Touring Italy for the first time in peak Summer season

[Tim2]

Hi Folks

I posted about visiting Italy a few weeks ago but I'm still undecided. Just my wife and I going. We were thinking of starting in the Lakes and then moving southward and possibly including Venice and Rome. We will have up to 5 weeks to get down from/return to Calais.

We have a twin-axle Avondale Landranger (7.36 metres/24 feet shipping length) towed by a Vauxhall Monterey (4x4) and we have toured France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We have tended to NOT book sites as we like to wander-at-will and stop longer at the places we like. We just phone ahead on the day before we arrive. We have to travel in July/August as both of us work as teachers.

Given the LARGE SIZE of the van and that it would be peak season would we be likely to get into Italian sites. We prefer less-commercialised,rural sites with lake/sea views. We don't speak Italian only English and serviceable French!

Any comments of pitch sizes, busyness in peak season, site recommendations, need to advance book or any other comments/advice warmly welcomed.

Thanks in anticipation.

Tim

 

[BarryB_5039906]

Hi Tim

Not sure if I made a response to your previous posting, but here goes.

We love Italy and shall be there for our 5 weeks this summer. We too have a large twin axle and we have booked onto the sites we want through the Caravan Club. If you are expecting to visit the main tourist places then it is likely that you will be on the more commercial type sites. I think it may be prudent to book a pitch as many sites have limited availability for large 'vans. The sites by the lakes tend to be on the hill sides and slope down to the lakes again making the pitch size small. If I were you I would try to plan where you are to go and aim to book in advance, especially as you are there in peak season. In Italy you do not tend to find the municiple sites as you do in France and many pitches are booked and taken by the Germans and Dutch. Do have a try at Italy and especially the language.....the Italians are a very happy and friendly lot and I am sure you will enjoy it. If you want any specific details do ask.

Happy travels BarryB

 

[EvansofSprot]

I've replied to you on another site Barry.

 

[EvansofSprot]

I've replied to you on another site Barry.

Sorry I meant Tim to whom I have already replied.

 

[Tim2]

Thanks Gordon and Barry

I'm of 2 minds now if pre-booking is necessary. One issue for us that I didn't mention is that our 18 year old son suffers from a recurrent illness which might entail us having to return home at relatively short notice. This is another reason why we don't book. If we did have to return home we would probably not be covered by insurance as it as a recurring illness.

Thanks again for your advice

Tim