Stayed at Hotel Centrale in Torbole. North part of Lake Garda for a couple of days during our bike holiday last year. Beautifully place. Will be going back some time soon
Done a lot of the Alpine passes between France, Switzerland and Austria - all beautiful and REAL bike riding territory. The Stelvio pass is a famous one - 41 hairpin bends - steep up one side, smoother and gentler on the other side going down into Italy. Seek it out and try them both. Plenty of eateries at the top.
Eay up big lad, I'm just planning Stelvio myself this autumn with a friend any recommendations to stay near by there (Yorkshire price???) and any other passes that are a must do? Eric
Re places to stay, there are loads of campsites in the area t hat are cheap but even chambres d'hôtes (B&B to you and me) are not too bad - probably in the region of 50€ per night for a double room and maybe 7 euros each for brekky. Here's a link to the Goggle Maps Stelvio pass: https://www.google.fr/maps/place/Stelvio+Pass,+Biosfera+Val+Müstair,+7536+Santa+Maria+Val+Müstair,+Switzerland/@46.5371115,10.4290573,13z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47831ae455181c1d:0x1d0709882e83eb60?hl=en - see how the yellow road wriggles !!!! Also, here's details of a book you might like to buy : "Motorcycle Journeys through The Alps and Corsica - Third Edition"; ISBN 1-884317-32-9. This book will tell you all you need to know about riding in the Alps - it's a keeper. If you buy IGN maps of the area, always look for the yellow roads, they're the most interesting ones. Enjoy, Dave PS Another great pass is the "Col de l'iseran at the head of Val d'Isère. When you reach the top, you are on one of the highest roads in Europe (2700mtrs) with amazing views : https://www.google.fr/maps/place/Co...1s0x47890853519a421d:0x58dd660a95d9352f?hl=en
You will love Garda its not to be rushed, throw some eggs at cloonies house he throws them back. I have a place on Lake Costance (konstanz) another place you should try. Going over in April. Side note no need for Breath kits or Hi Viz in france unless you wish.. after all just stay safe and dont break the law all will be good.. have fun.
I've never been so excited about a holiday. Service and mot this week then I'm just going to keep on top of things until we go. I'm swapping Brecon for the Alps..
the Vosges mountains are very nice to visit - Strassbourg is nearby & that's worth a look too , especially the cathedral (if you like architecture)
If travelling in the Alsace try to follow the "Route du vin". It's a beautiful route of lovely countryside, excellent biking roads and very pretty villages and small towns.
Thank's.Looks like we'll be heading over from somewhere near Nancy to Colmar and staying around Colmar then down as far as Pontalier before heading back up. Might have to sample a glass or two of wine
Setting off in 2 hours. All ready to go. Delays expected on tunnel but I'll swim if I have to. Been like a kid at Xmas eve all night. Will post some pics when i return.