Amazing road trip in my F12 [ with friends ]

We have just come back from a 2600 mile trip to Italy.
There will be a video to follow, but I need to spend some time editing it.
So first few pic's are :-
The first chateau and the old ruined chateau in France when we stayed and the old Reims circuit:-
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Next we headed off across country to Beaune, which was a very long drive over D roads in France. We stayed at a lovely hotel in the centre.
Next day we set off for Montreux and the Hotel Victoria in Switzerland.
We were there for 2 nights, this is the view from our room, I should have taken my chain saw to get rid of that tree!

While we were there we visited the Hublot factory to see how the best watches are made. Apparently our cars were a big hit on their face book page! What ever that is.

That night we had what I consider to be the best meal of the trip, which is some going considering the places we ate at, but it did cost a fair bit!
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The next day we headed over the Alps, crossing over the Simplon pass into Italy.

We managed to get pulled over by the police for a spot check for some reason, in fact quite a few of the people on the trip got pulled over at one point or another! It must be red cars they like. All just to be checked I am pleased to say.
We stayed a great hotel overlooking lake Iseo, and had a boat trip to an Island for a massive 7 course lunch the next day.
Pics:- one of the group's stop checks.
Hotel car park [ thanks to friends for these pic's ]
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Next we went to Brescia to watch the start of the MM.

The next day we went on to Modena via the Enzo museum. Had a quick stop in Modena for my wife and almost lost where we had parked the car, its like a maze!
Pic's:- Modena expecting rain, and car parked in centre, with in 2 mins. it had about 10 youths surrounding it.
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The next day one of the highlights of the trip, to park at the factory for the day.
We had a slight change of plan as Prince Albert of Monaco was visiting Ferrari, but we still managed to eat at the Cavallino for lunch and then off into the mountains to watch the MM tribute which 2 of the group were taking part in, there was a huge thunderstorm just after the cars started to come down the mountian, then the Montana for dinner. Epic day, but no more pasta please!
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The next day we started heading back.
Stopping off at hotel Rossl near the border with Italy and Switzerland It was another great hotel and there were great views from the cable car, although the walk up the mountain nearly killed us.
The we we off though the alps to Luzern, and to our amazement the Stelvio Pass was open in May! Its quite a challenge the F12 had just enough lock to get around some of the corners and you had to be on the wrong side of the road to do it. Going up was fine but the way down there was a million cyclist's to contend with which spoilt it a bit. We had to go through another pass which was fun as it was more open but the sat nav took the shortest route which was to board a train, which it called a ferry was funny but we we were soon back on course.
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Off to Metz in France the next day, yet another great hotel in the centre of town. I did manage to get my car cleaned and my wife got her hair done so she was happy.
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That was the last stop for all the group.
We had booked a stay near Calais which made the last leg about 4 hours of driving which was nice.
Then back to ferry, there was massive queues because of security, but we got home home safe and sound, not the job of cleaning the car again!
We made lots of new friends and had an amazing time.
13 nights, 2600 miles, going back to work for a rest!
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Thanks for the story and pictures, very nice!

 

Thanks for sharing your fabulous trip. Looks like a stunning drive.

Always looking forward to the next trip - you certainly provide a lot of inspiration here. By the way, the place which was your last stop before Calais looks familiar but can't place it - could you enlighten me?

 

Yes its Chateau Cocove about 1/2 and hour from the Ferry, recommended by friends on the trip.

 

Thanks for sharing - that's how our cars should be enjoyed!


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Great. Thanks vm.

 

Thanks for sharing. Great story and amazing photos.

 

Just amazing! Bravo! Thanks for sharing these!!! Really enjoy this! Well done!

 

Great selection of cars. Know many of those places well, Simplon pass is fabulous and better than many of the passes that receive more attention IMO.

 

Thanks for sharing, wow, great trip, and clearly well organised.....I feel your pain on (some of) the switchbacks on Stelvio in F12 ;-)

Very surprised re the police spot-check in IT as they are super super cool in IT.....

 

Fabulous trip! Wow, breath-taking views in lots of those photos. Yes, I wonder why they left those two trees to obstruct the view. Maybe there were some significance to those trees.

 

Now this is how you enjoy a Ferrari! Thx for sharing.

 

Epic trip, I definitely live in the wrong part of the world when it comes to this road trip stuff. Wow.

 

Thanks for sharing Grant! Great story and great pictures. I plan to do the same someday soon so I may ask for your help nearer the time.

 

Don't mean to impose myself, but i wish i knew you guys were planning this. I live for these trips and my car is still in London till the end of the summer. Would have loved to join. Its obvious you know your way around Western EU.

Great story and pics. Thanks for sharing

 

Wow! Incredibly jealous across the pond here in the States....guess I'd need to get a car from the factory to enjoy this trip some day?

 

Thanks for sharing your great trip !

 

What hotel in Beaune may I ask?

That is an exceptionally lovely town.