Italy - Land of yearning

foreword
We fell in love. In November 2018 at the fair "Travel and Caravan". Especially the spacious living room Thanks to the folding beds we liked.

On Friday, the 1. February 2019 it was time. We picked him up in Nuremberg. Pride like Bolle went home.

Then we gave it full of anticipation and made it homelike.

And on Wednesday we are going. We had no plan. We just wanted to try it out. The most important and only utensil was the pitch leader. We know each other very well in Europe as a coach driver and tour guide. Coach drivers get around a lot but sometimes have to park jwd so they do not see all the nice spots. I always wanted to show my husband the Cinque Terre and then maybe we wanted to go to France.

We have definitely tried to power pitches. It worked. That was the most important thing for us. Water for refilling is also important. And we wanted to drive as often as possible, pitches with sanitary facilities. If you have no sanitary facilities, you need drainage options.

Among other things, we did not land in France because not all pitches are open in February. - But that did not work.



It starts...
Our first overnight stay: Alpencamp - pitch for RVs in Garmisch Partenkirchen at the valley station of the Wankbahn. Easily accessible via the road. The front desk is staffed by the hour. Electricity for a fee. WC, washbasin, shower in the valley station of the Wankbahn. Somewhat older. Bus connection to go to GAP. Quiet location. Panoramic view to the mountains.

It was very cold that night. - 10 degrees. Hurray - we are not frozen. Have the whole night running the heating. Our heater runs on diesel.

We get up at around 8:00 am and leave at around 10:30. Until one has organized, that lasts.

Not only in Bavaria there is a lot of snow. The Brenner sinks in the snow and in South Tyrol the snow is driven by truck.

We take a short break at Lake Kaltern.
Quiet and clear is the lake - winter impressions of Lake Caldaro. It is the largest lake in South Tyrol and the warmest lake in the Alps. This area is the most famous wine growing region of South Tyrol. There are extensive vineyards here. Old wine estates invite you to stop. Still - only the ducks are there.

We only drive on country road. We have time. But we still want to be in the bright spot. First I had planned Arco, then thought of Brentanico - Rovereto became it. You do not get ahead as fast as you thought and we are still late in the morning.

Our pitch:
Camper Parking Area - Oak Rovereto.

Clear RV park. Completed facility with barrier. Illuminated. Works clean and tidy. Seating and tables in the open air. Reception by the hour. There in the house also sanitary area with toilet, sink, shower. In another room: sink for washing and washing machine (for a fee) available. Waste disposal outdoors possible (separating). Toilet can be drained next to the parking lot. Electricity is compensated with the parking space and does not have to be paid extra. Pitch is located on the northern outskirts of Rovereto and is signposted on the SS 12. The only drawback quite loud by traffic and railway line.

The first destination was the historic town of Arco. Approximately 10 km from the northern end of Lake Garda. The distinctive cityscape with the mountain spur and the ruins has always interested me.

We took a walk up to the castle ruin in very spring weather (11 degrees). It went zigzag up the mountain. The path under olive trees was very well maintained. Everywhere benches and great views. It was built in the 19th century during the Romantic period, because at that time many spa guests of the Austrian imperial court stayed here. Unfortunately, the castle was closed. The walk was still worthwhile.

Back we went through narrow streets of the old town and over the market.

Next we went to Lake Garda. On the west side lures us the small pitoreske lime. My personal favorite on Lake Garda, thanks to the location and the narrow streets. My husband loves the place because of his shoe shops. He always gets something to his liking. Except today. There were all shops too. Verammelt. And we were pretty much the only visitors. ?

The parking for campers is not signposted. Down the water are only parking for buses and cars. We were sent away. You have, if you are at the square with the small bus station or at the tourist information, go uphill and then left on a terrace the parking lot. In any case, you have a great view. And in the old town it is not far.

We drive along the impressive west bank. Very often the rocks reach directly into the water. There are many tunnels. And later on, look for some bigger cities that we pass.

Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, is my absolute favorite lake. Picturesque. Gorgeous landscape. Narrow in the northern part and lined by high mountains like a fjord. In the middle part the high mountains turn into hills. In the south, Lake Garda is very wide and the landscape is quite flat. That's why the larger cities, theme parks and large campsites. Here you have space for it. Many picturesque places: many with a Scaliger castle, narrow lanes and a small harbor where boats swing. The area looks very Mediterranean. The climate is mild, so there is a lot of Mediterranean vegetation. The water quality is perfect. The shore is mostly rocky. The north is a sailing and surfing area known for its winds.


We stay at the Camper Parking Area - The Beach near Desenzano del Garda.

Good parking space for campers. Nice and quiet location right on the Garda Lake. That's why a little walk later is possible. Standing toilets and shower facilities available. Electricity will be charged according to the meter reading. Stop off is possible in the neighboring pizzeria.

A stop in the Peschiera del Garda, surrounded by impressive, mighty fortress walls, is always worthwhile.

Walking through the bulwarks overlooking the moats, the Mincio, the old town and the harbor you can experience the special atmosphere of the city

The star-shaped old town, which extends over one of the islands is dominated by a mighty fortress. This had been defended by the Austrian rulers until the 19th century vehemently against the Italian freedom fighters.

I want to become ...

A 200 year old plane tree in Peschiera.
Typical of plane trees: The bark peels off annually in thin plates and leaves a typical mosaic of whitish and greenish areas

Our next destination: a very historic one. Solferino. The bloody battle of Solferino on 24 June 1859 between the French and the Austrians prompted the Swiss Henry Dunant to found the "Red Cross" there. It was a decisive battle in the war of Sardinia between Austria and the Kingdom of Sardinia and its ally France under Napoleon III. The defeat of the Austrians won the war and opened the way for the unification of Italy. - This story I tell each time the traveler and was not there yet. I have to go there.

My idea that Solferino lies in the flat Po valley is not true. It lies in hilly landscape. We drive towards Castello up a hill and park at the cemetery, which is opposite Solferino Castello.

We walk through Old Solferino (huge square with church and old houses).

It goes through a narrow, high cypress avenue to the Red Cross monument. And then to an old ruin. Everywhere painted signs depicting the battle. And once a year, in August, the battle is recaptured historically.

In the district below Solferino Castello there are also several monuments, museums and parking lots.

We drive to our next parking space to Mantua. It was Saturday and the pitch was teeming with Italians. The Italians love campers and like to do a weekend trip.

Camper Parking Area Farafucile:
Large pitch for campers. Driveway not suitable for all sizes. Sanitary facilities generous, tidy, clean. Rinsing area for washing in front of the building (warm water). Electricity, fresh water included in the price. Video monitored, barrier. Opposite the old town. Short way there.

Should you look. The old town is very worth seeing with its nested palaces and the many churches. The cityscape from the dam is definitely worth a photo, because this view is quite imposing with the "bundled" sights at a glance. In addition, Mantua is still little noticed by foreign tourists and Mantua offers a beautiful city flair, both within the medieval city walls and outside in the green parks on the three lakes that forms the Mincio to Mantua.

It is important for us to travel "decelerated" and to be free. As you know, that's not so possible when traveling by bus. So deceleration is not so easy. We have to learn that first. You have no dates. You do not have to drive tens of kilometers. You can also make up your mind, here I stay a day longer. And we do that. That's why we stay in Mantua today. Our pitch is not far from the old town, you just have to go over the dam. Mantua calls ...

Here is one of the largest palaces in Italy. Here the Gonzaga family was in charge.

which is also worth seeing from inside.

impressed by large squares and a medieval appearance. We also like it in rainy weather.

The tourist information office, where you can get a city map and other valuable tips, is also open on Sundays.

We then continued the walk to the Andreas Hofer monument. The South Tyrolean freedom fighter was shot dead in Mantua by the French. I was a bit disappointed though, it was pretty easy.

