By camper with kids - Volume 1 E-Book

Laura Cretti

• Herausgeber: Youcanprint
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

26 campervan itineraries in Northern and Central Italy exploring medieval villages, UNESCO sites, historical cities of art, hidden gems and theme parks, for all campervan enthusiasts looking for holiday freedom and fun with their children.This handbook provides suggestions on the most interesting visits, as well as practical tips for organizing life on the road, from car parks and rest areas to playgrounds and the most suitable routes.Laura Cretti's book is not only a precious guide to choosing destinations and organizing campervan itineraries for families with children, which can also be done by car: be inspired by her curiosity and passion for travelling! Laura's journeys transmit the joy of discovery and will help you to organize your own stress-free adventures in Italy. Her enthralling enthusiasm proves that campervan holidays with the whole family are easier than you think and an endless source of fun!

Leseprobe

Summary

Why I wrote this book

About me

Traveling in a camper with newborns and children

Italy Itineraries – The North and the Centre

Itinerary 1:

Valle d’Aosta - Aosta

2 days

Itinerary 2:

Piedmont - Torino

2 days

Itinerary 3:

Liguria - Albissola Marina, Diano Marina, Genova

4 days

Itinerary 4:

Piedmont - Conzano (AL)-Fair of Ancient Crafts

3 days

Itinerary 5:

Piedmont - Safari Park, Pombia, Arona, Angera, Lake Maggiore

2 days

Itinerary 6:

Piedmont-Lombardy - Valenza, Alessandria, Vigevano

2 days

Itinerary 7:

Lombardy - Milan, Certosa di Pavia, Bolognini Castle, Sant’Angelo Lodigiano

2 days

Itinerary 8:

Lombardy - Le Cornelle Fauna Park, Leolandia Minitalia, Prehistoric Park

3 days

Itinerary 9:

Lombardy - Anfurro, artisanal glass blowing workroom, Lake Moro, Archeopark, Boario Terme

2 days

Itinerary 10:

Lombardy - Pizzighettone

2 days

Itinerary 11:

Lombardy - Cremona

2 days

Itinerary 12:

Veneto - Lake Garda, Lazise, Naturaviva Park, Bussolengo

2 days

Itinerary 13:

Lombardy-Trentino - Salò, Lake Idro, Bodone Bagolino, Gaver, Bienno

2 days

Itinerary 14:

Veneto-Trentino - Rovereto, Riva del Garda, Peschiera del Garda

2 days

Itinerary 15:

Trentino-Veneto - Lake Caldonazzo, Levico, Asiago

5 days

Itinerary 16:

Veneto - Verona – Horsefair, Padua – Tuttinfiera, Chioggia

4 days

Itinerary 17:

Veneto-Trentino - Jesolo, Bassano del Grappa, Marostica, Pieve di Cadore, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lake Misurina, San Candido

7 days

Itinerary 18:

Veneto-Friuli Venezia Giulia-Trentino - Padova, Redipuglia, Gorizia, Trieste, Castello di Miramare, Castello di Avio

4 days

Itinerary 19:

Veneto-Emilia Romagna - Montagnana, Este, Arquà Petrarca, Ferrara, Comacchio, Abbazia di Pomposa, Adria, Rosolina Mare

4 days

Itinerary 20:

Emilia Romagna - Bologna, Motorshow

2 days

Itinerary 21:

Tuscany - Montecatini , Pistoia

3 days

Itinerary 22:

Tuscany-Emilia Romagna - Firenze, Prato, Certaldo, Monteriggioni, Greve in Chianti, Bagno di Romagna, Brisighella

5 days

Itinerary 23:

Tuscany - Cecina, Punta Ala, Castiglione della Pescaia, Orbetello, Saturnia, Semproniano, Massa Marittima, Marina di Massa, Pontremoli

16 days

Itinerary 24:

Tuscany - San Silvestro mines, Campiglia Marittima, Orbetello, Feniglia, Saturnia, Populonia, Montenero

10 days

Itinerary 25:

Tuscany - San Gimignano, Volterra, Isola d’Elba

14 days

Itinerary 26:

