Another road trip in our W164 AMG

[Bobby Dazzler]

Having a touring caravan and loving our usual holiday destinations in the UK, the Dazzlers have been well over due something further afield for a while now.

I've wanted to do a European Road trip for a few years, but by the time we would have visited the all the places I wanted to stop off at, it would take three weeks or more. But this year a shorter trip clicked into place - by cutting out the Monaco Grand Prix and the Mille Miglia, and a whole lot more besides, we've squeezed the trip into a long week afforded by the Easter break.

Here's my captain's log...

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Day 1 - Travel from home to Reims

Departure day turned out to be a blur, and so our target of out-of-the-door just-after-four, was more like 1740, and we had to stop by the doctors to pick up a pppp-enguin, sorry prescription, so we had some serious ground to make up.

We had at least a foot of snow on the drive, and I had new set of Continental Winter tyres fitted the day before, to make sure we could go wherever, whenever. First impressions are that they're slightly louder, although to be fair the tyre pressures are higher than we run on 21-inch Summers, because of the weight of passengers and luggage.

The trip from the Midlands to the Eurotunnel terminal is about 200 miles, and we got there at just about 2100, with snow falling, and brimming the tank with V-Power at the service station immediately before the Chunnel exit. Managed 22 mpg which is a record, maybe down to the smaller diameter 20-inch (same 295mm width) wheels and tyres.

As we descended the slip ramp after leaving the servces, we could see tail lamps at the back of s a queue which turned out to be a mile long, and that was before even starting to queue within the Eurotunnel complex. No other traffic except for the queue soon turned to chaos as what appeared to be a rolling road block descended upon us, taking two more lanes all the way to the Eurotunnel exit, adding another two miles of cars to the queue before us!!

We still don't actually know why we were delayed. The recorded message at Eurotunnel referred to technical difficulties, and the news reported that the ferry workers strike had been lifted. Luckily we had opted to get some overpriced sandwiches from the petrol station to keep the hunger pains at bay.

After queuing for 3.5 hours in light snowfall, watching Leighton Denny nail varnish special on QVC, with crossed legs we finally got on to the train. A quick power nap and we were disembarking in France. We were the last but one but incredibly all the cars ahead of us had disappeared.

We had a two hour drive ahead of us to our first stopover near Reims and so we adjusted to driving on the right and pressed on in the snow. We covered around 200 miles in France and only saw one french registered car - every car had UK plates, and XC90/X5 the chariot of choice.

We should have been in the hotel just after midnight but with the delays and the weather we finally arrived just after 0400.

Day 2 - Travel from Reims to Monte Carlo

After three hours sleep we were up, getting ready for breakfast, and heading South, stopping at every service station bearing the Shell logo. We stopped for fuel near Folkestone, Reims, and South of Lyon, and had a bite to eat near Dijon.

After recalculating the route umpteen times, Rita (that's COMAND) finally announced that we should get off the Autoroute and follow the local roads through Lyon.

I don't care if this makes me sound camp, but OMFG it was hairy!! The drivers, the traffic, and complexity of the instructions was a perfect storm for confusion.

I would have made it too if it wasn't for those pesky kids. I mean complex directions. I kid you not, this was a genuine direction issued without pause by Rita: take the next half right, then immediately left, half right, and immediately left.

I missed the very last of a string of directions, which was the last before getting back n the autoroute, and had to go through even more traffic chaos. Rita was as disappointed with my performance as I was.

We had planned to be at the hotel in Monte Carlo at 1830-ish but we finally arrived at 2200.

We covered 1000 miles, in 26.5 hours and after allowing for stops and the shortest overnighter ever, we were in the car for 10.5 hours straight on the first leg to Reims, and then 12 hours (but with fuel stops) on the second leg to Monte Carlo, with an average 19 mpg. Leaving more than a foot of lying snow, driving through snowfall, and arriving 15-degree heat.

Some amazing cars parked in the garage. Several Ferrari 550s, several G55 AMGs, and countless contemporary Ferrari, Porsche. I was a little tired and can't remember most of the metal I passed as I found the perfect space.

We travelled in the ML63 AMG and it's a fantastic choice. Amazing we spent so much time in the car, and not one of us felt uncomfortable at any point in the journey. Great Hi-Fi, comfy chairs, air-con set just so, and Rita leading the way. I used the time to perfect my seating position, and it's now saved to memory position number 3.

Day 3 - Wet day tourist attractions in Monte Carlo

We have a rather special room, with an excellent view of the Marina, albeit shrouded in mist, cloud and rain which have dampened Day 3 physically, but not mentally. We've had a great time.

Reception suggested that we leave the car tucked up in the garage, which was probably a good choice. After a hearty breakfast we had a meander through to the Marina, visited the Aquarium and Museum, had a road train trip around the main areas, checked out a few super yachts, and took a taxi (S212) back to the hotel.

The Cayenne seems to be the family car of choice around these parts, but we've spotted a few tasty Mercedes. We saw his-and-hers G55 AMG following each other, one black, one white. A black ML63 AMg with precisely the same winter wheel and tyre set up as us. A white GL63 AMG, the first I've seen. A very handsome SLS Roadster in grey. And the cherry on the top - a beautiful red gullwing 300SL .

