Eastwards into the Alps

We left Switzerland and entered France. Mont Blanc, the highest mountain of the Alps and EU, wrapped in clouds was dominating the scenery.

Temperatures were beyond 20C and we thought a picnic was in order (It's something we do regularly whenever in France...), so we 'raided' a Super U to obtain the necessary raw materials.

As we came closer to the mountain range the sky got cloudier by the minute, so we took the 'shortcut'.

The Mont Blanc Tunnel. Seven years of construction time, more than 11km (7.2 mls) long. The transit fee costs a fortune (EUR 40.90 one way), but saves several hours of detour.

On the Italian side... it was warm but got increasingly cloudy. We stopped a few times along the highway to capture the sights. So much to see, so little time.

And then it happened. Heaven opened its floodgates, and prevented further travel at highway speed. We had to reduce to 50 or 60 km/h to cope with the lack of sight and road conditions.

But after the next mountain range, the rain stopped as sudden as it came. We rewarded ourselves with a lake view at today's end destination, Hotel Carillon in Feriolo di Baveno right on Lago Maggiore.

And when in Italy, we did as the Italians do: We had dinner in the little Osteria where locals gather.

The food was simple, the wine fresh and the coffee excellent. Another great day on this planet came to an end.

We walked off food and wine (not much though) by strolling along the lake, and dipping our feet in the warmish water. You could actually take a swim in the waters.

Ah, Bella Italia!

 It doesn't get better than this!

The next day after breakfeast we followed the road along Lago Maggiore, and soon crossed the Swiss border once again.

 Ciao, Italia!

And the journey will continue through Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria.