alan h's activity

i had a similar problem, albeit just after I'd set up Direct Debits to pay gas and water bills.I got an Italian friend to ring up the bank on my behalf - sorted it out in seconds

Well .............................. Rubbish Tax - I went into my Comune and they now email me the rubbish tax bill, along with the bank details for paying it from the UK.  I pay with a simple bank transfer from my UK account IMU/TASI etc - I use the calculators [I see that there is one on your Comune website], then print out the payment form.  I sign it, scan it, and email it to my Italian Bank, who pay it for me, from my account there

There are some things that you need to take into account when planning the trip.

• How to cross the channel - I assume it will be by Eurotunnel as you have the dog with you
• What time do you 'land' in France? - determines travel distamces for that day
• How long will you travel each day? - Our dog seems happy with about 5 or so hours a day with 30 minute stops every 2 hours or so - but your dog will be different
• Stops in Daytime - most motorway  'Services' and 'Airs are OK for walking the dog.'
• Driving speed - on motorways we keep it down to about 60 mph - so 300 miles a day.  Less off of motorways
• How good a traveller is your dog? - we tend to stick to major roads/motorways because its a smoother [and quicker] journey
• Hotels - most 'chains' accept dogs, but a simple 'area specific'  search online will give local hotels that also accept dogs
• Walkies? - I suggest you look at the satellite view of hotels you are considering using - its a great way of seeing if the area around the hotel is suitable for dog walks mornings and evenings.
• Don't forget about Pet Passport requirements when returning to the UK - alllow 1 hr for 'faffing about' at the embarkation point.

Our route to Italy, with the dog, tends to be:-

• Motorway to Besancon
• On to Pontarlier and into Switzerland
• Motorway to Simplon Pass and on into Italy

Overnight stays depend on what time you start out in FranceEnjoy

"Has anyone else had a similar request?" It seems that this is an increasingly common occurence - See:-.....http://italy.forumotion.com/t834-please-can-i-have-some-advice

I used a Notary recommended by the Estate Agent.  No problems whatsoever

Credit cards are being used more and more in Italy, BUT for winery visits, Vespa rentals, small eateries, public transportation etc you will probably always need cash. [not sure on Vespa rentals]In many ways Italy is still a cash oriented society, so you do need to have plenty of Euros available. If you have the 'right' debit card, ATMs can be charge free when getting cash out. When paying cash [or card], don't forget to get a receipts, and keep hold of it- the tax man may ask to see it [to check the trader isn't putting cash under the counter. Enjoy your trip

Well ......................... Not quite on the Amalfi Coast, but nearby and with great views over the Bay of Naples and near to Sorrento, the Hotel Il Nido is a place we stayed at a few years ago - fantastic views and sunbathing on the  balcony [If they still do it - try the home made Limoncello !!!!!!] http://ilnido.com/ If you want to see the sights on the Amafi - a car would be a great advantage, so Il Nido would be a good base to cover the coast, Capri, Vesuvius etc etc..  If you don't want to drive, the Hotel doeas a shuttle service into Sorrento, and buses also stop outside the hotel Good Luck

Well ................................ http://www.sicilytourservice.com/

Well .......... what do you tink about gettig off to avoid the steep hillis it the same route as yours" Don't know the hill, so cannot comment I'd go Metz- Nancy - Luneville - St Die - and over the Voges Mountains  on D415 [not a bad road with occasional Overtaking Lanes] - to ColmarWhere you stay is a choice yoou need to make, based on when you think you'll arrive.  We've stayed 1n Sausheim on the edge of Mulhouse, near to the motorway at the Novotel - http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-0452-novotel-mulhouse/index.shtml We've also stayed near Colmar at Biesheim at - http://www.deux-clefs.com/en/   very good place The choice is yours.

Well  ....................................."by the way is this the fastest way ....... I know it is the cheapest" As you are starting from Dunkirk, it probably is.  The alternative would be down from Lille to blast along the pay autoroute to Strasbourg and then down to Mulhouse, but I don't think you'd save much time. Its about 425 miles from Dunkirk to Mulhouse by 'my' route and a bit longer on the 'pay' route [440 ish].  I always reckon that, including stops, I average about 50 mph - so 8 hrs.  however if you drive at the speed limit [or just over] and don't take leisurely breaks, you could do it in about 6 to 6.5 hours. The Mulhouse airport site is quite a way South of Mulhouse - its nearly in Basle, so add another 20 minutes to the trip Good Luck