Zürich to Pontevico

Our one-week North Italy trip kicked off today with a masterclass in patience. The Gotthard North portal greeted us with a 5-km 'standstill-experiment' and the typical drip-feed traffic regulation. Sitting in the red Hilux, I had plenty of time to contemplate Galileo’s 'Eppur si muove'—though, at that speed, even a glacier would have overtaken us.

​Once through the tunnel, we encountered a rare economic phenomenon on the highway in Airolo: a Red Bull for 4.90 CHF. The price was so scandalous that the cans in the cooler were actually sweating from pure embarrassment.
​A highlights of the transit was our stop at the 'Stehbar' in Coldrerio. We transformed the Hilux's tailgate into a high-end standing bistro, where we enjoyed the sun and some snacks.

​We reached our base for the next three nights: Hotel Al Veliero in Pontevico. It’s a solid 3-star spot with a very friendly receptionist and a great restaurant. From here, we’ll launch day trips to Parma and Cremona. The real journey begins now!

The final evidence for the day: Hotel Al Veliero's restaurant is a local stronghold. The place was packed with Italians—always the most reliable KPI for food quality.
​After the Red Bull trauma in Airolo, the pricing here felt like a gift from the heavens. A bottle of Prosecco Brut for just 17 Euro? At that price, the bubbles don't just sparkle; they celebrate. The Branzino was exceptional, and the bill was a refreshing reminder that honest prices still exist. It's safe to say the Hilux can stay parked tonight—we’ve found our base camp.Read more