Europe Sept/Oct, 2012

Jane, For your trip to Normandy, Bayeux is an excellent "central location" for touring that area. I would highly recommend taking one of the excellent tours in that area, as you'll learn far more about the history than if you travel on your own. I've taken both American and Canadian highlights tours in that area, and although they were "pricey", I felt they were good value. One of the most moving sites for me was the visit to the Abbaye d'Ardenne and also of course Beny sur Mer. Some of the tour companies you could look at: > www.ddayhistorian.com (Paul Woodage) > www.daleboothnormandytours.com > www.overlordtour > www.ddaybattletours.com As soon as you have your dates finalized, it would be a good idea to book a Hotel in Bayeux. Arrange the tour well in advance!!! If you'll be driving through Switzerland, I believe you'll need the highway tax vignette (hefty fines if you're caught without it). For driving in Italy, each driver will need the compulsory I.D.P., which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. You'll also have to be careful to avoid the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in Italy (again, hefty fines). I hope to pay a visit to the Ortona area also (perhaps next year), as one of our local Regiments fought in that area (we have a sister city near Ortona). Good luck with your planning!

Thanks for the heads up on the tax vignette in Switzerland Ken - we drove extensively in Switzerland a number of years ago without it - lucky that we were not stopped. Re the Normandy tours, we were initially a little surprised at the cost, but have come to realize that we would probably be missing out on a lot, if we were to try and do it on our own. Good to hear from someone who has taken them. Thanks again.

I highly recommend Hotel d'Argouges in Bayeux. Wonderful owner and staff. Lovely manor house with lovely garden. Large rooms, comfortable beds, large bathrooms, very clean, great breakfast, off-street parking, center of town location but set back from street so very quiet.

Thanks so much Susan. Will definitely check it out. We hope to make Bayeux our home base, so it will be nice to have a place as lovely as this sounds, to come back to each day. Thanks again!

"...Oerbke Germany. From that point, we will work our way south... Any input on places to see along the way (time allowing), would be appreciated." I would visit (or maybe stay in) handsome Celle, south of Oerbke. Bergen-Belsen concentration camp is near there as well. Celle is on the "Half-timbered House Road", a route that connects some fabulous old towns. You could wind your way south by visiting a few or these towns. Hannoversch Münden has a particularly stunning collection of buildings. http://www.deutsche-fachwerkstrasse.de/uk/cont.php3

Thanks Russ. We were thinking that we might visit Bergen-Belsen. On our last (and only) trip to Europe, we visited Dacau - which was one of the most sobering experiences of our lives. With regards to Celle, the 'Half-timbered House Road', Hannoversch Munden - sounds like a wonderfully scenic route, full of history and amazing architecture. Just what we're looking for. Thanks for the tip!

You'll also need a vignette for Austria, you can purchase one before crossing the border. A comment about driving in Italy, you say you're not a seasoned traveller. Driving in Italy can be difficult if you're not at your tip top driving game. It's so different than driving in Germany. Also just taking paying money to get the International driving permit at a travel agency is not enough, you need to learn the signage and some key words in each language you'll need . 'Detour' comes to mind right off that you really should know. Knowing the signs could also save you from getting a parking ticket or getting towed. Your itinerary looks good. Have fun!

Thanks Ken and Kathy for the info about the highway tax vignette. Will confirm with our travel agent - but believe that we're covered through our rental contract. My husband recalls something to that effect the last time we drove in Switzerland. Regarding the traffic signs, lingo, etc., will definitely look into educating ourselves there. We did find our short foray into Italy (around Turin) a number of years ago very frustrating when the language barrier became an issue - took us the better part of an hour to find our way out of the city - don't want to repeat that experience. LOTS to learn, but are enjoying the experience. Ciao and thanks! ;-)

Are you saying you believe that your rental car contract covers you for the road toll vignette in Switzerland? That's a new one on me. How would a French hire agency pay the Swiss for their road usage without needing the appropriate proof? Will you show the rental contract to the policeman who stops you in Switzerland or Austria and say "look in here, I'm covered"?

My ignorance is obviously showing Nigel - will certainly check this out more thoroughly, and obtain whatever documentation is required. Thanks for your input.

As mentioned above, knowing the traffic signs in advance is helpful. Thus, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_European_traffic_signs

Thanks so much Melissa.