Lombardy - Lake Iseo (Sebino), Franciacorta, Valle Camonica

4/6 days

Technical Information and Maintenance

Planning the departure

Useful links

Title: By camper with kids! - Volume 1

Subtitle: 26 travel itineraries in Italy, North and Center

Publication Manager: Laura Cretti

Book published by the author

The maps are from Google Maps©

Published in Italy

First publication: September 2024

ISBN: 9791222760568

© Copyright 2024 Laura Cretti

All rights reserved

Cover photo by Juice Flair

[email protected]

Graphic design and layout by

Mariafrancesca Capoderosa

Why I wrote this book

I was a lucky kid – my parents loved traveling and exploring new places. We went on holiday not only to the sea or mountains, but also to art cities, discovering the enormous wealth of history and culture which Italy offers. Thanks to our journeys I explored a host of destinations very different from the peaceful provincial life that our town on Lake Iseo offered.

My curiosity and desire to explore the world increased as the years went by. Soon, I realized how many wonderful surprises were within reach, how much we can discover and learn simply by leaving the comfortable and protective walls of home. What a lot of fun we had!

This wanderlust didn’t fade after I married Giuliano and my first daughter, Francesca, arrived. I was determined to continue traveling just like my parents had with me. So, Giuliano and I bought a camper - a symbol of freedom and endless opportunities! We could choose where to sleep at night and what to visit during the day. Fast forward two decades of unforgettable camper adventures, and we’ve explored every corner of Italy with our children, Francesca and David, by our side. This “traveling home” has been a witness to countless memories, the very best holidays.

Now, I want to share the magic of Italy telling you about some of our exciting campervan journeys.With its 53 UNESCO sites, Italy offers endless possibilities for family exploration. My mission is that this travel diary can be a valuable ally in choosing the best destinations for a camper vacation with children, whether it’s a quick weekend or a grand adventure. The itineraries are divided by geographical area: North, Central, and South-Central Italy.

Pro Tip: Before setting out on your journey, view your chosen itineraries on a map or online. This will help identify any challenging stretches and allow you to plot alternative routes if necessary.

About me

Everything began when, at the age of three, my parents took me camping in Lignano Sabbiadoro, in the province of Udine.

I think living in a tent is a beautiful adventure for children. In the pine forests of campsites, you can be in close contact with nature: the intense scent of maritime pines, the chirping of birds, the buzzing of cicadas, the chatter of campers in the background, the sea breeze. In short, life outdoors is a voyage of exploration. You are free to roam around on your bike, play with friends you just met, investigate the surroundings. Yes, I liked camping from the very beginning!

Once on the beach, I could do practically anything I wanted: play with a ball, with marbles, elastics, and long jump. All I needed was a little imagination and I could create whole new worlds with sand: castles, cakes, animals, spaceships. I had a great time making up the most extravagant stories.

One of the activities that children find most enjoyable is playing with water on the shore. Together with friends, I built castles with “schitolini,” as we called them, made up of drops of water and sand dripping from our fingers. The winner was the one who built the tallest ones. We all rolled around wet in the sand and had a war with wet sand balls! And in the end, we all went into the water to wash it off. We had so much fun!

Naturally, there were mishaps. One afternoon, when we were in a campsite, I went to the bathroom and when I came out, instead of taking the path I had come from, I headed in the opposite direction. Suddenly, I was lost! I started wandering around, hoping to catch sight of our tent, but the more I walked, the more confused and disoriented I became.

Other campers, seeing me walking all alone around the campsite, smiled at me, but I was getting more and more upset. I kept walking along those long avenues, unable to find my way back, until, in desperation, I started calling out “Mum! Mum!”.

Luckily, a German lady came towards me, took my hand and helped me look for my tent. She pointed right and left, saying “Mami? Mami?”. In the meantime, I was crying and kept calling for my mum.

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally found my family. My parents were happily playing cards with their friends oblivious of me! I let go of the lady’s hand and ran to my mum, crying desperately. The German lady tried to explain what had happened, repeating “Mami! Mami!” to make them understand that I had got lost. I remember what made me really angry was that my mum hadn’t even realized that her little girl had been missing for quite some time. As if nothing had happened, she laughed at the situation: “Ha, ha! You really went off in the wrong direction? Next time you’ll be more careful”. I was shocked, while she was laughing! However, I had been so afraid that I never got lost again after that!

