mmm lots of options. We drove down to Lake Como last year... avoiding french motorway tolls - via Belgium, Luxembourg (cheap petrol). Stayed in Baden Baden, an interesting place, then early start drove the fantastic 500 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwarzwaldhochstra%C3%9Fe ) through the black forest. Triberg waterfalls for lunch. We chose to stay a couple of nights in Schluchsee as a base for some walking. Then on into Switzerland, o/n in Lucerne, and then the superb drive through the Alps, the route depends on when you go through as some passes are closed until June Check out Pistonheads forum, good resource for info on passes. Something we would have liked to do is go across Como on the car ferry from Menaggio to Varenna, a great spot for lunch. Didn't go over Garda, maybe next time!
Just got the nod that the little one is on a School Break feb 13-20th and she is going to her Aunti's for the week, that means we could have a jolly down to Como in the Max .....anyone who likes to exceed speed limits welcome
Last summer we had a trip to the Como Lake: In France I stayed in Munster (Alsace) Hotel Verte Vallée. There you have the interesting "Route des Crêtes". Our hotel in Switzerland was not good but a friend can recommend the Hotel Bellaval in Scuol. At Como Lake we stayed in the Hotel Lumin in Cremia. On our return through the black forest we stayed in Badenweiler Hotel Morgensonne.You can also visit Baden-Baden. There we stayed in the Hotel Merkur.(Badenweiler to Baden-Baden via the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse)
You can have the skis sticking out the rear windows Dean. You will need them going over the Alps
P.M.S.L
How naive of me, looking at photo's of my last trip to Como in the middle of summertime and thinking it would be the same in February
Bugger all snow this year Dean. Just been for a run up the Lake to Colico and back (with a call to the port to check the boat), about 125km in beautiful sunshine. In fact we are having a false (or early) spring at the moment. The weather is just stunning.
However..... I just checked the forecast and the first week of February is down for snow
Finally completed our trip which was a fantastic experience and our first long trip n the Morgan. We travelled Portsmouth to Le Havre and from there to:
Mercure Auxerre Nord, France (1 night)
Chateau D’Oex, Switzerland (2 nights)
Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees, Stresa Italy (3 nights)
Hotel Sirmione – Sirmione, Italy (5 nights)
ibis Budget Mâcon Sud, France (1 night)
The scenery in the mountains was amazing; we also drove the Stelvio pass in superb conditions which was a real thrill. 2700 miles in total.
Thanks for the responses to the original question.