This will be my second trip to Italy. Planning on two weeks in mid September with some genealogy research and sightseeing in some small towns. The first week is the same driving I did a year ago and I have no issues there. The second weekend will be a drive from West of Milan to a small town at the foot of the Dolomites called Frisanco, staying 1 or 2 nights. We then will drive to Merano to do more research and spend two nights. My hope is to then hit the famed Stelvio Pass in the morning on a Monday. The drive looks incredible! I’ve checked that drive as 2 1/2 hrs straight through. I know we will take longer with stops just to bask in the mountain scenery. Our destination that day will be Tirano to catch the Bernina Express into Switzerland. We’ll be coming back out of Switzerland on the same train after 2-3 days and then driving back to Milan. So if you have any knowledge you can send my way, it would be most appreciated!
A few questions:
1. Any reasons to avoid the Stelvio Pass? I know weather could turn, even in September. It’s popular (Damn Top Gear episode!). Trying for a morning weekday to eliminate some of the crowds. Other suggested routes are welcome. I like to sample driving routes on Google Earth before I go.
2. Parking multiple nights in Tirano? My guess is to pay a hotel for two nights of parking? Any suggestions there? We come back out of Switzerland, through Tirano and my thought was to pickup the car and drive South down to Milan. We stay 2 nights in Milan before flying home.
I know driving a car through Italy isn’t the most popular idea, but I got my exposure to the train system last time (I seriously enjoyed traveling by train!). The problem with this trip is the multiple stops at small towns. The train just won’t cut it for us and the freedom of a car becomes a big plus. Last trip was a lot of time on the A4 and a drive up Lake Como to Belaggio. This time will be more A4 but also adding the mountain element!
Thanks,
Jeff
Posted by
OP
25 posts
Thanks Scythian!
I would not have thought to look for WWI history there, but it makes sense. I will make sure we stop and take a look around. I will also look into the other suggestions. I appreciate your insights!
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
367 posts
I have nothing to add here (ducking, "sorry!"), but I'm watching all comments about this as my husband wants to cycle this route. I tried to make it happen for him this May, but apparently that's too early in the year to plan months ahead. Another trip! When the roads are clear, this certainly looks like the way to go.
Posted by
OP
25 posts
Nickelini,
If you are in Italy in May, the Giro d’ Italia starts on the 11th and runs through June 2nd. I don’t think the Stelvio Pass is part of the race this year, but I would bet he would love to watch a stage. It is one of the great Grand Tours.
Hope you have a great trip!
Jeff
Posted by
76 posts
The Giro does not do the Stelvio this year, but passes through the town of Bormio on the south side. Bormio is a great mountain town to base out of for cycling, hiking and checking out the Stelvio area. I have biked the Stelvio several times in the summer and even then we once had 6" of snow fall in July. Mid-September is usually pleasant but anything can happen. Tirano is also a fairly nice little town.
Driving is the way to go if you want to go north of Tirano, to Bolzano, Merano etc. Fairly easy if you are used to mountain roads.