My partner and I are leasing a compact 4x4 and taking a month to drive from Milan to Portugal from 20 Sep - 22 Oct.
The general plan is to spend the first 3 days based in Milan to get over jet lag from Australia and explore the area, then head up to Lake Como and Swiss Alps for a few days. Any recommendations on great little villas on the lake or in the alps? Places to eat?
Then we were thinking we'd drive down to the south of france for a week, Spain for a week, Portugal for a week, then leave the car there and fly back to Milan for our return flight home.
In your experience, do you think we are trying to cover too much ground? What are the best spots that we absolutely shouldn't miss? Any recommendations on places to stay and things to do?
We are in our mid-twenties and aren't that interested in touristy sightseeing. We would really like to see some beautiful countryside and beaches, interesting little villages and absorb the culture, eat amazing food, nightlife and drink local wine etc, as neither of us have done that part of Europe.
Would love all suggestions including any special events (festivals, sporting, cultural, arts music etc) that might be on during that time.
Also will it still be warm enough to swim or surf in Portugal?
Thanks so much in advance.
Road trip Milan to Portugal
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Define leasing and where you plan to pick up and drop the vehicle. Your plan sounds like a blast---can I tag along?
Renault does short term tax free leases if you are in Europe for more than 17 days. We are picking it up at Milan airport when we arrive and we planned to drop it off at Porto, but we can change the drop off location to almost anywhere in Europe for free if we give 72 hrs notice.
A compact 4x4? Can I ask you do you feel the need fora 4x4? The fuel consumption will not be good and will add a lot to the cost.
Beaches at that time of year along the north coast of Spain will be deserted. it is far to clod to sunbath. However if you are into surfing then it should be a great place to visit.
Picos de Europa is an excellent stop off point. The same with O Coural in Galicia.
For wines you could try the area I live in Ribeira Sacra (reds) and Rias Baixas (whites).
If the 4x4 is a Renault Kangoo and you only want the space the van offers; then just hire a 2 wheel drive version.
Ribeirasacra, we got a really cheap deal on the car and it's already booked so that's all fine.
Appreciate the advice about places to go, your area looks really pretty.
What will the weather be like in late sep - oct?
Terrific---I know that plan, just be sure you can drop it in Porto and how much extra that would be. We did it at Madrid one time.
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Weather in Galicia? Sorry that is going to be impossible to predict. 2 days ago, some one visited part of the RS that is just 20 km away as the crow flies from me. They had brilliant sunshine and I had rain. The time of your vacation is autumn time (fall) so you can expect anything except snow.
Like Bob I would check on the “deal” you are getting, my advice goes for the vehicle. A 4x4 will consume a lot more than a 2-wheel drive. The latter, if it is a diesel will be highly economic. You will not be able to use the 4x4 faclity much as it will have road tyres and they do not grip off road.
Also read up about the toll roads in Portugal. The ones with electronic tolls are hard to pay.
More suggestions on locations to visit:
http://www.dourovalley.eu/en/
http://www.medinaderioseco.com/turismo/index.shtml
http://www.canaldecastilla.org/
http://reddeparquesnacionales.mma.es/parques/picos/index.htm