From Lake Constance to Lake Garda: relax as you travel across the Alps in the Malibu relax.
What really remains of a road trip in the end is rarely the number of kilometres travelled. It is the special places, the encounters along the way and the experiences that you will remember for a long time to come. For this road trip, our partner Nomady set off from Vorarlberg, travelling through South Tyrol to the wine regions of northern Italy.
Set against a backdrop of stunning mountain panoramas, sprawling orchards, sun-drenched vineyards and historic villages, each stop had its own unique character. This not only created lovely memories, but also gave rise to many personal stories and encounters. The best thing about it is that you can follow the entire route, but individual stages are just as suitable for a short break.
Overview of the journey
Travel period: 5 stages
Vehicle: Malibu relax 640 LE R
Pitches and campsites:
- Latangerhüsli at 1,020 m, Montafon
- Apfelwiese Campsite, South Tyrol
- Corte Odorico Wine Experience, Valpolicella
- Painting a Lake View in the Countryside, Lake Maggiore
- The Walser settlement of Sankt Martin, Calfeisental
A home on wheels.
Before the journey really began, the companion for the days ahead was already waiting: a Malibu relax. Particularly on a route featuring mountain passes, compact villages and narrow tunnels, the compact vehicle proved to be the ideal travel companion.
The Malibu relax offers everything you need for a relaxing journey. After an eventful day, it quickly became a cosy place to retreat to. Set out your camping chairs, enjoy a glass of local wine and let your gaze wander over the countryside. It’s moments like these that make travelling in a camper van so special.
Stage 1: Mountain idyll in the Montafon.
As we could only spend one day in Geneva, we began our stay right on Lake Geneva and relaxed there first – thanks to the ideal location of our campsite, TCS Camping Genève. Thanks to the bus stop just five minutes away, we were able to get to the city centre quickly and take a short stroll through the city.
Fontvieille
The best croissants and baguettes of the trip were waiting for us in this charming little provincial town – we highly recommend this bakery. Our Huttopia Fontvieille campsite impressed us with its quiet, wooded setting and was the perfect place to unwind.
Hyères
Unexpectedly, we came across a special event here: the Semaine Olympique Française, one of the most important sailing regattas in the world, where top Olympic teams compete against one another. We were even able to meet some of the participants at the campsite whilst they were getting ready.
Hyères was a real highlight: wild flamingos, countless windsurfers, excellent food, the idyllic Giens peninsula and a day trip by bike to the island of Porquerolles made this place an unforgettable experience.
Stage 2: Through apple orchards and vineyards in South Tyrol.
The campsite is situated in the heart of a family-run farm where fruit and wine have been grown for generations. Lukas spent a lot of time with us, guided us through a small but excellent wine tasting and told us about the region’s special features. He is particularly proud of his farm’s own produce, which leaves a lasting impression on many guests. A real highlight was the historic cellar, which was built directly into the rock. The conditions here are ideal for storing wine and regional specialities. We rounded off the evening in a relaxed atmosphere beneath the starry sky of South Tyrol.
Stage 3: La dolce vita in Valpolicella.
The third leg of the journey takes us to the vineyards of Valpolicella. Even the journey there has a charm all of its own. Passing small villages, colourful house facades and tall poplars, the route winds through a gently rolling landscape until a driveway lined with vines leads directly to the vineyard. Once there, the impressive main house, built of natural stone, immediately catches the eye. The story behind it stretches back several generations: the stones used to build the former wine cellar were once gathered from the ruins in the surrounding area and continue to define the character of the estate to this day.
Malvina, the hostess, returned to her home country during the pandemic after spending several years in France and took over the family winery. The fact that she now welcomes guests onto her property has a very personal reason behind it. Before she took over the property, she lived in her camper van on the site for a while, so she knows what it’s like to travel on four wheels from personal experience.
Of course, a lot of it here revolves around wine. During a tasting session, we’ll sample regional specialities such as cheese and salami, as well as various wines from the vineyard. Particularly fascinating is the story of a Ripasso, which Malvina playfully refers to as her ‘Robin Hood wine’. The story behind it goes back a long way: in the past, the already dried Amarone grapes were used a second time to produce a simpler wine. Those who couldn’t afford an Amarone were nevertheless able to enjoy a wine with a similar character.
