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Old 27 Mar 2018
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London to Florence in May
Hi all, I'd like route advice for a trip I'm planning from London to Florence (and back) in mid-late May, especially
  1. the best way to cross the Alps at this time of year and
  2. the Italian leg.
So far I think this thread is the best advice I've found, so I was thinking of following the advice in post #6 (though this focuses on France and is a bit vague on Alpine weather in May).

I have four full days for the outbound journey, including the England/ferry part. I'm starting about 90 minutes from Dover. I have more flexibility coming back, so could take up to 5 days if there are detours or slower roads that would justify it.

I'll be travelling on a Honda CBF1000. I have no experience of riding in continental Europe at all, but I've ridden a couple of similar duration journeys in South America and Africa (I'm from the UK). I've been riding about 7-8 years.

Thanks a lot for your help!
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Old 27 Mar 2018
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Join Date: Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by repentorperish View Post
Hi all, I'd like route advice for a trip I'm planning from London to Florence (and back) in mid-late May, especially
  1. the best way to cross the Alps at this time of year and
  2. the Italian leg.
So far I think this thread is the best advice I've found, so I was thinking of following the advice in post #6 (though this focuses on France and is a bit vague on Alpine weather in May).

I have four full days for the outbound journey, including the England/ferry part. I'm starting about 90 minutes from Dover. I have more flexibility coming back, so could take up to 5 days if there are detours or slower roads that would justify it.

I'll be travelling on a Honda CBF1000. I have no experience of riding in continental Europe at all, but I've ridden a couple of similar duration journeys in South America and Africa (I'm from the UK). I've been riding about 7-8 years.

Thanks a lot for your help!
That earlier thread, all of about 3 years ago, just about covers it for me.
Apart, perhaps, from the latest post in there that refers to the trains - that is something of a "moveable feast" but I guess you aren't too interested in riding a train when you can ride!

Also, it has been a long winter across Europe with the potential for more to come and an extended skiing season - by which I mean that the high passes may not be fully open when you want to ride; keep an eye on the local weather forecasts nearer the time and go with what is open.
The routes that are always kept clear are any that allow the traffic to get to the ski resorts (business rules OK). There tend to be appropriate signage at the start of the passes to confirm "ferme" or otherwise.


As for Italy, go for Tuscany - you can't do better, unless you head for the Dolomites!
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