We headed for Courmeyour which is literally the other side of the tunnel and then onto a beautiful surreal campsite nested in the Alp mountains at a leisure area called Val de Veny. The most peaceful and picturesque place we could ever ask for. All pitched up for 3 days of rest and to enjoy the mountains.
Rest of our stay in Val de Veny (Graham Venn just loves this place – I wonder why?)
We hiked up Monte Blanc, as you can imagine it was up mountain from the start, covering 6.73 miles and ending up by the river and then back to Val de Veny. Oh, forgot to mention a beer and a pizza helped us on our way.
Our final day was spent covering steeper terrain trekking to Lac du Miage. This was an overall 10.3 miles with an elevation of 1923ft burning 2500 calories totalling 3 hrs of hiking. A rugged mountainous hike following a torrent river, weird to be in shorts and t-shirts with snow all around. The dogs loved rolling in the snow and chasing snowballs. The views were amazing.
Onward travel to Lago di Garda
We aimed for a campsite that was supposed to be dog friendly and sounded great. However, the pitches were tightly packed in, the dog beach was the smallest area I have ever seen and there were no walks along the lake side. No surprise we moved on. One thing this did teach us was to park outside and do a walk round before booking in.
We headed off looking for signs to campsites. As we wanted a quiet site, we looked for signs showing the basics services only (no swimming pools) we then came across a very quiet site on the shore of Lake Garda, pitches were spacious and had clean facilities. We booked in and setup our little camping environment. I must say the dogs are just so good and do not wonder off, so we did let them off the leads and they stayed by the van at all times.
That night we had a leisurely walk by the lake and a meal out with a bottle or two of wine.
From the campsite we were able to wonder onto a lovely promenade that led to a small marina. The dogs so enjoyed swimming in the lake and Graham joined them, I took photos and watch their exploits.
Moving onto the Mediterranean Sea
We headed for just inside of Tuscany to a coastal area within Liguria, in the northwest of Italy and stayed by Sestri Lavante. The campsite we stayed at was set into the hill side and had a lovely view across the coastline and was 1km from a train station.
Setting off the next morning we took the train to Cinque Terre (meaning 5 lands). It lies in the west of La Spezia Province and comprise of 5 villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. You have a choice of paths, trains and boats that connect the villages.
We walked the coastal path between Monterosso and Vernazza, it was rugged and steep, climbing up the cliffs that overlook the Ligurian Sea.
Monterosso was a little disappointing however Vernazza came into its own and definitely worth the visit and the hike. We wondered around the village and then sat at a lovely restaurant on the coastline drinking beer, wine and eating. The afternoon relax was idyllic and the hours seamlessly passed us by. Questa e vita non vacanza ….
Arriving in Radicondli
Now for our 3 months stay in Tuscany, east of the province of Siena in a historic commune called Radicondoli.
The village of Radicondoli is situated in a beautiful position on the top of a hill looking towards a valley about 40km east from Siena in an area known for its metalliferous hills.
Unpack time, get the bikes out and absorb the Tuscan Italian lifestyle, language and culture.
What can I say, it is stunning here. Which ever direction you look in it is rolling beautiful Tuscan hills.
The farmhouse we are staying in is very tradition Italian style, comfortable and spacious with perfect views from the two terrace areas. Marco and Manuela are perfect hosts and have made us extremely welcome.
Dogs have settled into their surroundings and are loving the hikes we have started to do around our area.
Travel adventures 