On Monday the 11th of February we drove on. On the country road it went in sunny weather through the Po - level. Many fields, large courtyards, from time to time also expired. Large villages. Holperstrassen. Many animal transport - no wonder, because we are in a large pig breeding area.

Today we drive on Highway 62 over the Appenin. Grandiose street with many curves, a constant ups and downs. Great views. Little traffic. Quality well developed. Isolated houses, many have seen better times. The path is stretching. Patches of snow. Highest point of the road is the Cisa pass at 1004 m altitude.

Our next night was on an estate / agrotourismo:
Cascina dei Peri / Castelnuovo Magra

Simple pitches for campers. Drive a little adventurous on a narrow path with low-hanging branches. Worried about scratches on the car and around the antenna. Rural region. On sun drenched hillside to the sea. Romantic and quiet location of the pitches. We heard only birdsong, the chattering of geese, the crows of the rooster and the barking of the dog. Toilet, sink, shower can be reached via stairs outside the house along. 1 time each in a room in the house. For electricity hangs a box at the place. Electricity, shower is extra to pay. We paid 23.80 euros for one night and 2 people. Without a shower, because for us then it would be better.

is relatively far. But has a nice view.

an important port city and military base Italy. On the way to Cinque Terre there is a nice view of the city.

Cinque Terre means 5 "earths" / 5 "spots" / 5 villages "Romantic below steep slopes, in bays The" 5 villages "are discarded There is no continuous road that connects the towns.

We drive the Cinque Terre from the east. The second village is Manarola, the oldest town in the Cinque Terre. We know that there is a parking lot there and drive him.

We walk from the parking lot to the harbor

This cat enjoys the warm sunbeams

was always the Via de Amore / the way of love. About this way you can reach Riomaggiore in about 15 - 20 minutes walk comfortably.
The path begins behind the small train station. We are not getting far, because the way is still closed - and that for 7 years. Too bad.

is the easternmost village of the Cinque Terre.

We only made a photo stop above Riomaggiore.

Area Sosta Camper - Il Poggio

Clean, small pitch above Monterosso al Mare (walk to Monterosso about 20 minutes). In summer you should pre-order. Easy to reach via the road. Nice pitch operators, who also give a lot of useful information. Electricity, FW, W-Lan, shuttle to Monterosso. Business hours: 17 - 19 and 9 - 11 o'clock. With 25, - Euro per night relatively expensive. But just perfect for exploring the 5 Terre.

First my husband was not very impressed by the pitch. Because here there are no sanitary facilities. But hey, the most important thing is there: electricity and fresh water. - And what is the camper for? Advantage: Clearly the cleanliness in your own 4 - walls.

the largest place of the Cinque Terre, we explore first. Here is the busiest: most hotels, most restaurants and shops, most people, the widest beach.

The Cinque Terre idyll can not be found in Monterosso in the season, but you have the hotels, food and shopping more choice than in the neighboring villages.

And besides, here is the only big beach of the Cinque Terre.

And beautiful - it is beautiful in Monterosso always.

is the 13th century church of San Giovanni Battista.

Therefore, we decided to walk to the neighboring Vernazza. 1.5 hours stood on the signpost. Here we go.

At first the way was very nice. Very nice, flat and paved. It can carry on like this...

more impassable and steeper: it went through the typical, protected terraced landscape with the grapevines. Then through forest.
Zig stairs. Buh ...

Oh man, we should have taken water.

After 2 hours we reach the first houses. And not to believe, because it goes up again.

is incredibly beautiful - the location on a small peninsula thrilled, the old castle towers, the rock background and the small piazza on the sea fascinate. No wonder that Vernazza is missing in any Ligurien reportage, that from DuMont to Merian every Riviera guide brings the picturesque village on the cover picture. But the whole thing has its price: Here it is often very full. On weekends and holidays Vernazza should be widely used, because when the tour groups on the main street from the train station to the port, you lose the fun.

