Inglese

If you are interested in the Alps then don't look to do huge mileages. Some of the ascent and descent roads are very tortuous although picturesque. I would also avoid motorways and travel as much as you can on the small country roads. This way you will arrive at small and interesting towns and villages and leave the motorway drivers to miss it.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

One more detail (of importance) Switzerland requires you to purchase a road tax at the border. The cost is about 40 euros. THERE IS NO EXCEPTION.

Rent/lease in Switzerland. The car then will have the road tax sticker but you may not be able to use it outside the borders, since Switzerland is not part of the EU.

rastokirn Loc: Maribor, Slovenia

macsmom Loc: S Carolina

I agree with this suggestion 100% if you really want to see Europe. Slower and in depth is a much more fulfilling experience -- i've done both. You can waste a lot of time driving unless your thing is just to drive. But hell, you can do that here for a lot less. I have used a campervan (much smaller than a motorhome; about the size of an Explorer with a pop-top) and stayed in local campgrounds, no reservations -- very cheap option but slower. Van or motorhome slows to a crawl going uphill in mts. Use the Rick Steves books, they will give you suggestions for things off the beaten path AND tips on not getting run over when you are ON the path. (Best times/ strategies to see famous sites for fewest crowds.) I think the train or plane suggestion with local rentals after seeing a hub city will give you the biggest bang for your buck, as well as some interesting local driving. Be flexible! I was unrealistic in driving estimates and had to cut by about a third. Good luck and make any reservations early! Charlie
U

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Many people have mentioned about a potential problem with crossing the borders with rental cars. This is really not an issue in Europe as there are no longer any borders as such. Only if you are crossing into what might have been part of the communist block will you find an actual border and even some of those are long gone. (other than between Spain and Gibraltar.)

KTJohnson Loc: Northern Michigan

Your first responder, JPL hit most of the highlights. Here's some of what you can see below. When I was there I couldn't go beyond the "Iron Curtain", so I have nothing to show you from there.

The Grand Canal in Venice, Italy


Salzburg Castle & Dom Cathedral, Salzburg, Austria


St. Bartholoma, Konigs See, Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany


Linderhof Palace, Ettal, Bavaria, Germany


Neuschwanstein Castle from the ftats


Neuschwanstein Castle from the mountains


Boring roads? I think NOT!


The Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

[quote=Rongnongno]And yet another typical 'ugly American' view of the EU.


- You must check if you can drive across borders. In our case, no problem as long as we stay in the EU.

Ron, I am not American and I voted to go into the EEC at the original vote and also to stay in the EU at the last one.
You also stated the same info about 'checking your rental allows you to cross borders'....some do not.

I have no idea what your media is like concerning EU problems with migration, But the issues still exist and border security is still an issue even between UK and EU. 5 years ago you couldn't even see a border, now road blocks spring up overnight in response to 'intelligence'. For a British citizen and still having an EU driving licence and car ownership paperwork it is a minor problem, but hiring cars for border crossing has also been tightened up. That was all I was saying.

George

Rongnongno Loc: FL

[quote=G Brown]
If you are a brit I am sure you have not gotten out of your island for a long time. I have not been checked anywhere within the EU since 1998. The only check I have had are when crossing Switzerland and going to the UK.

The only check my wife expect (she does a side trip to Sweden) is when going there, something new, from last year. The rest? Still no check.

Your 'information' seems to be from the inquirer or the like. I bet they also tell you of 'no-go' cities and areas too. Right?

When it comes to 'border crossing' France and Italy* are transparent BUT both countries, unlike the others in the UE, have a special branch of police that can stop you anywhere and control your 'legal status' as well as 'contraband'. Been stopped once in Italy and twice in France (1996~2000). AFI plates are/were a magnet for police attention. Since I have never been stopped despite being in the EU for 3 years then several more times for periods ranging from 6 months to just 4 weeks.
____
* Spain may have this too but I have not seen it.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Was in Europe three years ago, last year and sent our son over this year Calais to Belgium for tobacco and booze (cheaper than UK even when adding fuel cost)
It is true that when we went up to North Holland in our camper 5 years ago, the only border control was UK check on tunnel ticket. Two weeks of roaming and not a single question asked. Wife was stopped last year between France and Belgium on the main motorway..Border Guards complete with wire fence and army back up (at a border which is merely a sign on the side of the road). This year all is gone on that road, but there are reports of random checks on other routes. Calais border checks back into the UK are now a lot more intrusive than ever before. Just about every car is stopped, boot opened and checked. Lorries gas checked and vans almost emptied for inspection. They are not looking for contraband..its people moving. The couple of terrorist attacks have also made people a bit more thorough. Hey, it could be just to 'reassure' the public !

We love travelling in Europe. We have never had a problem . Our dog has a passport and it is soooo much easier to travel with him, than it is in the UK! Free on most public transport - unless he sits on a seat - Fair enough. Welcome in restaurants and non food shops....everyone is helpful (It is the Brits abroad that ARE a pain .. some seem to think shouting is a translation method). Often coming back into the UK is THE culture shock!

I am pleased that you have and still are enjoying Europe. The people haven’t changed... it is just the officials that are now a little 'more visible'.

Have fun

fjrwillie Loc: MA

I want to thank all of your suggestions, comments about this trip. You guys are the best

Willie

rda545

In in 2014 I did a similar trip in my old Austin Healey. On this trip I did several High Mountain Passes in the Alps. Would highly recommend you look a hitting a few of these. My two favorites were San Bernadino and Stilferjoch Stelvio. Stelvio is very popular for bikers...enjoy the trip and take lots of Pics.