We leave Switzerland behind, heading towards Lake Garda, trundling along small Italian roads full of busy farmers and tractors. There is no stopping us as we drive into the beautiful walled town of Glorenza Glurns, only minutes from the border. The trouble is we cannot get out! The arched gateway is too small for us. Gulp, with a phew! We find a little road that takes us around the town.
Now heading for Merano in the Alto Adige region of Italy, we notice that all the cars are German registered and that the signposts are written in Italian and German. Well, yes, we are in South Tyrol, which was incorporated into Italy at the end of the First World War (Austria seems to have stopped asking for it back). Today, it has autonomy from the central Italian government and benefits from Italy's highest standards of living.
Now heading for Merano in the Alto Adige region of Italy, we notice that all the cars are German registered and that the signposts are written in Italian and German. Well, yes, we are in South Tyrol, which was incorporated into Italy at the end of the First World War (Austria seems to have stopped asking for it back). Today, it has autonomy from the central Italian government and benefits from Italy's highest standards of living.
Everywhere we look, there are neat apple orchards and the occasional vineyard. I'm sorry, this really is Germany, not Italy. We made our night stop at "wait for it." Gretl am See on the Kalterer. Ok in Italian, Lago di Caldaro.
The following morning, the Dolomites are behind us. We enter the Grappa area and head towards Lago di Garda.
It takes very little time for us to discover that Grappa is available in many different tastes and colours.
After driving the Western side of Garda, through many tunnels,
we decided to make Sirmione our stop to visit the old town tomorrow.
While out walking, we came across a bar with lovely gardens adjacent to the hotel Lugana Parco Al Lago. The view is fabulous. It's worth a visit for aperitifs and nibbles!
Garda is 52km long and 17km wide, and it is so big that it affects the local climate, making it sunnier and milder than you would expect in this location.
On a narrow promontory sticking out into the Lago is Sirmione, a fairytale castle.
Sirmiome and the castle are virtually surrounded by water.
Della Scala of Verona constructed the castle and its box-shaped towers in the thirteenth century. (Verona is, incidentally, our next stop.)
Narrow lanes full of restaurants and charm.
Bougainvillaea cascades down golden walls.
Linda did not find the latest Sirmione fashion fad to her taste, thank goodness!
Next stop, Verona.
Happy Days!
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