At the harbor plaza everyone meets the world, you can eat outside, watch the waves, cats, children, mammas and grandfathers in their bustle.

Thanks to the season.

Apart from some Asian tourist groups, only a handful of Italians, English, French and we - and the few locals. For that we almost died of thirst, because we had almost everything.

We still have time. Then let us drive to the next town. We are standing here at the station of Vernazza. There is a train every hour. The Cinque Terre are on the railway line La Spezia - Genoa. The trains run every hour and stop in all places of the Cinque Terre. You buy a ticket at the machine or at the counter. At another machine you have to devalue them before the train arrives. From the cancellation, the ticket is still valid for 90 min. The route between the places is short and usually runs in the tunnel.

seemingly endless, we see from the station. Oh dear ... 377 steps it should be ... Boh!


Corniglia is the middle of the five villages and differs from its neighbors in that it is not directly on the sea and therefore does not have its own port. The village sits proudly on a mountain about 100 m above the sea and offers a wonderful view over the coast and the sea.
From the sea Corniglia shines like a pearl on a rock. A terrace offers a splendid view over the sea and to the other four places of the Cinque Terre.

Corniglia is for me thanks to its romantic streets.

from the terraces.

Another refreshment on a bench in the village square in front of the church and next to a tiny trattoria, which, because the only opened, was hopelessly crowded.

And then quickly to the toilet. Yes - where is she? Not inside. You have to climb outside the house stone steps. Has a view. And is then at the door ...

nothing like down to the station.

There comes the train.

Yes!

The plan was to flower Riviera and then to France. However, the pitches. Many are still too. Others have no electricity. So we decided to change. We start towards Tuscany.

The marble mountains are getting closer.

You drive with your own vehicle on a narrow mountain road into the world of marble quarries. Busy as the ants scurry the trucks in the one - way system up and down. We visitors are amazed, not out and the accordingly slow driving. Because you need strong nerves, because the truck drivers honk and jostle of course. No wonder they have to succeed. And what marble dross loads so many trucks. Madness.

there are also on the environment. You can even see the Versilia coast.

Here you can experience this centuries old quarry world. Live. You are in the middle of it. How much mountain is already cleared ... Here Michelangelo once had the best marble sought and removed.

There are parking lots, toilets, souvenirs, a bar, a museum up here and you can also see marble blocks being worked on.

is very lovable and informative designed to the history of the marble quarries. 2, - Euro entrance only. With the four - wheel drive jeeps a guided tour is also possible. But I have enough of our current location and what I've seen.

After washing the car because Carrara always means dust, and when it's wet, mud, we keep going.
What I like: orange trees on the roadside, bare avenue trees and the three-cornered darts (the most ornate vehicle in Italy).

is Lucca. I chose "Il parcheggio del borgo" as the parking space.

Clear parking space for campers in a backyard of a workshop. The operator is very nice and gives a lot of information and sometimes helps with problems. Thank you. You stand sure. WC, shower, fresh water and electricity connection available. You can drain old water. Everything is very neat and clean.
And you don't walk far to the old town.

so we were.
So if you go to Tuscany, you definitely go to Pisa, Florence, Siena (we don't, because we both know these wonderful cities). You don't come to Tuscany for Lucca. Most of the time you do Lucca on the side. Lucca is a bit of a "stepchild" - but it is worth visiting Lucca. It's a beautiful city. Lucca - the unknown beauty.
You can walk along the mighty ramparts. Through equally mighty city gates you get into the old town with its narrow streets, tall houses, churches, its dynasty towers and its Tuscan specialty shops. The amphitheater is very interesting and lively, and it has the shape and access of one.

there are also typical specialty shops in the old town streets ...

let's make a stop on February 15th.
Passed through it by accident. Thanks to a spacious parking lot. A cute, clean place - with a beautiful view.

shouldn't be missed. Really beautifully situated in the typical, hilly landscape of Tuscany. Pure Middle Ages. We were there in February, when the town was originally quiet and not overcrowded.
San Gimignano is a highlight of and known as "Manhattan" of Tuscany, because of the many well-preserved "family towers" and the well-preserved medieval cityscape beyond the borders of Tuscany, even known from Italy. Gender towers are residential towers of rich merchants.