A few years later, I discovered the pleasure of a vacation where fun is combined with the thrill of discovery. We went to Ravenna. Of course, there was the fun of being at the sea, but it was also the first time I was taken to visit some cultural treasures, and Ravenna was particularly awe-inspiring. A friend of my parents, Piera, came with us. She had studied art and was an expert about mosaics. Watching her work and listening to her passionate explanations was an enlightening experience for me. Sometimes she even tested us children. First, we had to choose a subject to draw, then we mixed the cement and spread it over as a base, finally we had to fit the “tiles” one by one, until we recreated the drawing. It was fantastic!

Piera, a lover of art history, whisked us away to explore Ravenna’s historical gems, such as the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and Dante’s tomb. As a complete art history novice, I was captivated by the brilliance of the dazzling mosaics.

That marked the beginning of my love for art. Today I can say with certainty that far from being boring pastimes, cultural experiences can spark children’s curiosity and ignite their imagination. By letting children experiment with manual techniques, especially artistic ones, we not only teach them valuable life lessons, but also empower them to express themselves creatively and build confidence in their abilities.

When I was nine, we visited Marina di Massa.This time we went to an apartment, part of a group of small villas surrounded by pine trees. I played with a ball in the crystal-clear sea, I competed with my sister and my cousins to see who could spot more sea urchins, then we all went to search for crabs on the rocks and collect the most beautiful shells. We glued them on cardboard to create decorations to hang all over the house.

In the afternoon we played cards in the shade of the pine trees, while our parents and grandparents napped. Our favorite games were the forty-card game and pinnacola. I can still feel that intense scent of the pine forest today.

Evenings were for the skating-rink, where we’d race each other at breakneck speed. I loved skating to the rhythm of the songs that were popular at the time: Umberto Tozzi’s “Gloria”, Pupo’s “Su di noi”, Alan Sorrenti’s “Tu sei l’unica donna per me”, Pooh’s “Io canterò per te”, Bee Gees’ “Tragedy”, and Rettore’s “Splendido splendente”. What fun!

Staying near great art cities offered my parents the perfect chance to share their wonders with us: Florence, with its grandiose cathedral, the baptistery, Michelangelo’s David statue, the Ducal Palace, the Ponte Vecchio with its sparkling jewelry shops; Pisa, with its Field of Miracles and the famous leaning tower (at the time, you could also climb to the top); Lucca, enclosed by ancient and majestic walls. I realized I was fascinated by monuments, churches, artisan shops, market colors, and foreign tourists. Yes, even a cultural visit can be exciting.

We also went to the Apuan Alps and visited the white marble quarries of Carrara. At the stalls near the quarries, we bought pendants or jars. I liked the marble work from the very beginning. I love all stones, actually. I still collect them from time to time, especially when they strike me as particularly beautiful. I have all kinds and colors: white, grey, black, yellow, green, brown, pink, shiny, mottled. Some are stored in special containers, labelled to indicate their origin, so every time I look at them, I remember where I found them: I close my eyes, and my good mood returns.

With Francesca toddling at two and David, another little adventurer, on the way, we purchased our first pre-loved camper. That’s why we chose the closest destinations. We left on Friday evening for Sottomarina di Chioggia, in the province of Venice, the nearest seaside resort for us. We listened to the radio, or I read stories to the children along the way, and the next day we woke up at the beach.

There are essential services such as showers and toilets in camper parking areas. No more worrying about what to wear or where to be next. Camping lets you set your own pace and dress for comfort. This is the type of freedom you experience in a camper: the freedom to choose whether to eat a packed lunch on the beach, under the camper tent or in a small restaurant. The freedom to move to another parking area at any time, just for the pleasure of discovering what it’s like there.

In Sottomarina, we often went to the Chinese take-away. We returned to the camper with delicious Cantonese rice and spring rolls, which we loved. Sometimes we went shopping at the well-stocked fish market in Chioggia. Our all-time favorite, despite the time it took to prepare, were the floured and fried sardine fillets – a true delicacy. Then tomatoes, salad, fruit and, last but not least, the famous almond cake, a typical delicacy of Chioggia.

