In June 2014 Andy and I went to Italy. We decided to try the ‘AutoSlaap Trein’ from Den Bosch in Holland to Livorno in Italy and then back from Alessandria. Must admit this was quite a relaxing way to travel beyond getting the bikes onto the train – no headroom – and the fact the ferry from the UK arrived late so we only just made the train.
Italy was OK. What didn’t help was the heatwave it was experiencing which made dressing up in biking gear tiresome and sweaty. Plus Italian drivers were a pain – both driving very slowly (really!!) and tailgating each other (which made overtakes difficult). And Italian speed limits were comical – changing constantly and for no discernible reason. But the people and the sights were great.
We went to Rome first and then up to the Ducati museum/factory in Bologna. Then Verona the Dolomites and back across the North to Alessandria. Good fun.