We had to park our vehicle in Santa Lucia (is signposted). Parking space and parking space for mobile homes without any service. Charges apply. About 2 km from the center of San Gimignano. You walk about 30 minutes or you can use the "Stadtbus / Citybus" for free with the parking ticket, which runs every hour.

beautiful view and prospect

and its residential towers

means well preserved Middle Ages

it went towards Siena. Shortly before you can see a really great city wall with towers on the mountain from the expressway. In my clever parking space guide I read that you can stay there overnight, so let's go there.

Our pitch:
Area Sosta Camper - Monteriggioni

Generous parking space below Monteriggione. From here a short walk to Monteriggione is possible. It's worth it: although the place is small and clearly laid out, it is full of history and has a complete defensive wall with towers (the landmark). The pitch is not far from a street, but we were not affected by it at night. The handling of the parking space is a bit "peculiar". At the barrier you first have to go to the machine and pay. You get a card, hold it against the marked spot, then the barrier opens. After the stay, return to the machine and 4 euros back (I thought, but didn't work). Electricity on the pitch. WC and backwater drainage is possible. Small house with toilet, wash basin inside and outside and shower facility. Shower for a fee. Since it was described in such a strange way, we did not use this shower.

in the evening we went from the pitch to Montereggioni. Via stairs we reached the massive city wall with its 14 watchtowers. You enter the facility through the city gate. Then you are already on the main square with the church, post office, bars and public toilets. Narrow streets lead from the main square to the other end of the city wall. Artisans invite you to take a look here and there.

The place was built by nearby Siena to create a strategic outpost against rival Florence.

We are only about 120 km north of Rome in the Lazio region.

We make a detour to Lake Bolsena. A fairly round lake of volcanic origin.

Lake Bolsena is a recreation area. It stands for soft tourism. Despite its scenic beauty and the proximity to Rome and the tourist center of Tuscany, this area is little developed for tourists.
The intact nature creates a paradise for water birds and fish. The lake is very clean. The area is a prime example of nature conservation. Spring is slowly arriving here too.

Today's destination is: Orvieto in the south-west of Umbria. I know the cityscape from driving past on the motorway.

The entire old town is built on a rocky plateau.

Area Sosta Camper Battistelli Renzo

Quite large, but clearly arranged parking space.
Very convenient for exploring Orvieto (right next to the funicular). Orvieto is a totally impressive city: the location on the city rock, the cathedral, the castle wall, the views, the Etruscan history.
The sanitary facilities (clean and tidy), electricity, water included. Bread service is offered. A small shop is also available. Staff was friendly. However, the location between two rail lines was a bit stressful, although Saturday to Sunday there was little to hear.

can be seen here:

The funicular takes you from the train station in the lower town to the upper town.

Umbria is Orvieto with its historic old town and its narrow streets and hidden squares. Orvieto has many important sights and a very special charm.

Medieval Orvieto was at the height of its power and wealth in the 13th and 14th centuries, as evidenced by the magnificent buildings that are still the pride of the city today.

And is home to a very well-known white wine, the Orvieto Classico.

through the old town

... where the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assuanta is located.

With the cathedral, Orvieto has one of the richest art and cultural treasures in Umbria. The cathedral is considered to be one of the most beautiful structures of the Italian Gothic. The cathedral (13th century), with its magnificent facade and numerous masterpieces of art inside, is one of the most sublime achievements of Italian architecture.

The beautiful Gothic facade with mosaics and bas-reliefs presents itself with a magnificent rose window.

house numerous works, including a masterpiece of Italian painting of the 15th-16th centuries. Century (fresco painting).

Finally, a detour to the Albornoz Fortress, because there are beautiful views and mighty walls to marvel at.

