I was just going to write, “WOW!” for today’s blog, and add the photos, but Tom assures me that you’ll want a little bit more detail that that!

We enjoyed another lovely breakfast in the sunshine in Milan this morning, before we packed up yet again and set off on probably our longest drive yet – not in distance, but in time.  We’d hoped to pick up some food for lunch and dinner from a local supermarket, but the friendly hotel receptionist told us that everywhere would be shut, as today was Ferragosto. Luckily, at the bottom of Lake Como, we came across quite a large, open shop, where we managed to pick up some delicious delicacies J

The road then wound round the edge of lake, in and out of tunnels.  The views were beautiful and the water looked so inviting, but we knew we had exciting roads ahead, so ploughed on.  North of the lake, the road turned east along a long valley, with mountains rising on either side.  Although the hills were beautiful, the road itself was dull, with 30 – 45 mph limits all the way along its straight route (we suspect this was because of the supercars and motorcycles heading to and from the passes) and boring, modern towns lining it.  However, at the end, we suddenly began to climb through more long tunnels, and eventually emerged high up in the Alps with beautiful sites all around.  We stopped for some lunch in what was probably a ski resort during the winter.  I can’t think of many picnic spots with better views!

This was the last proper civilisation before the epic accent up the Stelvio Pass.  Tom was a bit disappointed when we began behind two, slow camper vans, but it gave us ample opportunity to both gawp at the views and take plenty of photos (it’s taken us about 90 minutes to edit our snaps down to just over 50 tonight!).

We then reached the most famous section of the road, which many of you will have seen photos and film of.  It really is a thrilling drive, not just because of the corners and the drops, but because of the scenery it winds its way through.  We reached the top without realising, and had to turn around to find a parking spot for more happy snapping.

After this main section, the road then climbed a little more gently, before reaching its peak.  It was as we came over the top that we both became completely speechless.  Why the other side of the pass is less famous, I have no idea.  The panoramas from the top are absolutely and completely jaw-dropping.  I think I stood and just giggled with delight for at least a minute before I was capable of taking any shots!  In addition, the road that descends into Trafoi (where our hotel is situated) is equally, if not more, exciting, offering breathtaking views down the valley.  It was amazing watching cyclists attempt the climb up (they must have been unbelievably fit) and watching them come flying down (travelling faster than us at times).  We also had to stop at one point to let a strange, beaver-like creature cross the road (we saw another one later on – once we’ve got proper internet I’ll try and find out what it was).  The road was surprisingly quiet, with just the gentle ring of cow bells sounding when we stopped yet again for more photos.

We eventually pulled up at our hotel at about 7pm.  We’ve been once more very lucky with our choice of accommodation.  It’s high up in the Alps; the service was warm and welcoming and our room has a balcony that looks back up into the mountains.  I can’t wait for breakfast with that view in the morning!  The next couple of days promise similarly wonderful scenery.  I think my jaw is going to ache by the time we leave Switzerland!

Pause Play Play Prev | Next