Euro Tour Day 18

We woke in a wet campsite overlooking Lake Maggiore to find it was still overcast but at least the rain had stopped.

We decided it was time to leave Italy and head over the Alps. We drove along the lake and into Switzerland with no hassle from the feds. Alpine Switzerland was stunning. It was high and craggy and the views were amazing.

We climbed up to 2200m (in the van) and into the 6.6km long Saint Bernardios pass. On the far side we pulled into a layby to knock up some lunch and enjoy the views - even if it was raining.

From here we dropped down to about 1000m and a Swiss campsite which was in a valley surrounded by mountains and alongside a gorgeous looking golf course. The facilities here were sparkling. It was a pleasure to use them. The owners also lent us a swiss adaptor which we then plugged into our French adaptor that Mrs Blakey's dad had made us and we had power.

A quick stroll up into the Swiss mountain forest was called for and we were set for dinner.

Euro Tour Day 17

A washed out day yesterday with nothing but rain. We drove a few hundred miles to Lake Maggiore and camped in a gorgeous spot that we couldn't appreciate till the clouds cleared this morning.

Torrential rain last night and the roof bed held up great. No leaks and a snug night. But it really is cramped up there and I'm starting to wake with aching bones. The huge roof bed of the California is looking very appealing right now.

Euro Tour Day 16

Our first rest day today after over 2 weeks on the road.

A really lovely chilled out day by the lake. We've relaxed. We've read our books. We've taken a gentle stroll into town for ice cream and watched the kayakers on the lake. I even found time to clean the van!

Now we're settled down in the van relaxing some more and waiting for a firework display that is supposed to be going off on the other side of the lake soon.

Tomorrow we're heading on to Lake Maggiorre and more stunning scenery.

And the photo...

Euro Tour Day 15

And relax...

A quick scoot across the southern edges of the Alps today and we're at Lake Garda. This lake is the biggest if the Italian lakes, the most built up and the most popular. Still, we've landed on our feet again with a campsite right on the shores of the lake and we've found a pitch right at the edge of the site on the lakeside.

The photo shows the view from the window of our roof bed. Not bad.

We might stay here a day or two depending on the weather, or we might visit a few more of the lakes. We'll see.

Time to sample some of the red we picked up in Assisi. Cheers!

Euro Tour Dat 14

Venice. Quite a place.

We took the bus and boat service over there and back again. Great shout for €16. Saved us an hour drive and let us see Venice for the first time from the water which is surely how its meant to be found.

We spent an entire day just wandering. During this day we did squeeze in the extravagance of a quick gondola trip (you have to really) and enjoyed a boat ride all the way down the Grand Canal - which is a great way to view the city on the cheap. The rest of the time was on foot.

We dropped into a few bars and one fantastic but well priced restaurant for pasta but otherwise just strolled the lanes and bridges. A really enjoyable pass time.

The day flew by and we can't believe we're already back in camp. A great experience and a fun and exciting city. I suspect we'll come back.

Euro Tour Day 13

Another long driving day today and tonight we're camped by the sea again, this time a short ferry ride across from Venice.

We spent this morning poking around the streets of Assisi and looking through the basilica where Saint Francis is buried. Assisi is a really lovely place, mostly traffic free and still looking for the most part like it must have in the 13th century when the saint lived there.

The basilica is a striking building on two levels with frescos drawn on every available surface. Quite the picture.

Assisi is a hill town and the views are breath taking. Personally, I'd live there.

Tomorrow is Venice. Should be ace.