The next morning, Valpolicella once again shows itself at its best. Together with Malvina, we’ll set off in her lovingly maintained vintage Fiat to explore the surrounding villages and vineyards. From a vantage point, the view stretches far across the rolling countryside and the vineyard. The tranquillity of summer is accompanied only by a sound that is ever-present in this region: the loud chirping of the cicadas.
Stage 4: A place straight out of a painting.
From the vineyards of northern Italy, we continued on to Lake Maggiore. In the evening, we reach Lake Maggiore, passing through small villages and winding alleys. Although our hosts, Simone and Nina, are unable to welcome us in person, they have left a video message. It really doesn’t need much more than that, as the pitch speaks for itself from the very first moment. The name ‘Painting Lake View’ is no coincidence. Even in the past, the unique views drew painters to the region, who captured the impressive cloud formations over the mountains here. Today we are enjoying the same view. Whilst horses graze beside the property, in the evening countless fireflies create a very special atmosphere. It doesn’t take long for the two farm dogs, Claudio and Pipa, to turn up and give us a warm welcome.
Nina has known this place all her life. She grew up in the area and took riding lessons at this very farm when she was a child. Nowadays, she teaches herself and shares her enthusiasm for nature with others. Together with Simone, she is particularly keen to show children where food actually comes from. The farm grows its own vegetables, herbs and other produce, as well as eggs from its own hens.
When we ask what makes for the perfect start to the day, the answer comes without a moment’s hesitation: waking up at sunrise, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, having breakfast and then going for a swim in the lake. Then, in the evening, round off the day in a relaxed manner with a cool drink. That’s really all it takes. To make it as easy as possible for guests to explore the region, Simone has put together her own Google Map featuring her personal highlights. The viewpoint overlooking the region is particularly worth a visit. From there, there is a stunning view of the seven lakes in the surrounding area and the islands off Stresa.
Stage 5: A special finale in the Calfeisen Valley.
The final leg of the journey promises to be another thrilling one. Ahead of us lie a height restriction of 2.60 metres (with the vehicle height at 2.59 metres), a dam with a single-lane passage and several tunnels cut into the rock. Centimetre by centimetre, we feel our way forward. But when the view of the valley opens up at the end of the tunnel, the tension is quickly forgotten.
In the evening, a path lined with fairy lights leads past wooden saunas and a small swimming pond with a waterwheel to the Walser settlement of Sankt Martin. The five historic houses have largely retained their original exterior appearance and have been lovingly restored inside. The unique atmosphere feels almost as if it were from another world. On the terrace of the mountain inn, we are warmly welcomed by the host and enjoy the tranquillity of the valley.
After breakfast featuring local cheese and fresh sourdough bread baked in a wood-fired oven, we take part in a guided tour of the settlement, which is around 700 years old. Situated right on the shores of the Gigerwald Reservoir and surrounded by the Sardona Tectonic Arena, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Sankt Martin provides a stunning finale to our journey. Incidentally, we’re told that the thickest spruce in Europe stands in the same valley.
Five stops, lots of memories.
At the end of this journey, it is not the kilometres travelled that remain in one’s memory. It’s the encounters with people who are passionate about sharing their home region, the special places along the route, and the many little stories you come across along the way. From the mountain panoramas of the Montafon to the apple orchards of South Tyrol, the vineyards of the Valpolicella region and the historic Walser settlement in the Calfeis Valley, each stage had its own unique character.
The great thing about this route is that you don’t have to cycle it all in one go. Whether it’s a single stop or a complete road trip, every stage offers unique experiences and invites you to discover the regions in your own way. For us, that is precisely what makes camping so appealing: setting off on the spur of the moment, discovering new places and creating memories that will last long after the trip is over.
Looking for even more inspiration for your next trip? On Nomady, you’ll find more road trips, campsite reviews and inspiration for your travels.