We often moved around by bicycle, and sometimes the children fell asleep in their seats. Only later did I realize how dangerous it could have been. Later, Giuliano invented and built a small bike, connected to the larger one, so the kids were safe, attached to dad’s bike.

Speaking of mishaps, one Friday evening we were on the motorway. The children were sleeping in a bed in the dinette. Suddenly we heard a loud noise coming from the back, and the camper started vibrating and swerving. A tire had burst. Giuliano immediately slowed down and managed to keep the vehicle on the road until we reached a rest area. How scary! The children didn’t even notice. I can assure you that changing a camper tire at night on the motorway is no easy feat. Vehicles were speeding past us just a few meters away. The incident taught us that carrying out careful vehicle maintenance before leaving, and above all replacing tires according to manufacturer’s instructions, is fundamental. Since that experience, we have always used specific tires for campers.

So, every Friday, packing the camper and setting off become a habit - a chance to leave routines, work and worries behind and embrace adventure.

I hope these itineraries will transmit some of that joy.

Traveling in a camper with newborns and children

Contrary to popular belief, traveling with newborns doesn’t have to mean putting your adventures on hold. The beauty of a camper lies in its ability to keep your family together, allowing you to explore new places while cherishing those precious moments with your newest member.

David’s birth did not limit my freedom or desire for traveling at all. While I comfortably breastfed David in the camper, Francesca and her father played or did outdoor activities. I could relax and they could go on with their lives. In a way, being in a camper reduced my anxiety, rather than increasing it. Once the baby was settled in his carrier, we too joined in on excursions and visits.

I confess that continuing to visit places during that time was important to me. The birth of David did not limit my freedom at all. That’s why buying the camper made me happy. Being able to travel even with a newborn made me even more joyful. Every time I went on a trip with my family, it was a delight.

A camper vacation is fantastic because it offers the family a level of intimacy that hotel stays do not allow. I realized this when, during a road trip, we stopped to sleep in a hotel. Francesca was five years old and was used to drinking milk before bedtime. I asked the reception if we could have a cup, but the waiter told me that the bar service was closed at that time. So, we had to put up with her complaining until she fell asleep exhausted. In other circumstances, during short hotel vacations, children would throw tantrums waiting for the restaurant meal, or they would not feel well, and that resulted in a big fuss. It is normal after all, it happens to all parents. But, after that, I preferred to travel by camper and feel more independent. A camper lets you keep your routine and have everything you need handy, which is not a trivial matter when you are on the move. It is also cheaper than a hotel vacation for the whole family. And in case of emergencies, such as illness or a simple flu, which with babies and young children is certainly not a remote possibility, you can always turn around and go back home.

Another example: when the kids take a nap is the perfect time to get back on the road and continue your journey in complete tranquility. You just have to be a little flexible on stops and breaks, so that when the kids start to get restless, you can stop in a park or rest area and let them run around freely. This will help them release the energy accumulated during the trip.

Of course, safety is essential, especially with very young children. It is important to carefully check that no object in the vehicle can fall when a sudden turn or abrupt stop is necessary, or in the unfortunate event of an accident.

The children’s car seats must be appropriate for their age, and it is up to the parents to know how to install it properly. It must be securely fastened and secured to the seat. Just as for adults, it is important for children to always remain seated and with their seat belt fastened when the vehicle is moving.

It’s a good idea not to choose destinations that are too far away, to ensure the immediate availability of all essential services: most of the time an adult can wait, a child probably cannot. For the same reason, it is better to stay close to populated areas: for example, a pharmacy open or an emergency medical service may be needed when you least expect it.

There is really no reason to feel confined to home when there is a new arrival in the family, especially if there are older siblings who can stay at home if they prefer. Camper trips stimulate children’s curiosity because there are always new things to see! In a camper, even just two free days are enough to discover a new world!

Italy Itineraries – The North and the Centre

Itinerary 1:

Valle d’Aosta - Aosta

2 days

Ah, spring!

To celebrate the return of the sun and finally warm air, we head straight to Aosta, a stone’s throw from the Gran Paradiso National Park. The parking area for campers is very close to the center, in Via Caduti del Lavoro to be precise, right at the corner with Corso Garibaldi.

There is great commotion for the organization of the Alpine Corps Festival, an event that takes place every year in a different city.

