Our route: Bellagio - Davos - Bad Gastein - Graz - Venice. Suggestions please?

Are you up on all the driving do's and don'ts, like getting vignettes (toll stickers) for Switzerland and Austria, requirement to have an IDP for Italy, and the prevalence of speed trap cameras, and ZTL's there?

Been to Davos/Klosters a few times, but only in ski season. Lots of funiculars and lifts up into the mountains. You can hike as easy or strenuous as you like, or not at all. Grab a rental lounge chair and sit in the sun and drink cocktails if that trips your trigger.

There is so much info on this forum on Venice, that I would not know where to begin. July can be a bit hot and crowded, but there are lots of off-the-beaten-path places to get away. Or go out to Lido and go to the beach.

Thanks Sam. I've driven in many European countries, but you're right, I have to swot up on the current laws. As for speed traps, well that's an occupational hazard for drivers everywhere. I don't deliberately break speed limits, but it can be extremely frustrating if you fail to notice a speed limit sign and get a ticket. I'll just have to be extra vigilant and try not to be distracted by the scenery!

Cocktails aren't my thing, but I'm looking forward to sampling the local grape juice, provided it is properly fermented of course.

Remember that Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland do not post speed limit signs with numbers on the approach to or when leaving built up areas and you need to know that when you pass that town sign you must have slowed down to 50 (or sometimes slower).

If it has been a few years since you have driven in Italy you need to be aware that ZTLs have multiplied exponentially - they have sprung up like mushrooms, and along with them go high fines for their violation.

"Remember that Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland do not post speed limit signs with numbers on the approach to or when leaving built up areas...."

Thanks. I didn't know that, even though I have driven in all of them except Austria. Looks like I might have been very lucky when I last drove in Italy (2015).

Oh, you've not driven in Austria?

The other things you also need are an Austrian toll Vignette, properly affixed to the windscreen (less than €10 for the minimum 10 days - and there are several Austrian tunnels for which both the vignette and a cash toll are needed), the Swiss one is CHF 40 for a year (the minimum); if you should find yourself in Slovenia you need one of theirs too. Vignettes need to be on the window no later than the border and both Austria and Switzerland patrol that carefully with huge fines for noncompliance. Austria also uses automated cameras to check. Also, both Italy and Austria require an IDP. You already know about ZTLs. In Austria, a blue rectangular sign with children playing means a pedestrianised area, you must not exceed walking speed prepared to give way to any person or child on foot, bike, trike, scooter, or anything else, coming from anywhere, until you see the sign's opposite number.

When driving from Davos to Bad Gastein (presumably via Innsbruck), take the Gerlos Pass instead of driving via Wörgl and stop at the Krimml Waterfalls. Bad Gastein is one valley east of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a very scenic driving experience. The Dachstein is also close to Bad Gastein with wonderful views from the top, accessible by cable car. From Graz, venture south to the scenic Styrian wine region close to the Slovene border. On your way from Graz to Venice, you may be interested in stopping at Lake Bled or Ljubljana in Slovenia or the ruins of Aquileia in Friuli, one of the less-visited regions of Italy. If you go to Slovenia, you will need the Slovenian vignette in addition to the Swiss and Austrian ones, as Nigel mentioned.

Remember that Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland do not post speed limit signs with numbers on the approach to or when leaving built up areas and you need to know that when you pass that town sign you must have slowed down to 50 (or sometimes slower).

Hmm, I thought that was the standard around Europe; when you see a town sign, 50 is the speed limit until you reach an "end of town" sign. Are there many countries in Europe where this is not the case?

In the UK it isn't a sign but the presence of (often these days, switched off ostensibly to save electricity) street lights closer than 100 metres apart.

Thanks to all for the advice so far - all useful stuff and much appreciated.

"In the UK it isn't a sign but the presence of (often these days, switched off ostensibly to save electricity) street lights closer than 100 metres apart."

When did that happen? I am originally from the UK and my last visit was only three years ago. Up until then at least, speed limit signs were employed everywhere, including the entry to urban areas (usually 30 or 40mph) and then, when leaving, there would be a new speed limit sign or the round silver sign with diagonal black stripe indicating the national maximum speed applies (70mph).

I would struggle to keep my licence if speed limits were so easily missed.

That has been the definition of a built-up area for decades.

There are signs, especially if the restriction is extended, but you shouldn't count on them.