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EUROPE & UK 2024
  • Marnie Tiggemann
  • Marnie Tiggemann

EUROPE & UK 2024

Follow us on our epic journey. A once in a lifetime adventure 30 years in the making. Read more
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  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 52: San Marino to Florence

    June 5, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Had a small pilgrimage up to where St Marinus escaped persecution and inadvertently started San Marino. Hunted down the Kobra original mural. Lunch at an awesome place as we entered Italy again. Bloody windy drive over the mountains. Stopped at a few towns along the way for rest. At our parking spot found an awesome bar 10 metres away. Great chicken wings.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 53: Florence

    June 5, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Spent close to 7 hours at the Uffizi gallery. Rembrandt, Michelangelo, da Vinci. We were exhausted! But pushing on we climbed 466 steps to the top of the Santa Maria bell tower! Great views over Florence. Already planned another big day for tomorrow. So much to see here.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler
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    Day 54: Florence to Pistoia

    June 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Another huge day. Market by the place where we parked the van. Bus to Palazzo Pitti. Amazing to see the palace and artwork opulence. Adjoining Biboli gardens. Feet already aching by now. Walked back to Cathedral Santa Maria and visited the Baptistry and the Museum. The crypt had already closed. Back to the outdoor bar near the van for chicken wings and beer before deciding to push on. Driving out of Florence at night was horrific but made it to Pistoia.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 55: Pistoia to Marina di Pisa

    June 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    After a busy few days I was keen for a break. Lazy start followed by a beautiful wine tasting at Tenuto del Buonamico in Montecarlo, Tuscany. The view was spectacular with some different wine blends. The bubbles were terrific. Suffice to say Grah took over the driving. We parked at Marina di Pisa where it says Calambrone is a free public beach. I had a swim where the Arno meets the Ligurian sea. We watched the sunset and decided to sleep here.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 56: Marina di Pisa to Turro

    June 8, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Hot muggy windy old day today. After laundry we visited the town of Pisa and a semi famous leaning tower. We spent some time there but was in no mood to climb anything!! Stopped in Parma to walk through the gardens and again in Piacenza for tea at a lovely bar. Stumbled across a festival but was toooooo long a wait for tickets to then get a drink so we bailed to our camp spot.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 57: Turro to Lake Como

    June 9, 2024 in Italy ⋅ 🌩️ 19 °C

    Market on the way to the train. Cheapest one yet. Caught a train into Milan. People everywhere. The Duomo was magnificent as was the arch of peace and the castle gardens. Tried to get to the lookout spot above Como but got caught in some tight spaces. Including having to put both mirrors in to get past buildings either side. Settled on watching the lightning show over Lake Como instead.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 58: Lake Como

    June 10, 2024 in Italy ⋅ 🌩️ 22 °C

    What. A. Day. We walked from our spot a few kms along the edge of Lake Como taking in the wonder, the oppulance, the lives of the rich and famous. We caught the Furnicular up to Brunate. Walked a few more kms UP before collapsing at a wonderful restaurant. I haven’t expanded on food much but grah had gnocchi with wild boar sauce and I had speck and Brie stuffed gnocchi with walnut sauce. Soooo good. Then we walked the last stretch up to the lighthouse. The highest point. Back down the furnicular to beers, spritzes and perch risotto before finding a spot for the night.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 59: Lake Como to Lugarno

    June 11, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Thanks to the kids we visited Villa del Balbianello. This is where scenes from Star Wars ep 2 were filmed. Magnificent setting. Walked the lower level of Lenno and had a quick dip in Lake Como. Ate Chinese cos sick of Italian food. Met aussies Scott and Tanya from Ballarat and Zac from QLD. When the rain hit lunch turned into an all in Aussie drinking session. At 7 when the rain settled we hoofed it to Lugano Switzerland.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 60: Lugarno to Stansstad

    June 12, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Decided not to go into Lugarno so hit the road to Lucerne. The freeways bore us so popped off to a town called Biasca and discovered a waterfall. On our way we met a wonderful local named Marco who showed us around his trains, antique motorbikes, formula one car and 1945 German Ute. He also told us to go Via the Riton funicular in Ambri/ Piotta. He was a terrific guy and it changed our plan for the better. We travelled the extremely steep funicular and walked 10km around the lake and numerous waterfalls and snow. We saw otters before travelling back down. Tried to take the mountain route but was closed due to Tour de Swisse. Support cars everywhere. Stopped for dinner at the region of Altdorf before parking in Stansstad near Lake Lucerne.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler
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    Day 61: Stansstad to Cham

    June 13, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    I dipped my feet in Lake Lucerne next to a snake while Graham got our passports checked by the polizia. They were both lovely and hot looking. We found a park at Cham and caught the train to Zurich. Did a city walk exploring “old town” and caught a train back. Walked around Cham and discovered a beautiful swimming area at Lake Zug in The Hirgarten. Sat and admired the view while eating dinner at Hirsi See Lounge watching the sun set and talking to a local.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 62: Cham to Murten

    June 14, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Rainy old day. So sleep in and a drive over the mountains via Bern for a Laundry day. Hard to find one but got one in Murton. Went for a walk in their castle which has been converted to shops bars etc. I heard a brass band rehearsing so investigated and ran into the musical director who said come back at 9. So we found an overnight park and had the absolute best time!!! The barman loved me as I was loving his play list when the band wasn’t on. Great night.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 63: Murten to Versoix.

