Day 15 & 16 Tunnels, Lichenstein and Heartstopping Alpine passes We left Innsbruck with weather still gloomy but had our first taste of the long monotonous alpine tunnels- I’ll never complain about the Blackwall tunnel again. We made an overnight stop in Lichenstein one of the smallest countries in the world. Its main claim to fame is its the largest producers of dentures in the world and has a dubious reputation as a tax evaders haven. As the Royals sometimes ski there, we thought it might be interesting to go to. Also thinking it might be a bit like Monaco - smart wealthy and stylish. We were disappointed. The only thing that was interesting was the old castle on the hill, in which the ruling prince resides and rules with a rod of Iron. Think of ... read more

Day 12 & 13 Hahnenkamm, Rain, Snow and the road to Innsbruck ‘The Hahnenkamm’ Mention that to any downhill skiing fan and they will instantly know it is one of the fastest, most terrifying courses on the skiing world cup circuit. I’ve (k) wanted to walk down it for some time. It seemed when we woke up that it wasn’t going to be. We had consistent rain for over 20 hours and even when we drove towards Kitzbuhel the town nearest to the Hahnenkamm, the cloud was low. As with the scenic road, the Sun came out. So we thought we go for it, but...the cable car wasn’t going to be operating until June. We thought we would go UP instead, boy was it steep, but managed about 95% of it until the threat of further ... read more

Day 9 Salzburg and ‘The Sound of Music’ Up early and drove into Salzburg to indulge Kim’s guilty pleasure , the love of his life Julie Andrews and the Sound of Music. We wandered around the pretty old town and saw where Mozart was born, and the Mirabell Gardens where they shot the scene for the ‘Do Re Mi’ song. Took the coach trip to the other Sound of Music scene places, with many other (sad) people. Had a very good Austrian /American guide who put a lot of dry humour to the trip, which I think may have been lost on the Korean’s! .Visited a beautiful church in Mondsee, where Julie married Christopher Plumber in the film. Then of course sampled yet another apple strudel! Back in Salzburg we were in the Bongo and off ... read more

Day 5 Fussen and Castle Neichwenstein This was an amazing visit to the Castle that was built by King Ludwig II and was used in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and was the inspiration for the Castle on the logo for Walt Disney films. It was built around the 1880’s and took 17 years to build. The King only lived there for 172 days before he died in suspicious circumstances! We had a tour by a guide. which I think you might agree if you were with us, must have lived too long in one of the remote areas in the top of the castle. Walked over the Marionbrucke which offers a great view of the castle - not great if you hate heights Walked round the quaint town of Fussen. ... read more

Day 3 Paris to Belfort France Had a lovely drive from Paris to Belfort which is not far from the German border. Slept in bongo for first time on this trip, realise that we have too much stuff and not enough storage! ... read more