chris18's activity

Thanks Alan, that makes interesting reading.  One of the sites pretty much says ignore the fine because there is no link between the french and uk authorities!

Hi StuFrom Eurotunnel Calais we drive to Troyes, and stay overnight - good restaurants and medieval centre.Next day we we drive through the Montblanc Tunnel and then on to Lucca. I agree with you, that tunnel is pricey at €45.60 per crossing, but way less traffic volume and delays, at least that's been our experience.  An alternative is the Gottard Tunnel, which we've used in the past. You pay for a swiss vignette which is 40CHF (about €36.50) when you enter Switzerland, but it lasts a full 12 months, so if you're making more than one trip a year (?) it's even better value for money than €45.60 for one trip through the Montblanc, and of course with the vignette no additional toll costs in Switzerland, so if any of your other motoring could be done in Switzerland you're potentially avoiding road tolls elsewhere. If you aimed to travel via the Gottard tunnel you might travel from Calais through belgium, through Luxembourg and  back in to France before entering Switzerland.  If you do, refuelling in Luxembourg is much cheaper than anywhere else on that route.  Enjoy your trip and when you come back drop us all a note as to how it went!

Thanks Deidrabags 

Hi Mac and Steve,I'm going to try chat tomorrow.  I'll keeep you posted.CheersChris

Thanks Modi, Steve, and Mac.I tried what you suggested Modi and it worked.  I entered the number with the 00 44 prefix and it was accepted and the confirmation code from Enel was sent to my mobile phone so that I could activate my login.  I thought that was it until I got to the next screen where the same mobile phone number would not be accepted with or without the 00 44 prefix. It's the screen where you are asked for your billing address in Italy.Mac, which number did yo contact Enel on please? I've tried 800 900 800 which is the number given on the bill but can't get through, with or without the 00 39 country code.  I'm tempted to wait until i'm in Italy in July but id like to sort it now if possible.ThanksChris

Thanks SteveTBH I’m just trying to reignite the old post - there are so many on this forum who do drive - we would all be interested to hear their views. 

Hello We're off to Lucca by car from the UK in July and are thoroughly looking forward to it.Is anyone else driving out to Italy this summer? If so which route do you take?   Any experiences/travel tips you care to share are much appreciated 

Thanks Alan,I've just checked the map and see what you are saying. No Gottard queue, no Mont Blanc expense.     Calais-- Lausanne then over the Simplon Pass into Italy.We take two dogs so it could be a good route for us too.Thank you 

Hi Tony - great to hear from you.  What a speedy response!  You and I have exchanged a few posts on this forum over the years, and as I tapped in the last letter of my latest post I thought to myself i wonder of Tony S is still around this forum!Like you, i've headed to Strasbourg and through the Gottard tunnel each time we've driven.  I think some of the swiss service stations are worth a stop - the one at San Gottardo Sud would be worthy of a holiday in its own right given its beautiful setting. Driving through the Bellinzona area in the sun and on towards Milan, marvellous. Some of the views around Lake Como are breathtaking. I hope you enjoy your trip. 20 hours in a BMW series 5 sounds like a treat to me.  That's a superb car.  We are well thank you and hope you are too?, We leave a week on Wednesday in our diesel Range Rover, and I have to say its a pleasure to undertake the journey.  Each year we drive we'd love to stop off on the way and see a bit more of Europe, but the truth is each time we set off we simply can't wait to get to Italy.  What a country. Safe trip to you and yours too Tony!

Hi there. Anyone travelling to Italy from the UK this summer?  We're heading to Lucca in July.  We''ll probably take our usual route of Calais-Colmar, Colmar- Lucca (via the San Gottardo tunnel), but are considering Calais- Geneva, Geneva- Lucca (via Mont Blanc tunnel) in the hope its a bit quicker.Have'nt driven since 2015 so i'd be pleased to hear from anyone who has driven either of the above routes recently. Any feedback much appreciated.