    June 15, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Woke after a big night on the grog. Slow walk along the lake before heading to our next destination. Did a few jobs on the way in Payerne. Hit Lake Geneva and parked at Versoix. Caught the train to Geneva. Forced graham to have a barbershop visit. Looks handsome again x Spent time in “old town” and climbed St Pierre Cathedral bell tower following the route of the reformation. Graham found us a Thai massage place for two which was very needed. Once home we walked to the beach via the Marina until dark.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 64: Versoix to Moulins

    June 16, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Big travel day heading for Bordeaux. Drove over the French Alps and back into France. Stopped at a car boot sale. No one understood us but I still managed to buy something. Stopped at Lake de Sylans. This was where they used to farm ice by cutting it off the frozen lake. Ruins great to walk around. Dipped my feet in here. Not as cold as last night. Walked around Nantua lake but no swimming allowed. Stopped for lunch at a park stop in the alps. City walk around Bourg- N-Bresse. Got to our park at Moulins about half way to our Bordeaux destination. Saw lots of vines but no one opens on a Sunday in Europe. Had dinner at nearby restaurant. Walked around the lake while Graham got attacked by mozzies.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler
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    Day 65: Moulins to La Rochefoucauld

    June 17, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Rainy day to start with. We slept in and touched base with Faye. Drove to the Medieval quarter to see the twin spires x 2. Walked the town while the rain cleared. Visited a number of places but the highlight was the National Museum of costumes and scenery. Got caught on the freeway in an accident situation. But Christian in the car in front came and chatted to us while we charged his phone. Finally made it to La Rochefoucauld - en - Angoumois (easy for you to say!) Walked to the Disney inspired castle and then watched the sunset. Drinks at the sports bar while Austria played France.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler
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    Day 66: La Rochefaucould to Bouliac

    June 18, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Getting used to lazy late starts. Enjoyed a looooong shower in the park. Got off the freeway to drive through the Bordeaux wine region. Tried looking one up but that turned out to be a bust so just drove ‘til we found one that looked inviting. Valerie greeted us at Chateau Hut Goujon and told us how the region started with government assistance after WWII. She was lovely and gave us a tour of the place and answered all our questions. Tasting was ok. Was hoping to stay at Vayres but after a walk and a beer didn’t like the vibe. Found a lovely restaurant in Izon that fit us in despite being sold out. Ended up finding a great spot in the stadium car park at Bouliac and watched another lightening storm.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 67: Bouliac to Fouras

    June 19, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Took the bus to Bordeaux. This is a beautiful town. City walk to see the wonderful sights including a highlights board of every Olympic Games leading up to this years Paris games in Jardin Public. The mirrored palace was a highlight. Took a tollway to save time. Rested on the way and discovered a mega sculpture park at La Pierre de Crazannes. This park is incomplete inviting artists from every continent to sculpt when they feel inspired. Won’t be completed in my lifetime. Arrived at our overnight stop by the ocean at Fouras. Sunset walk to the local on the beach.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 68: Fouras to Pt. des Baleines

    June 20, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Drove the coast road of Fouras and took a short walk to the oyster farms. Parked on the coast near Fort Boyard. Walked out as far as we could through a million oyster shells. After reading the oyster history it made sense to eat lunch here. Grah had a burger 🙄 but I had 6 of the largest freshest oysters followed by stuffed crab and seafood bisque. Booked a chiropractor so had to be on the island of Il de Re by 5. In between we went to the beach at St Martin de Re for a swim before Laura tried to manipulate my sore neck. She was adorable. Visited old town and climbed the bell tower to get a cool view over the Marina. Marina was terrific. Walked around there before taking a huge walk through Loix to Plage du Grouin. For sunset we ended up at Point Des Baleines by the lighthouse and stayed there overnight.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler

    Day 69: Pt. Des Baleines to Reze

    June 21, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Time to think about getting back to Paris. Wanted one more beach day before heading inland so headed to Pornic. Got hungry at Bournezeau and smashed some pizza. Stopped in at La Roche-sur-Yon to see the Napoleon monument. The park had mechanical animals you could manipulate. Long drive to Pornic and found an isolated beach at Bay of Bourgnuef. Had a swim and a sunset ale before stopping overnight in a suburb of Nantes called Reze.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler
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    Day 70: Reze to Le Mans

    June 22, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    As we drove through Nantes we discovered enormous development in this community. Had lots of jobs to do as we get closer to returning the van. Beautiful drive through the south of France. Tree lined roads. Chateaus everywhere. Discovered an impressive castle in Angers on the way to do laundry and markets. Stayed longer to visit the Chateau d’Angers and old town. Drove on to Le Mans past the race track to our overnight destination in the university district. Packed one case ready for our train to London. Walked locally but didn’t find any food. Drinks for dinner it is.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler
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    Day 71: Le Mans to Villennes sur Sienne

    June 23, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    This morning we visited the Le Mans race track museum. The cars were freaking incredible. We caught the train into town and walked the monuments. As it is our last night we had to clean the van so we car washed the shit out of it. Then it was time for our last night in Paris. We went into town and saw the Eiffel Tower in full Olympic bloom. Tears and beers. We stayed in a shitty caravan park so last showers could be enjoyed before the UK.Read more

  • Marnie TiggemannEUROPE & UK 2024Traveler
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    Day 72: Villennes sur Seine to London

    June 24, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    After a late night we found ourselves behind schedule to drop the RIO speedwagon back to Paris. Dropping it off took forever then headed straight to the Eurostar station. It was hot. It was chockers. It was noisy. We had six bags due to overspending (Graham😂). Lines to get on were very much cattle class but the trip was lovely and ran smoothly. Caught a taxi to the hotel - straight out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Walked Kingscross for beers and wings. Surprisingly slept well near the trams on a spring mattress!!Read more

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