Italian lakes...
- Thread starter gerarddwatts
- Start date
Beal Farm, and looking out towards Holy Island.....recommended for a stop if you are passing on the A1
That has got to be the easiest on and off the boat ever....deck 3 so on the level plenty of room round the bikes, and early off at Newcastle....15 minutes after docking time and we were gone....
Good trip, thanks for bothering to write it up. And nice to get home to good weather, enjoy
It's even hot in Kingussie
It's even hot in Kingussie
Good one Gerard ... I'll be along soon to hunt for that whisky, and deliver your Dent raffle prize 
I'am surprised it's under 2'000mls; it seems like you've been everywhere; nice one;
I'am surprised it's under 2'000mls; it seems like you've been everywhere; nice one;
doesn't include the miles dicking about on boats
Good one Gerrard!
And welcome back to sunny Scotland
Yep. Well done for bringing the sun with you. It's ehbsolutely bye-ling!
Thanks for sharing your trip report, I really enjoyed the virtual tour.
I know what you mean about The Netherlands. It’s very difficult to get anywhere without using the motorways and the blanket 100 KPH limit is ridiculous when you’ve just come off the autobahn.
I do miss my Kibbeling though
I know what you mean about The Netherlands. It’s very difficult to get anywhere without using the motorways and the blanket 100 KPH limit is ridiculous when you’ve just come off the autobahn.
I do miss my Kibbeling though
I have to say the miles spent dicking about on boats were some of the best bits! Crossing Lake Como on our journey south was a masterstroke....got us off Italian motorways for a day, and ticked off another Italian lake. When we were in the queue for the ferry, the ferry guy was chatting and asked where were from....when we said Scotland he said..."you came from Scotland on these.....Mamma Mia!!" Priceless!
We went to see the lakes and the best way to see the most of the gorgeous lakeside towns, mountains and scenery was from a boat, hopping on and off to suit. Going to Venice by train was also a masterstroke, and there is no doubt the best way to see the best bits of Venice rapidly, albeit superficially, is from a vaporetto. So no apologies for that!
We also did a lot of motorcycling; too much, but not all, on motorways. It is a fact of life that if you are visiting further flung parts of Europe in limited time, then motorways are an inevitability. But we also did some passes and a trundle up the length of the Black Forest was well worth it , even at 70kph.
All in all I/we are happy with our choices; only one slight error at the motel Gottardo Sud; the rooms were fine but the grub was shite, despite them advertising themselves as having a restaurant the fixed price, fixed menu evening meal was inadequate and too expensive. One out of 14 is not bad however. All of the hotels were booked in advance using Booking.com.....not true adventuring in the style of Kahulu for example, but it worked for us. Thanks Iain for your report on your trip... a terrific trip and photys which brought much enjoyment! Respect!
I will always get Commodore cabins henceforth. Worth every penny.
Have I got another big trip in me? Good question....probably not, but depending on hip repair, trips slightly closer will remain an option. There is no doubt that as you get older, you need to be aware that the concentration required, particularly on motorways, becomes more tiring.....I found myself in bed nearly always by ten, and often at 9.30. I know one answer is a smaller lighter bike, but I like my GS and it gives the oomph you need for 2 up luggage laden trips where a smaller bike might do it, but not as comfortably. (Especially if the last leg is laden with 4 litres of whisky!) To be honest, if I can't do it on the GS, I probably ought to give up!
Anyhow, thanks for the positive comments, hope you enjoyed the trip, and maybe some-one will pick up an idea that will help their own trip.
Using other forms of transport from a base is something I have done during a bike trip. 3 days in Porto getting around by bus. I did a coach trip to Venice from Torbole on Lake Garda. I bought a package day trip which included the gondola ride and the lap around the major sites on a larger boat.
Like you, I have hip problems. I have reduced my daily mileage by bike. Since 2018 I have taken the ferry to Spain. Fortunately, Plymouth is only 3 hours away and Portsmouth even closer. Once in Santander or Bilbao you only have to ride short distances to get to the properly lumpy bits. I also stay for 2 or 3 nights in the same place so I do not have to ride every day.
Like you, I have hip problems. I have reduced my daily mileage by bike. Since 2018 I have taken the ferry to Spain. Fortunately, Plymouth is only 3 hours away and Portsmouth even closer. Once in Santander or Bilbao you only have to ride short distances to get to the properly lumpy bits. I also stay for 2 or 3 nights in the same place so I do not have to ride every day.
So there is no misunderstanding, yes that is a bar
Got a name for yon hotel in post 61, Gerard? I think it might just be up to her nibs' standard! (Spotless ladies conveniences. I'd settle for that view from the bar!)
https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/li...d=3ac776a2f2f630c79bfff21a949be19a&aid=304142
Lido International, Desenzano. 12/15 minute walk to boats for dicking purposes, 20 minutes from station.
Thoroughly recommended.
Can't wait to go back!
That looks cracking
Blacklab10
Registered user
Enjoyed reading your experiences Gerard ,hoping to stay in Riva del Garda next year.Think we'll be going by car though .Been a couple of times to lake garda /como love it down there .Thanks again for sharing your holiday experiences .��
Thestillman
Registered user
On site parking then 
.
.
Similar threads
