Venice and Slovenia

[sapto]

Great info @sapto . Currently planning Spring 2018 European adventure and Slovenia and Croatia is the target.

I am happy to help. Ask away if you need more intel. In Croatia we only covered some spots in the north. However I really liked it.

 

[sapto]

also come to see the city of Trieste .... watch the pictures on the web ... maybe in October on the occasion of the most crowded Mediterranean sea race ... more than 2000 sailboats ..

I can imagine that it must be great to see all these sails in the sea. This time we missed Triest but def on the list!

 

[Cali-on-Camping]

I am happy to help. Ask away if you need more intel. In Croatia we only covered some spots in the north. However I really liked it.

We spend two out of four weeks in Croatia this summer. Really recommendable. We did not stop in Slovenia, which was a mistake. So "sadly" we have to come back ;-)

It will be our first adventure in mainland Europe and we have 17 nights. I've already taken a number of ideas from threads that you have both contributed to massively and I'm sure I'll be picking both your brains (amongst others) as the planning develops.

Route idea so far.....

Calais - German Alpine Road - Austria (Kitzbuhel/Grossglockner) - Slovenia (Bled / Bohinj / Ljubljana) - Croatia (coast to Split) - Ferry to Ancona (Italy) - Italy (Tuscany / Garda) - Switzerland (Zermatt) - TBD - Calais.

I'm pretty sure this isn't achievable in the time without constant driving each day, so we'll likely pick our priorities and target the rest for the following trip. It's so easy getting carried away with the planning, particularly when it is the first big trip!

 

[Kmann]

@Maverick I will be happy to give you some good advice.

We found the north (Istrien) quite touristic and the campings huge. But the area is also beautiful and here you probably find the best gastronomy. But we rather stay quiet and close to the shore, so we found ourselves happy on the islands down south.

Actually, I am about to write a whole description of our trip. I will see if I can get it done.

 

[Cali-on-Camping]

@MaverickActually, I am about to write a whole description of our trip. I will see if I can get it done.

I look forward to it!

 

[sapto]

@Maverick I will be happy to give you some good advice.

We found the north (Istrien) quite touristic and the campings huge. But the area is also beautiful and here you probably find the best gastronomy. But we rather stay quiet and close to the shore, so we found ourselves happy on the islands down south.

Actually, I am about to write a whole description of our trip. I will see if I can get it done.

I look forward to it @Kmann. I like your reviews.

 

[Kmann]

I feel the pressure ;-)

 

[sapto]

Route idea so far.....

Calais - German Alpine Road - Austria (Kitzbuhel/Grossglockner) - Slovenia (Bled / Bohinj / Ljubljana) - Croatia (coast to Split) - Ferry to Ancona (Italy) - Italy (Tuscany / Garda) - Switzerland (Zermatt) - TBD - Calais.

I added some links to your route and some camp sites we saw or we've been. Just some ideas.

Calais - German Alpine Road - Austria (Kitzbuhel/Grossglockner) - Slovenia (Bled / Bohinj / Ljubljana) - Croatia (Camp Kovacine, Kamp Selce, Camp Slamni, Camp Bunica,) - Ferry to Ancona (Italy) - Italy (Tuscany / Garda) - Switzerland (Zermatt) - TBD - Calais.

 

[sapto]

Thinking back and to sum up this thread here's our personal ranking (mixed and with no system, just some thoughts and not fixed):

1. We like to travel with our 131hp Cali SE: Enough power although we have to change gears often. We pulled over only one time to let the cars pass us/give them the chance to overtake us. We had no rush.
2. The roads were in superb condition on our small tour. Hard to say how much it costs us because I've bought a year round sticker for Austria in Spring (€ 86,40.-).
It costs us about € 30.- to get from Innsbruck to Chioggia (incl. "Brenner"), then another € 10.- to get to Piran. In Slovenia we paid € 15.- for the 7 day sticker. On our way back home we used the Felbertauern (€ 11.-).
3. Traveling in Autumn has it's pros and cons. We loved it, used the diesel-heating often in the morning to get up and used the Calicap to keep it cozy. Pros are def less crowded in touristic places (for example Piran: The parking was almost empty and so was the town).
4. Cooking in the Cali: We've done it and personally do not have any problems with it. If any one has concerns about smell: Try this one from Chemical Guys.
5. About cooking: This kettle fits our needs perfect!
6. We took a Nespresso with us and used it when connected to the mains. Was great to have it with us and fits perfectly behind the drivers seat (LHD).

