Driving from Neuchwanstein Castle to Venice - advice?
 

How are the roads from NCastle to Venice? Is this something you would recommend doing during the day or is it okay to leave in the afternoon and arrive in Venice at night? I know we have to drive through the alps but I was wondering how developed the roads are and if there are any particular points we should be aware of. Thanks!!

We've driven between Innsbruck and Venice a couple times, and its just fine. It is much like an Interstate / Autobahn highway through the mountains, very scenic, modern road, not scary; traffic can be heavy at times. Between Verona and Venice the highway is more like an ``urban'' Interstate, with perhaps higher traffic volume, but mostly fine. I think it is ok to arrive at Venice late -- the roads are well marked.

Most of it (the autostrade) is a toll road. You pick up a card when you enter the highway and pay on exit -- they have a machine to show you what you owe, so don't worry about not speaking the language. Don't drive through the ``EasyPass'' lane by mistake (I forget what its called, but you'd need a transponder to use it).

Oh okay, so its not like a scary undeveloped little road through the mountains...thats what I was worried about since I didn't want to have to leave too early.

No, not exactly a undeveloped little road :-)
http://uk.encarta.msn.com/media_1481...nner_Pass.html

I always wondered why Hannibal and his elephants didn't take the road but went through the valley. Imagine how the war elephants just would have raced through there.

Rome wouldn't have had the slightest chance. :D
But maybe he didn't have enough sesterces to pay the toll.

"Sir, how much is it for an elephant, one way only?" :D
"Weight or body length?"