It was built under Cardinal Albornoz at the time when the Popes resided in Avignon.

On Sunday the 17th of February we will continue our journey. We want to see more of Umbria.

We want to see more of Umbria. Umbria is one of the few regions in Italy without sea access. The landscape is very reminiscent of Tuscany, but is a bit rougher and also untouched and unknown than that of the neighboring region. It is often called the "green heart" of Italy because of the dense forests and is known for its hilltop medieval towns, dense forests and truffles.

That's what we want to look at.

This is Spoleto.
"Spoleto is the most beautiful discovery I made in Italy" wrote Hermann Hesse in 1911 to his wife.

The old town stretches up the hillside to the mighty papal castle, which dominates and dominates the town on the top of the hill.

Thanks to various elevators you can explore the city in a carefree way.

It goes up through romantic old town streets

and has many beautiful views.

The Rocca Albornoz, the papal castle overlooking Spoleto, was built in 1359.

you can also see from the castle grounds. It is not, as one might think, from Roman times, but a true replica of the 13th century. This masterpiece of medieval architecture and engineering, with a length of 230 m and a height of 76 m, is probably the most famous building in the city.

is the most important building in the city.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (built in 1175 in the Romanesque style, then frequently rebuilt) has a stylistically uneven main facade with gothic window roses, Byzantine mosaics and a Renaissance archway. All in all, however, together gives a complete impression. The interior is designed entirely in Baroque style.

In the cathedral there are numerous precious works (frescoes)

Area Sosta Camper "L'Airone":
Cute, small pitch in the countryside at Lake Trasimeno. On the course it is a bit narrow for maneuvering. Of course it works.
Location good for boat trip or visit the nearby village. And, to relax on the water. The railway line and road makes the idyll break something.
Toilet, disposal, fresh water, sink free of charge. Shower for a fee. The operator was nice and helpful. The facility was clean and tidy.

A very popular Italian lake is, we noticed on arrival on late Sunday afternoon.
He was very busy. No parking was free.

Lake Trasimeno is the largest lake in the Apennine Peninsula and the fourth largest in Italy.

It's nice here. We want to take a day off.

because the weather did not look inviting in the morning.

We want to stay overnight on the Adriatic coast and in Ancona.

On our route is still an interesting city of Umbria: Gubbio.

We parked at a mall, went shopping and conquered the town from here.

Gubbio pulls along the slope. Again, there are various free lifts for the guests. We did not use them. But I'm really excited that there is such a thing.

Gubbio is the oldest city in Umbria, a true splendor of a medieval city and rich in historical and artistic evidence.
The medieval village was formed mainly at the time of the greatest development of the city in the 14th century.

is medieval and characterized by narrow streets and Gothic buildings.

We really like the many stone houses. We are excited.

are there many.

There are also interesting:

Halfway up the mountain lies the imposing Priority Palace on Piazza Grande, the "Balcony of Umbria". This priory palace of Gubbio is described in the literature as "one of the most important medieval municipal palaces" and "one of the boldest urbanistic ventures of the Italian Middle Ages".

there are also:

we marvel at

The previously visited Piazza Grande is not the highest point of Gubbio. Even higher is the Gothic cathedral, which had to be supported similarly with substructures and which can be reached through narrow streets. The façade of the Cathedral from the end of the 13th century overlooks a small square that is as inclined as the path you have to climb to it. The interior is also determined by the strong slope.

We were also at the parking space in Ancona (Camper Parking Area Storage Posatora). He did not promise us in any way. He looked like a parking place and was dirty. So we drove on.

we have reached a parking space at the marina in Rimini.

Good RV park in Rimini. Electricity available, you just have to search which column has electricity. Draining of water and toilet possible. Fresh water also available. Everything was inclusive. Location at the pier and marina. Nice to stroll on the water. The city center is about 20 minutes.

Who does not think of Rimini

Even Roman past
To Rimini, just to lie on the beach? How boring. The Italian seaside resort with its thousands of years old history has so much more to offer.
Rimini is one of the oldest places on the Adriatic.

