A Truly Amazing Trip.
Well, for many of you newly qualified drivers out there, admittedly, it may not be the first destination that springs to mind, however, that said, there are newly qualified drivers of all ages, therefore, I hope to inspire all generations and perhaps if it is not already on your list of things to do then it may very well get added.
So, the destination in mind, let’s hit the road, Jack but first are we taking our own car because if so, where do we start? Well, we have two choices ……. either ferry or Eurotunnel, however, having been on a ferry (I don’t wish to put you off), it sure is not for me. The next question to answer is where do we wish to travel to? Perhaps France then on to Belgium and into Italy? Ummm sounds good to me! So if you’re with me so far, we hope, at let’s say Dover and enjoying the short journey to France, so far so good but looking into this it now leaves us with a whole lot of driving to do and do and do.
So, hey bright idea moment, why not take the Eurostar train from London, St Pancras to Paris and then a high-speed train to Naples and then let’s hire a car! Now let’s think a moment. What car shall we hire? ……. a classic modern car, a sports car perhaps or let’s go the whole hog and hire a classic car, let’s say an Alfa Romeo. Well, we are in Italy after all and traveling in style!
Now we’re motoring ……. the unmistakable roar as we move up the gearbox, the smell of leather, the open road, sea view, cliff-edge roads – you are in Italy driving the Amalfi coast, one of the most famous coastal roads ever and used extensively in endless movies, a few of which spring to mind:
The movie, ‘A Good Woman’ and a 2004 remake of Oscar Wilde’s ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’ is a gem for lovers of the Amalfi coast. Starring Helen Hunt, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Wilkinson, this movie is set in the 1930s on the Amalfi coast. With scenes filmed in Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello and other spots on the Amalfi coast, the setting is an enchanting backdrop to Wilde’s satirical commentary on the strength of love and the virtues of marriage. If you’re looking for pure romance and a movie escape to Italy, then you’ll love ‘Only You,’ the 1994 film featuring Robert Downey Jr and Marisa Tomei. After a beautiful swirl through Venice, Rome, and Tuscany, Amalfi coast lovers will swoon at the scenes filmed in ‘Positano.’ The Hotel Le Sirenuse is the setting for the pool and hotel scenes and ‘Positano’ lovers will enjoy the views and scenes filmed in town.
Okay, you get the message. I could go on and on listing and listing but it would make for a very long read.
Well, I don’t know about you but all this driving has made me very hungry and what better place could there ever be to stop for food than the Amalfi coast. You probably don’t need me to tell you that you will certainly be spoilt for choice with beautiful scenery, fantastic weather, and exceptionally good simple food. Is there anything missing? Presumably, you have a companion or two with you on this remarkable trip to go with the wonderful backdrop, weather, food, and the piece de la resistance. Yes, you’ve guessed it, to add to all this splendor, it just wouldn’t be complete without a perfectly balanced glass or two of your favorite wine before you head back on the road.
Naturally, more driving may require another pit stop as the daylight fades and beautiful dusk arrives bringing with it stunning sunsets leading us nicely to the end of today’s journey. Now for a clifftop restaurant, park up and do what the Italians do best ……. eat, drink, and be merry late into the night.