7. This small item in the top picture was hardly used. Roaming in EU Countries is gone so we could use our phones without paying more/extra. And Slovenia has a lot of free WiFi to offer (for example Ljubljana).
8. The Airvent was great and one of the "absolutely" must buy/have so is the Isolite Outdoor from Brandrup.
9. Taking the bicycles with us was one of the best decisions. We used them in Italy, Piran, Bohinj and Achensee. There's a thread about opening the tailgate: We couldn't open it completely however we didn't care we just took them off the rack (Atera DL3) and that was done in 3 minutes. Or as I said before: We just watched our heads and opend the tailgait as far as possible.
10. I changed from Summer to Winter wheels just before we left and IMO that was a good idea although I am not sure how it is in Italy or Slovenia.
11. We already plan for next year (this guides/apps are great: ADAC, ACSI, camping.info)!

 

[kurienp]

Thinking back and to sum up this thread here's our personal ranking (mixed and with no system, just some thoughts and not fixed):

1. We like to travel with our 131hp Cali SE: Enough power although we have to change gears often. We pulled over only one time to let the cars pass us/give them the chance to overtake us. We had no rush.
2. The roads were in superb condition on our small tour. Hard to say how much it costs us because I've bought a year round sticker for Austria in Spring (€ 86,40.-).
It costs us about € 30.- to get from Innsbruck to Chioggia (incl. "Brenner"), then another € 10.- to get to Piran. In Slovenia we paid € 15.- for the 7 day sticker. On our way back home we used the Felbertauern (€ 11.-).
3. Traveling in Autumn has it's pros and cons. We loved it, used the diesel-heating often in the morning to get up and used the Calicap to keep it cozy. Pros are def less crowded in touristic places (for example Piran: The parking was almost empty and so was the town).
4. Cooking in the Cali: We've done it and personally do not have any problems with it. If any one has concerns about smell: Try this one from Chemical Guys.
5. About cooking: This kettle fits our needs perfect!
6. We took a Nespresso with us and used it when connected to the mains. Was great to have it with us and fits perfectly behind the drivers seat (LHD).
View attachment 26867
7. This small item in the top picture was hardly used. Roaming in EU Countries is gone so we could use our phones without paying more/extra. And Slovenia has a lot of free WiFi to offer (for example Ljubljana).
8. The Airvent was great and one of the "absolutely" must buy/have so is the Isolite Outdoor from Brandrup.
9. Taking the bicycles with us was one of the best decisions. We used them in Italy, Piran, Bohinj and Achensee. There's a thread about opening the tailgate: We couldn't open it completely however we didn't care we just took them off the rack (Atera DL3) and that was done in 3 minutes. Or as I said before: We just watched our heads and opend the tailgait as far as possible.
10. I changed from Summer to Winter wheels just before we left and IMO that was a good idea although I am not sure how it is in Italy or Slovenia.
11. We already plan for next year (this guides/apps are great: ADAC, ACSI, camping.info)!

Brillaint info there @sapto. Thank you so much for putting this together for us newbies.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[sapto]

Brillaint info there @sapto. Thank you so much for putting this together for us newbies.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Happy to help @kurienp !

 

[Frankyworthy]

@Maverick I will be happy to give you some good advice.

We found the north (Istrien) quite touristic and the campings huge. But the area is also beautiful and here you probably find the best gastronomy. But we rather stay quiet and close to the shore, so we found ourselves happy on the islands down south.

Actually, I am about to write a whole description of our trip. I will see if I can get it done.

