Super Tuscans Tour 2014.
   
   
 

Picture Gallery 2.    The Tour.
   
   
   
  Part 2.   The Italian Lakes.

We drove from Tuscany to Lombardy and on to the Italian Lakes.    Initially we took to the backroads as we drove part of the old Mille Miglia course,  then onto faster roads and motorways past Modena,  Parma and Cremona and on to Lake Iseo for two nights.

  
     
     
  Day  4.    The Mille Miglia route to Brescia and on to Lake Iseo.

220 miles.    Staying at I Due Roccoli      http://www.idueroccoli.com/en

 
                               
                               
 
  We were heading for the Italian Lakes but, first, a "must do" experience.   Our destination was just a little North of Brescia and Brescia means only one thing  -  The Mille Miglia.    We left Borgo San Lorenzo and immediately plunged into a section of the Mille Miglia course, initially taking the Futa Pass,  followed soon after by the Raticosa Pass.     Here is a typical view from the top of the Passa Della Raticosa.    The roads and scenery reminded us very much of the lower approach to Mont Ventoux in Provence.  

The Mille Miglia course was fun,  not demanding,  and could have been taken very fast.    In its day I imagine it was great to compete on those roads.    Lots of tight hairpins, not too much of a climb, a few picturesque villages  and some wonderful views.    Our farewell to Tuscany.

A good feeling to think that Moss and Jenkinson, and so many others, had done the same.    We did about 40 miles of their circuit  -  they had done 1000!
   
       
  Thirsty work the Mille Miglia and it was time for coffee.     We strayed off course slightly, into Loiano and were rewarded Italian style.    Coffee comes with a mandatory glass of water and cakes.    Then on to Brescia.
   
 

 

A very hot Blue Beauty at the end of a good run to Brescia outside the Mille Miglia Museum.
   
  The Museum is comprised entirely of cars that competed in past Mille Miglia, loaned by their current owners.     The collection continually changes and there were some fine machines among them when we visited.   Here are just a few.
 
  A Moretti 750 Sport and a Healey Silverstone.
   
 
  A nicely detailed Lancia B24 Spyder.
 
  My boyhood dream car  -  the Lancia B24B Spyder America.
 
  An immaculate example of this very rare model.
   
  ..................... and some other fine cars too.
 
 
 
   
   
  Then, it was only a short run to the wonderful I due Roccoli for two nights.   
   
 
  On arrival,  we were immediately offered a welcome champagne on the terrace.   The whole gang were there.
   
 
  Photo-bombing en-masse!
   
 
  The word went round  -  "you should see the view from the restaurant"      So we did!
   
 
  By the time we sat down to dine the lights were going on all around the lake.     Very romantic.
   
 
  Getting to know each other.    The first time we had all sat at one large table.
 
  The end of an exciting day.
   
   
  Day  5.    A rest day on Lake Iseo.

 
   
 
  Heading toward the larger island of fffff  
   
 
  Beautiful.
   
 
  So tranquil in late September.    Notice the tiny island to the right.    We made straight for it.
   
 
  One of many churches,  this time just on the edge of the village.
   
 
  Home to "a very important family".
   
 
  A classic Italian Lakes island home.    So like Como.
   
 
  Then back towards the larger island where we started out.
   
 
  Tucked away on the headland, another church  -  there are little churches everywhere.
   
 
  Another small island  -  owned by the Baretta family,  makers of the famous hand gun favoured by 007.
   
 
  The moorings at the rear.   We never could quite see the front.
   
 
  Only exceptional wealth can provide this degree of privacy.
   
 
  It would have to be a Riva in there!
   
 
  Now back to land for a group lunch at a little place Thomas recommended.
   
 
  The sienna colourwash of Tuscany has given way to shades of pale stone and lobster.
   
 
  Waiting for a boat to take us round the headland to our lunchtime restaurant.
   
 
  Seemed like a good idea whilst we waited for that boat.
   
 
  Joni really loved this lazy day on the lake.
   
 
  Then, off by boat again to find our lakeside restaurant.  
   
 
  A really memorable meal together with much fun and laughter.     Everything but the pasta came from the lake!
   
    
  A reflective Derek  -  usually he would have us in fits of laughter.     So too would Ed but he took his Red wine seriously.
   
 
  Then back on board for the return trip to I due Roccoli and a wine-tasting supper.
   
 
  Farewell!   Our last view of the lakes before tomorrows assault on the Alps.
   
 
  The first time all the cars had come together.    Some had been washed specially for the occasion.
   
   
 

Tuscany.          The Italian Lakes.          The Alps.            Back into France.