The city was founded in 268 BC. From the Romans, as the imposing Augustus arc shows, the 27 BC. Was erected for the emperor's possession. The Tiberius Bridge, a 5-arched construction of white limestone, began under Emperor Augustus and was completed in 21 under the reign of Tiberius.

is quite spacious. Wide streets and squares. Many shops are worth a visit. Piazza Cavour is the "parlor" of the city.

By temple is meant the dome.

Army leader Sigismondo Malatesta built the temple with eight chapels and many artistic treasures as a mausoleum for himself and his lover Isotta Degli Atti, who later became his third wife. However, he fell out of favor with the Pope and his dream remained an unfinished masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance

are the fishing boats and excursion boats.

must also be visited. The fishermen once lived in the little houses. Today, they are colorfully registered and almost every house has a small painting on the facade.

Mole 22. And marina. The best place to walk along the water and have an espresso in the morning sun.

Ebb and flow. Residents pursue a popular pastime: looking for grasshopper shrimp

First of all, we drive to the oldest and smallest republic in the world. Only 2 countries in Europe are even smaller: the Vatican and Monaco. San Marino. Not far from Rimini. We are not the first time. By the way, you can also shop and refuel here. Many also come only because of the coveted euro - coins, which one can buy, because they are hardly to get in free circulation hardly.

San Marino was first mentioned in a document in 885.
The democratic constitution is even older than that of the United States.
There are always two heads of state, each with only 6 months in office. They are re-elected every year on 1 April and on 1 October by the Parliament with 60 members. The Foreign Minister of San Marino is at the same time head of government. Every 5 years, the parliament is re-elected.
San Marino is strongly associated with Italy, before the introduction of the Euro here was the Sanmarines Lira, which was firmly tied to the Italian Lira. The external security of the country is guaranteed by the Italian army, although San Marino has its own small army, which has only symbolic character.
The citizens of San Marino pay little taxes, but if you do not have at least one Sanmarinese parent, it is virtually impossible to acquire the citizenship of this small state.

You leave your vehicle on one of the
Chargeable, signposted parking spaces (P 10, 2 hours 5 €, 3 hours 8 €) are available. Electricity possible. Incidentally, as a parking space for the night to use. Thanks to elevators, you can reach the old town.

Always nice: At the city gate is always a traffic cop who regulates the vehicle and pedestrian traffic. It was a long time now in February, because there was nothing going on. In the season it looks different. 2 million guests a year. A must for every Rimini vacationer.

we like to go for a walk. Winding streets with their bars and souvenir shops. Since 2008 it has been under UNESCO World Heritage protection.

we love even more.

The romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich would enjoy it.

Are always there again: because of the beautiful location on the mountain and the beautiful views.

Although only 20 km away from the flat Adriatic beach of Rimini, San Marino is located in a very hilly area. San Marino stretches almost from sea level to 756 m (Monte Titano).

Our next parking space is in the alluvial area of the Po Delta. Near Comacchio.

Residence Le Saline.
I was looking for something in nature. Our next parking space is in the alluvial area of the Po Delta. Near Comacchio.

Residence Le Saline.
I was looking for something in nature.

Mobile home parking spaces are offered here on sandy salt marsh ground near a lake in the area of the Po Delta. Pure nature. Off the road. Electricity at the parking space. Sanitary very simple and somewhat neglected. I found it to be very authentic.

Mobile home parking spaces are offered here on sandy salt marsh ground near a lake in the area of the Po Delta. Pure nature. Off the road. Electricity at the parking space. Sanitary very simple and somewhat neglected. I found it to be very authentic.

The Po Delta is a natural paradise for waterfowl and "weird birds" like us. In spring, the place for flamingos is very well known and loved. February is too early for that. After all, we have seen a river otter during a walk.

It was then in the night. So alone. Far away from civilization. Only the distant clack of the vehicles, which drove over a bridge, could be heard. If only we had not watched the thriller.

The next morning. Fog. We passed Po, Adige, Brenta. It still looks spooky ...

We drive through the area where the Piave River makes its way to the Adriatic Sea. The river was relocated several times for flooding reasons and was the scene of bloody battles during the First World War. At that time Ernest Hemmingway was also here, writing down his memories in "In Another Land."

On the way to Punta Sabbioni we drive through a beautiful pine avenue. Many of the pine avenues were created in Italy, in veneration of the Romans, by Mussolini.
Punta Sabbioni is a good starting point for getting to Venice by boat.
The boat boats leave every 30 minutes. You stop in Lido di Venezia and stop in Venice stop San Marco, not far from St. Mark's Square. A round trip costs 15, - Euro per person.

Al Bateo Agricampeggio
Very neat and clear parking space for campers. Clean and spacious sanitary facilities included in the price. Washing machine for a fee. Free Wi-Fi. Very nice operator. Quiet location. Ideal starting point to visit Venice (about 200 meters to the line boat, which brings the visitors to Venice / S. Marco). We were very satisfied.

Even the sanitary facilities were decorated

There were also: daisies on the pitch.

it is mystical.

on the Rialto Bridge and on the Grand Canal.

holds many romantic corners ready!

Venice - the spirits are different. It is one of my favorite cities. I was there in sunshine and heat, flood and fog. And every time I was thrilled.

Of course it is also an expensive plaster. Venice itself has few inhabitants. Most live on the mainland. Or in the metropolitan cities of Mestre and Marghera.
So only tourists. And what is the most important for some tourists. Of course - toilets, so the toilets also loose 1.50 euros. Sometimes it's better to find a bar, see if she has a toilet and drink an espresso while standing up for 2.00 Euro. Or drink a mulled wine, sitting here, standing up he was cheaper. Well, the Coperta. Snacks can be found around the Rialto Bridge and a little cheaper in the district of San Paolo.

How about a ride in the gondola? Gondola providers are many. Price are all the same - not cheap. But really romantic.

Or you take a water taxi (motor boat). With him you drive about 45 minutes through the Grand Canal and see the morbid palaces of the once glittering time. Backwards it then goes back on other channels.

Driving through the Grand Canal, you can also have cheaper by line boat. If you come from the mainland (eg Mestre), you have to take it anyway.

Visiting the Cathedral of San Marco is also a must. At lunchtime at about 1 pm, everyone is hungry and the snake is the shortest. Please do not bring big backpacks with you. Where backpacks anyway for a city stroll is not recommended (risk of theft).

Do you want to see Venice from above?
At the Rialto Bridge there is a shopping gallery (PS: with WC) with roof terrace, which is accessible to the public free of charge. But you have to register in advance at a vending machine in the upper floor. You then get a time for the visit. You need a smartphone for it. Because the whole thing goes online.

Or you can take the lift to the campanile. For 8, - Euro is a Venice at your feet.

We are on the AS 4 on the way. I flick through my clever book, what else could we do ...

On the A 4 is Soave.
The small town lies between hills and vineyards, where the Soave Classico is grown. The dry white wine with the velvety aroma is one of the most famous wines in Italy.
Soave has a great, completely preserved city wall with 24 towers and is closed on the slope by a Scaliger castle that seems to dominate everything.

Our pitch:
Area Sosta Camper - Soave
Clean, neat, well arranged RV park. In a calm neighborhood. Very well located to look at the place and the castle. Electricity included in the price. Disposal options available. No sanitary and shower facilities. Payment only with change at the machine. 5, - Euro for 24 hours.

is very impressive.

we enter the old town.

is very nice and characterized by some wine bars:

to the castle

is already there!

7, - Euro entrance fee is pretty heavy. Do we spend it or do we go back down. We paid - and we haven't regretted it. It was very beautiful.

First in through the hole - then quickly out again!

Hello - is the lord of the castle there?

Impressions from the inside

we want too!