Hi Kmann,

I think we have similar tastes in most things judging by this last post and also by the fact that we copied your choice of wheels last summer (German EBay, half price with very good tyres on!)
I am planning to go to,Croatia and would,like to go to Hvar and/or Korcula - south islands anyway. Quiet and close to the shore just about sums it up with maybe a cycle to a pretty village etc.
Do,you have any recommendations?
Cheers
Paul and Mary

 

[Kmann]

Hi Kmann,

I think we have similar tastes in most things judging by this last post and also by the fact that we copied your choice of wheels last summer (German EBay, half price with very good tyres on!)
I am planning to go to,Croatia and would,like to go to Hvar and/or Korcula - south islands anyway. Quiet and close to the shore just about sums it up with maybe a cycle to a pretty village etc.
Do,you have any recommendations?
Cheers
Paul and Mary

Good Choice

We have been to Hvar a couple of times, and our favourite stay is just outside the small village Jelsa. Then you can walk, take the bike or even SUP into the village. There are a few campings in that area. A visit to Hvar Village is also fun. And a ride along the coastline is also nice … If you come to Hvar from Drvenik the road is really narrow. It's a nice drive but takes good nerves

Korcula has a little less to offer than Hvar. But the Port 9 Camping is quite nice and also relatively close to the village that is nice to visit.

On the way down if you go thru Slovenia Blet is nice as well. But stay at Camping Sobec (also big but quite nice) on on the riverbank, and take the bikes or walk to Blet.

A visit to Rovinj is also nice to visit (especially in the early summer with no tourists). Eating lunch on the Maestral. We stayed at Camping Polari (cycle distance). Its a massive camping, but with big trees and it is possible to find a quiet spot.

And don't forget to pay Plitvice a visit but stay close by (Camping Korana) and be there when they open (Entrance 2) – otherwise, you will walk around as one long queue. We had the whole thing almost for ourselves

Send a postcard!

 

[Frankyworthy]

Good Choice

We have been to Hvar a couple of times, and our favourite stay is just outside the small village Jelsa. Then you can walk, take the bike or even SUP into the village. There are a few campings in that area. A visit to Hvar Village is also fun. And a ride along the coastline is also nice … If you come to Hvar from Drvenik the road is really narrow. It's a nice drive but takes good nerves

Korcula has a little less to offer than Hvar. But the Port 9 Camping is quite nice and also relatively close to the village that is nice to visit.

On the way down if you go thru Slovenia Blet is nice as well. But stay at Camping Sobec (also big but quite nice) on on the riverbank, and take the bikes or walk to Blet.

A visit to Rovinj is also nice to visit (especially in the early summer with no tourists). Eating lunch on the Maestral. We stayed at Camping Polari (cycle distance). Its a massive camping, but with big trees and it is possible to find a quiet spot.

And don't forget to pay Plitvice a visit but stay close by (Camping Korana) and be there when they open (Entrance 2) – otherwise, you will walk around as one long queue. We had the whole thing almost for ourselves

Send a postcard!

Thanks again Kmann,

Tips sound great. We’ll make a note and give them a go when we go in May / June.

I notice you were cooking in Gybe shelter on NYE. What do,you think of them? Are they good value considering the high price?

Cheers

Paul

 

[Kmann]

I notice you were cooking in Gybe shelter on NYE. What do,you think of them? Are they good value considering the high price?

Cheers

Paul

Yes, we are very pleased with the Gybe. It is so easy to set up, does not take to much space in the trunk and gives a lot of extra living space. It is more a pavilion than a tent with groundsheet and al. But still, you can attach both sides and leave it as a drive away awning.

The only disadvantage is that you need to unmount the awning for best fit, but again, it is a 10 min job. And we never use the awning in the outer season anyway.

 

[Frankyworthy]

Yes, we are very pleased with the Gybe. It is so easy to set up, does not take to much space in the trunk and gives a lot of extra living space. It is more a pavilion than a tent with groundsheet and al. But still, you can attach both sides and leave it as a drive away awning.

The only disadvantage is that you need to unmount the awning for best fit, but again, it is a 10 min job. And we never use the awning in the outer season anyway.

Hi again,

Hope you don’t mind a few queries but we are very interested in the Gybe Bus tent.

We have the same van as you I think. Do we need to buy any extra things that connect the tent to the van? The guide rail is already fixed. Anything else?

