Travelogue: Road trip through Italy (Part 1)

On the road with @aureliusnina - Travelogue part 1

Bella Italia with the campervan

It's one of the first really hot days of 2024 on the motorway from Vienna to Italy. The Schau aufs Land concept has already really impressed us in Austria. But will it work just as well in Bella Italia? We'll find out on this culinary tour. We, that's Aurelius and me, Nina.

The stereo plays Eros Ramazzotti and my anticipation rises.

Yard #1134 - Welcome to Fabiola

As soon as we switch off the engine, we hear a friendly: "Benvenuti!" It's Fabiola, our hostess. She has that typical Italian charm and I like her straight away.

"I'll show you where you can park!" she says and gives us a short tour of the entire winery. And no matter which spot she suggests - whether between the vines, by a crystal-clear stream or directly behind the house: one is more beautiful than the other!

After a refreshing shower at the farm, a wine tasting with regional specialities awaits us. And as we savour the last rays of sunshine among the vines, I think to myself: this is exactly what Italy is! This joie de vivre, this lightness, this incredible human warmth - and yes, the delicious wine too.

The Tagliamento - a river like a painting

The Tagliamento flows nearby. It is the most important wild river in the Alps and one of the last of its kind. We drive directly to the banks.

"Amazing, this wild, untamed nature!" says Aurelius, looking at the bright turquoise water. "It's the same colour as our camper!"

Refreshed, the journey continues through picturesque Italian landscapes.

Court #1132 - Prosecco & Templar history

At the end of a shady avenue stands a stone manor house. In front of it are large galleries and vases. Marika, the lady of the house, welcomes us into the tasting room.

Here you will find wines and spirits, olive oils and other delicacies from the estate's own production. Over a glass of chilled Prosecco, she tells us that the estate is built on the foundations of a very old Templar castle.

"This is the best Prosecco I've drunk in ages!" says Aurelius enthusiastically. We park our motorhome right next to the vines in the shade of gnarled olive trees.

"Have you brought bikes?" asks Marika. "The sea is less than 7 kilometres from here!"
I stick my nose in the air - I'm sure I can already smell it.

A stopover in San Marino

Just a 40-minute drive away is tiny San Marino - the oldest republic in the world. We stroll through the old alleyways, explore the fortified castle and enjoy the view of the surrounding Italian countryside.

By the way: The best pizza of our road trip is here, in San Marino at the "Da so' Pizzeria"!

Farm #966 - Cheese, cows & big plans

We are warmly welcomed by the whole family. While mum Amelia and dad Luciano let us in on the secrets of cheese production, their 5-year-old son busily mucks out the cowshed in the background.

"Do you fancy a cheese tasting?" Amelia asks us. While she lovingly prepares a cheese platter and pours two glasses of wine, my mouth is watering. The cheeses are delicious: from mild to savoury, from soft to hard - there's something for every taste.

Later, Luciano tells us how happy he is to be part of Schau aufs Land. His expression is serious and full of emotion.

Due to its altitude, the area has long been a popular summer holiday destination. However, a few years ago there were severe earthquakes - the nearby town of Amatrice was levelled to the ground. Since then, there has been a lack of tourists.

"But we want to carry on, we want to rebuild everything!" says Luciano passionately.

To be continued ...

With these wonderful words, we leave you for today - but look forward to part 2 of our travelogue! We'll be travelling on to Tuscany shortly ...

Tip: Discover our Italian farms now on the Preview map or secure the Italy package.

Author: Aurelius & Nina | @aureliusnina