For lively campers like us, a festive atmosphere represents an unmissable opportunity to visit one of our beautiful Italian cities.

Aosta is a city rich in historical sites, testifying to its Romanesque past. The Roman Empire has left traces of its grand domination far and wide. Even here, in fact, the vestiges of that time are numerous. Will we be able to visit them all?

Aosta, Roman Theatre – Picture by Following Hadrian, Foter.com

It is sunny and the streets are crowded. Everywhere we see friendly visitors and locals: companions, friends and relatives, sympathizers, tourists and campers like us. And, of course, the Alpini.

It is sunny and the streets are crowded. Everywhere we see friendly visitors and locals: companions, friends and relatives, sympathizers, tourists and campers like us. And, of course, the Alpini.

We visit the Arch of Augustus, the Porta Pretoria and the Roman Theater. A real leap back in time! When I look closely at these mighty buildings, I always have to make a little imaginative effort to focus on the fact that they were built with bare hands, stone by stone. Sure, at that time labor was free and unlimited, but that doesn’t detract from the charm of human ingenuity. And even that of elbow grease!

I glance at the children: everything is in order, they are playing chase on the wide steps. Then they inevitably identify the playground, and, like lightning bolts, they run to hang on the rings. Two Alpini passing by, amused to see them dangling like monkeys, offer them their hats and I take the opportunity to take a funny souvenir photo.

After leaving a little sweat and calories at the playground, we reach the Torre del Lebbroso. Walking on the vertiginous and spectacular walls that delimit the splendid historic city is exhilarating.

We then return to immerse ourselves in the streets of the center. We cross several small groups of people with different accents, among which we recognize the Friulian, Emilian, Piedmontese, and Lombard accents, and a multitude of southern dialects, one more festive than the other. How I love this diversity!

We take the opportunity to chat with some of them, even just out of curiosity to discover where in Italy they come from. Such a large turnout should not be surprising: many people gather in Italy on this occasion every year.

From time to time, we hear a musical instrument, now from an alleyway, now from a corner, and in the meantime, the smell of sausages cooking on the barbecue does not give us a break. It’s worse than the torment of Tantalus! Our expert noses clearly distinguish the smell of the best accompaniment for sausages: red wine. Well, it’s time to give in! Our jaws are immediately at work, while someone around us intones typical mountain patriotic songs.

Between a mad dash, a song, and children’s games, the day flies by quickly.

The next day, like every Sunday, we go to church. This allows us to admire the city’s cathedral, today animated by the choir and musical instruments. Seeing the church crowded puts us in a good mood.

Outside the church, a group of Alpini has set up a fun attraction: they have brought an authentic army motorbike and made it available to all children, who, of course, go wild instantly.

It’s already afternoon. We will admire the parade of the Alpini Corps and then we will head home. They are numerous and come from all regions of Italy. I confess that for us, it is always a great emotion to see these national events to the sound of fanfare.

It was nice to visit Aosta on a festive day, but we will have to come back another time to enjoy it in peace and fully appreciate all its attractions. With its majestic mountains and natural beauties, Valle d’Aosta is the ideal place for holidays immersed in nature, in all seasons.

You can practice many sports with children, from cross-country skiing to downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, mountain biking, rafting in the cool waters of the Dora Baltea, trekking on well-marked paths between mountain passes and alpine lakes. There are fantastic adventure parks, rock climbing routes like the Ferrata Harry Potter in Gressoney-La-Trinité, horseback riding trails, mines to visit, fairy-tale castles. In short, healthy outdoor fun for the whole family. It is possible, for example, to reach Chamois, the fascinating and unique Italian village where there are no cars. The official tourism website of Valle d’Aosta describes these and many other exciting proposals for a few days of fun in this splendid region: https://pre-gestwwwresp.lovevda.it/en/children-holidays

Tetti di Aosta - Foto di Claudio Paradisi.

Aosta - Foto di Roberto_m.

Aosta - Foto di Sergio Cerrato da Pixabay.

Itinerary 2:

Piedmont - Torino

2 days

This new itinerary takes place in Turin, where the celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the proclamation of the Unity of Italy is taking place. We settle in Corso Monte Lungo 33, where there is a free parking for campers. It is very convenient, especially because it is close to the center and public transportation.