Does it come with anything to cover the gap between the lower van and the ground - between the wheels?

So you take your wind out awning off and put back on again every year?

Thanks again

Paul and Mary

 

[Kmann]

Hi again,

Hope you don’t mind a few queries but we are very interested in the Gybe Bus tent.

We have the same van as you I think. Do we need to buy any extra things that connect the tent to the van? The guide rail is already fixed. Anything else?

Does it come with anything to cover the gap between the lower van and the ground - between the wheels?

So you take your wind out awning off and put back on again every year?

Thanks again

Paul and Mary

No problem, I love to help

The optimal fit is without the awning. We use the GYBE most in the outer seasons were it offers the extra protection, that the awning does not. Therefore we do not miss the awning. And removing the awning is really not a big deal (8 bolts and 10 min).

When the awning is removed you slide on the California Welting Rail (a rubber rail that fits in the Guide Rail). Part number: 7H7 875 303. You can order it at your local VW dealership. That gives you a perfect fit.

There is no ground sheet and sheet closing the gap under the car. That is what makes the GYBE so easy and fast to set up. But if very windy you can get a piece with magnets from some of the other camping equipment manufacturers. I use a piece of transparent heavy-duty plastic attached with a line attached to the wheels. Very effective and easy setup. And it does not take up much space (fits in the GYBE bag).

The GYBE also comes with two sides, so you can use it as a drive away awning/pavilion. And when you order the GYBO you also order piece that connects the GYBE to the car.

Remember to put up some pictures

 

[fozzybear]

Hi, just wondering what your thoughts are fitting the GYBE with the awning, don't really want to be taking this on and off. You also mention a plastic sheet, I am a little confused on this set up, can you expand a but more.
Can you post a few pictures?

 

[Kmann]

Hi, just wondering what your thoughts are fitting the GYBE with the awning, don't really want to be taking this on and off. You also mention a plastic sheet, I am a little confused on this set up, can you expand a but more.
Can you post a few pictures?

Fitting the GYBE to the awning is not ideal and not recommended by GYBE - but it is doable but it is not an optimal fit, leaving gaps and might cause damage. But removing the awning is really no big deal. I take it off at the end of the summer and mount it again at spring.

Regarding the ground sheet. I simply mount a robe/wire between each rim, so that the wire is just under the door. Then I hang a folded plastic sheet over (one side on each side of the robe). I have a small carpet I then lay over it …

I am sorry I do not have pictures …

 

[campandfly]

We are trying to decide if its worth taking the Bromptons to Slovenia and Venice.
Probably going to stay on the Soca Valley river where we can also do some Paragliding.
I notice there are quite a few cycle tracks but not sure if they are only suitable for mountain bikes.

 

[Calimili]

We are trying to decide if its worth taking the Bromptons to Slovenia and Venice.
Probably going to stay on the Soca Valley river where we can also do some Paragliding.
I notice there are quite a few cycle tracks but not sure if they are only suitable for mountain bikes.

you certainly won't be able to us Bromptons or any bike in Venice.

 

[sapto]

We are trying to decide if its worth taking the Bromptons to Slovenia and Venice.
Probably going to stay on the Soca Valley river where we can also do some Paragliding.
I notice there are quite a few cycle tracks but not sure if they are only suitable for mountain bikes.

Back then we stayed in Kamp Soča and had our Mtb with us, path/trail was a gravel road unless you ride on the street.
So I would take/rent some bikes there if you like to?

 

[campandfly]

Thanks @Calimili @sapto Really looking forward to our trip. Channel Tunnel- France- Belgium-Germany-Austria- Slovenia-Italy then return to UK

 

[sapto]

We might head down to Chioggia again an want to try an Area Sosta Camping in Sottomarina (Area Sosta 2 Palme Area Sosta Camper - 2 Palme). Will report back.

 

[sapto]

Area 2 Palm was great: €20.-/day during the week and €25.- at the wknds. Facilities were v clean and place was offseason like empty. Bring your toiletpaper with you and some €1.- coins for shower.
It is a 20 min walk to Chioggia and 2 min to beach.

I guess summer is hot n busy. Now it is just perfect!