Kids bathed. Two Monegasque Cheeseburgers, one Club Sandwich and Penne with Tomato sauce delivered to the room. Tummies full and feet aching the other Dazzlers are snoring. I really ought to do the same. But how can I, I have the glass wall opened up, the whole of nighttime Monte Carlo to marvel at, and flat plane V8s to listen to??

I just found a can of Orangina and a Toblerone in the minibar, so I'll enjoy the sights and sounds just a little longer...

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

The W163 ML270 is at home, with my father-in-law using it to travel back and forth visit his parents in hospital. Last night the steering went heavy and I suspect power steering hose may have popped.

Recovered by Mobilolife today, and swapped for a very tasty looking W166 ML, so whilst they're a thousand miles apart we have one of each generation ML on the Dazzler fleet, albeit temporarily. My mother-in-law appears to be getting very used to it!!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

By night



By day



By F1 car

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Day 4 - Walking in sunshine and Cafe de Paris

Peculiar start to the day. It seems the French clocks spring forward too - I hadn't expected that! So we rocked up for breakfast at 0930 only to be told it was 1030 :embarrassed: but luckily we were escorted to the bar and joined by another half dozen couples and families who had done the same

It's Easter Sunday so the shops were closed. It's as if i planned it - so we walked much of he Grand Prix track today, starting at Casino Square. Through the tunnel, and around the Marina. Amazing sandwich close to Chicane, and back to Casino Square for ea few drinks in Cafe de Paris. On the way back through the tunnel we almost literally bumpd into Mika Hakkinen!

Glad we did visit Cafe to Paris but it's all a bit odd. The taste in cars, fashion, women/men, and dogs can be interesting to say the least!! Otherwise sane people clambering to get a photo with a Ferrari F430 when in streets just a minute or two away there's much more precious metal with nobody giving a second glance.

Cars worthy of mention today: a couple of Rolls Royce Silver Cloud and a few Ghosts - interesting because it's mainly Phantoms I see in the UK, although I guess that's because they've been for sale so long. Lovely Grigio Ferrari 456 and a G63 AMG is almost the same colour at Mirabeau. Ten G looked much more subtle than the many black or white ones. Plenty of Ferraris all over with several FFs.

Dinner on the balcony tonight. Aching legs all round, and so an early night is on the cards.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Day 5 - Shopping, Albert and Sebastian

A relatively quiet day today. Spent the morning shopping in and around the Metropole and Casino Square, had an ice-cream in the gardens - so cold compared to yesterday - apparently that was the first day without rain for 3 weeks!!

Hopped in a Taxi and headed across to the Royal Palace, had a tour of the Royal Apartments, and an amble around the old town. All very pleasant but quite cool towards the end of the day - the rain held off until 1800 though.

As we were leaving, one of the Royal Lexus GSs whizzed up the road to the Palace's parking area and the driver jumped out and ran towards the steps from the Marina, just as Prince Albert appeared at the top of the steps - looks like he decided to walk back - without guards!!

Cold and hungry we stumbled across a lovey Italian restaurant right next to the start-finish line which has only just opened on Easter Saturday, and had one of the finest four seasons pizzas I've ever had, profiteroles were amazing too, but the Nutella pizza we shared for pudding was errrr an acquired taste

We crossed to Esplanade, and a black Audi A3 with tinted windows stopped for us. I always make a point of raising my hand to say thank you, and a the driver gave us a proper wave - light was poor but it was Vettel's doppelgänger. Maybe it was him

Back at the hotel now, ready for an early night. Driving to the Italian Lakes tomorrow.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Day 6 - Drive from Monaco to Lake Garda

Left the hotel after breakfast and made our way out of Monaco, and out towards the Italian border. Breathtaking views along the Autostrada to Genova, most of the time your driving either through a tunnel or across a bridge - incredible engineering. Because they're overhanging cliffs, the motorway service stations are seriously limited for space, cars parked everywhere. I dread to think what it must be like in peak season.

The road flattens out heading North out of Genova towards Milan. Much more like driving in France. The amount of industry - past, present and future - dotted around the countryside and in amongst farmland was a surprise.

As we joined the Autostrada back at the border we passed through the toll booths. We were expecting to pay a toll and Mrs D inserted the credit card in the slot, I looked forwards, saw that the barrier had lifted and so I drove away. After driving for 200+ miles it dawned on me that we changed autostrada several times but hadn't yet passed another toll booth.

I then concluded that they only way this might be possible would be if you had a ticket from your entry point. I asked Mrs D if she collected a ticket from the booth, and she said "no". I asked if she was sure, and she said "definitely no ticket ...but the woman in front had one". I asked how she knew, and she said "she didn't take it, as it was still there when I was trying to pay". I could see the dawning realisation on her face!!

Despite being unable to speak enough Italian to explain, and the lady in the booth at Lake Garda being unable to speak English, we managed to pay the toll and continue our journey.

It took around 5 hours to cover 280 miles, stopping once for fuel, and we managed to top 22 mpg, which is pretty good going. Lake Garda is beautiful, and the hotel is lovely too. The ML is parked on it's own in the hotel garden, as the spaces are little compact!!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Day 7 - Walking around and about Garda

Beautiful warm and sunny day. No driving at all, spent most of the time meandering through the narrow streets, taking in the sights and sounds. Lots of stopping off to eat and drink, and found a lovely beach cafe in a perfect sun trap. Bliss!!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Day 8 - Watching the Markets

Overcast but nice enough for a bracing walk along the lake to Bardalino. Mrs D loves a market, and Thursday is market day there, so she was in her element. Lovely lunch on the side of the lake and a bracing walk back to the Hotel.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Day 9 - Another day, another market

Miserable weather, so umbrellas and coats were out in force. Friday is market day in Garda, so we had a quick dash around it, before heading back to pick up the car.

A drive up the Eastern side of the lake to Riva del Garda made a nice change. Some beautiful scenery, and through the tunnels which I'm told feature in a recent James Bond film - not sure which. Although it was 50 kph (30 mph) for most of the 60 mile round trip, I managed to just break 20 mpg which is excellent given the size of the car and engine - all thanks to not having to stop/start much.

There's a Shell station in Riva so I brimmed the tank ready for the first leg of our return journey tomorrow (Saturday), but at 2.094 Euro/litre it's the most expensive fuel I've ever purchased!!

Junior and Baby D have scoured the minibar for food, so I best take them out to eat before they tear off one of my limbs and start munching that!!

 

[HotJambalaya]

really enjoying this, and more then likely doing a similar trip in the summer, very interested in seeing your route back.

consider nipping down to Bologna, best food in italy....

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

really enjoying this, and more then likely doing a similar trip in the summer, very interested in seeing your route back.

consider nipping down to Bologna, best food in italy....

The plan was to stay in the Garda area until early evening and then whizz up to a pre-booked hotel in Dijon, and then continuing the next day to the Eurotunnel.

Given the weather is wet, I'm tempted to look for somewhere with a sunny forecast for tomorrow and set off earlier.

 

[mw_C32]

Great write up. What a fantatstic trip, would love to be able to do this.

Thanks Bobby...

m.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I didn't get round to updating the thread, so here it is, albeit a little late!

Day 10 - Sunny in Sirmione and travel to Dijon

Sirmione was the place I started looking for hotels, but couldn't find the right one for us (with the children). We decided it would be the ideal place to visit on our last day on Garda as it's on our way to the Autostrada.

What a beautiful place? Lovely old buildings. No cars. Lots of restaurants, ice cream parlours, gift shops, and wonderful views. Even a castle. We stayed as late as we dare, finally leaving Sirmione at around 1745, with a room booked in Dijon.

I really didn't expect our return journey to be quite so close to the Alps. I blindly followed Rita (COMAND) and as we saw the mountains in the distance as we turned North close to Turin we all got excited.

Of course Rita took us right through the Alps, and a dose of cramp in two calves and one thigh at around 1930 mad it an interesting journey - stopping for the first time some where close to Aosta, with snow covered mountains all around us.

Regular stops became the theme of the drive. As did snow covered mountains. I really wasn't expecting to drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel but what a fantastic surprise. It's a shame we passed through this beautiful scenery and exciting terrain largely in the dark!!

We finally made it into Dijon at around 0130 so we didn't do too bad all things considered - especially the number of stops!!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Day 11 - Travel home - the end of the European Road Trip

I set the alarm incorrectly - I set it for weekdays, and it was Sunday - but luckily I naturally woke up at 0730 so only half an hour later than planned. Quick breakfast, and hit the road, Calais bound for Eurotunnel.

We received an email warning us of delays but we whizzed through compared to the outbound journey. We had to wait at passport control for 45 minutes longer than we should have done though - a Land Rover from the Middle East was two cars in front and were having passport problems - we were too close to switch lanes though.

Still managed to catch our target train though, and made good time back on UK soil. We managed 19.6 mpg at an average speed of 55 mph, covering 2311 miles in 42 hours 13 minutes. We actually covered about 2400 miles but I forgot to reset the trip computer before we set off.



Finally, here's a photo of the car parked in the hotel garden to make sure nobody else parked too close to us!!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

A few random car and journey related photos which I found on Mrs D's phone...

Popping out of a tunnel on the North East bank of Lake Garda, heading North towards Riva Del Garda:



Alps in the distance, heading North near Turin:



Shortly after popping out of the Mont Blanc tunnel, Mrs D took a photo of the altimeter on COMAND, that's about 4100ft!!

 

[effbee584]

Bobby Dazzler - a great account and have just completed a similar trip (the 5th I think) but at a more leisurely pace, we prefer to arrive at a hotel about 1600, not 0400. I avoided using the Mont Blanc and Frejus tunnels (40 euro each way I think) by going into Italy from Besancon and across to Turin, a fantastic drive. Also don't like to be searching for hotels in strange places, all pre-booked via booking .com.It's a terrific part of Euroland and I would encourage anyone to drive through it.
2,300 miles this year and more planned for next year, will go to Rome area we think, then back up to Lake Garda again.