start and am enjoying, thank you for taking the time, it is bringing back memories of nearly 20 years ago

 

[Arsey]

Looks good, might have to check that one out

It’s fabulous . There’s a garage just up the road so #bikermatesecure.

Lovely spot for breakfast and dinner ….

 

[snelly]

And finally the evening thunderstorm....we did well to get away with it so long!

Quick dash for the 50 yds to our chosen restaurant to reward ourselves with grown up sized beer pots...


Restaurant wifi won't upload....you'll need to wait...

Ah; Italian thunderstorms; been there rode through that; one of the most memorable and enjoyable rides i've ever had; great thread by the way; got to love Italy eh;

 

[gerarddwatts]

Starter....prosciutto and bufala cheese,
Veal cutlet......

And the beer....yes I know its lager....its my effing holiday innit...



Noted that petrol here is the cheapest we've seen on our trip so far so we'll fill up in the am on our way to Switzerland ....

 

[johnnyboy]

Where are you off to next?

 

[gerarddwatts]

Up to the southern end of the Gottard pass/tunnel. I have no notion of using the tunnel....unless its pishing down.

 

[DevonAl]

Google photos reminded me that four yrs ago this week we were at Garda, different mode of transport and accommodation, roof down all the way from Devon and back, camped lakeside at Limone, had obligatory thunderstorm and watched our friends from OZ son and his mates race 18ft Skiffs at Riva.

Al.

 

[gerarddwatts]

The whole area is stunning and we will come again...maybe with more wheels.

Last nights storm cleared the air....I got up for the 5am pee and the view north up the loch was stunning.
Bags all packed and bike fuelled away for a quick dash up the motorways to Switzerland. The tolls are a doddle, not least because they have enough gates to ensure everyone can get through without the impatient display sometimes exhibited at French peage gates....a thing of the past now I use a gadget.

One of the best service stations I have ever seen at Bellinzona, and on to our lodgings at Piotta. Slightly ashamed of my selection...it's a motel, and has everything you need, but not up to my usual standard.

Delighted to see Jim arrive as we were checking in....he had come over the Furka and Gottard passes....Jim is one of the best riders I know......I remember years ago marvelling at the chamfers on the Touratech boxes on the 1100Gs he then hand!

Checked in, derobed, shower, siesta , all ready to reminisce in the bar

 

[gerarddwatts]

Action shot riding up Piotta high street...

Got to 34.5 during the day, beautiful day, bit more sensible at 26 with some altitude