From Corinaldo : My Road Trip from Italy to the UK
Leaving my home in Corinaldo, Le Marche, for the UK is never just a point-to-point dash. It’s a journey through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes, crossing five countries in just a few days. This blog supports my recent video where I show my journey through the Italian Dolomites, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands before sailing across the North Sea to Hull.
The total distance was around 1,900 km (1,180 miles), a mix of motorway sprints, winding alpine roads, and urban cycling detours. Here’s how it unfolded.
Leg 1: Corinaldo to the Gardena Pass, Italian Dolomites
Distance: ~480 km
Driving time: 6–7 hours with stops
Altitude: 2,121 m (6,959 ft)
Leaving the rolling hills of Le Marche, the first part of the drive took me north along the Adriatic coast on the A14 before cutting inland near Bologna to join the A22 Brenner Motorway.
The flat agricultural plains between Bologna and Verona are easy driving. The magic begins after Verona where the motorway starts climbing and the jagged peaks of the Dolomites appear. By the time I reached the Gardena Pass, the temperature had dropped from 35°C in Corinaldo to a cool 14°C.
This high-altitude road is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s most scenic drives. It’s a mix of tight switchbacks, sweeping curves, and cyclists descending faster than the cars. It’s also a road best driven in daylight — the scale of the mountains is worth seeing in full.
Leg 2: Gardena Pass to Lake Braies
Distance: ~60 km
Driving time: 1.5–2 hours
From the Gardena Pass, I wound my way northeast to Lake Braies (Lago di Braies), a turquoise glacial lake at 1,496 m above sea level. The late-day timing was perfect — the tour buses were gone, the car park almost empty.
Rather than find a hotel, I camped in the car. With an air mattress, sleeping bag, and my bike beside me, it was surprisingly comfortable. The reward was waking at 5:30 am to find the lake completely still, its surface reflecting the mountains in perfect mirror-image silence.
Leg 3: Lake Braies to Kitzbühel, Austria
Distance: ~130 km
Driving time: 2–3 hours
Crossing into Austria, I took mountain roads via Lienz into the Tyrol region. The destination was Kitzbühel, a ski town famous for the Hahnenkamm downhill race.
Unfortunately, the weather turned — heavy rain, low cloud, and slick cobbles. After a coffee and a quick walk, I checked the forecast. It was poor for days ahead, so I decided to push further north.
Leg 4: Kitzbühel to Nuremberg, Germany
Distance: ~400 km
Driving time: 5–6 hours
Leaving Austria, I crossed the border into Germany, bypassed Munich, and headed for Nuremberg.
It’s a city with deep historical significance, but also charm in its medieval old town. I explored the cobbled streets imagining the Christmas markets that would fill them in winter. Nuremberg is a perfect halfway stop for drivers — big enough for good accommodation and food, small enough to see in an afternoon.
Leg 5: Nuremberg to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Distance: ~680 km
Driving time: 7–8 hours
The next morning, I drove across Germany and into the Netherlands, parking outside Amsterdam. This was a national holiday, meaning free parking — ideal for my plan to cycle into the city on my folding pedal-assist bike.
Cycling Amsterdam is an experience in itself. The bike lanes are wide, the traffic respectful, and the scenery endlessly interesting. I pedalled over bridges, alongside canals, and through bustling squares. If you’re driving here, parking on the outskirts and cycling in is the best way to avoid city-centre stress.
Leg 6: Amsterdam to Europort Ferry Terminal
Distance: ~80 km
Driving time: 1–1.5 hours
From Amsterdam, it was a short hop to Europort, near Rotterdam, to board the overnight ferry to Hull. My cabin was basic but clean — bed, shower, just enough room to move around.
The ferry isn’t glamorous, but it’s efficient. You sleep while covering over 300 km across the North Sea.
Toll Roads and Costs
One of the practical details to plan for is tolls, which vary by country:
Italy: Pay-as-you-go toll booths. Take a ticket on entry, pay on exit. Le Marche to the Dolomites cost around €20–€25.
Austria: Requires a vignette (toll sticker). A 10-day pass is €9.60.
Germany: Free motorways for private cars — no tolls at all.
Netherlands: Mostly toll-free, with small charges for some tunnels or bridges.
Switzerland (not on this trip, but worth noting): Annual vignette only.
The ferry from Europort to Hull was the largest single expense, ranging from €150–€450 if you travel in peak season. Check prices well in advance.
Route Overview from Corinaldo
Corinaldo → Bologna → Verona → Gardena Pass (~480 km)
Gardena Pass → Lake Braies (~60 km)
Lake Braies → Kitzbühel (~130 km)
Kitzbühel → Nuremberg (~400 km)
Nuremberg → Amsterdam (~680 km)
Amsterdam → Europort Ferry → Hull (~80 km + overnight ferry)
Hull → Greater Manchester (~160 km)
Reflections
Starting from Corinaldo makes the journey even more varied — from the olive-dotted hills of Le Marche to the sheer limestone walls of the Dolomites in a single day.
It’s not just a way to get from A to B; it’s a rolling postcard of Europe’s landscapes and cultures. If you have the time, break it up with overnights and side trips — it all adds to the adventure
Safe travels - Richard.
