Reaching Imperia

Many tourists use the St. Gotthard Tunnel to cross the Alps to Italy. In the main season this often leads to long traffic delays. From the tunnel you will need another four to five hours to reach Imperia.

A pleasant alternative, even if it takes a little longer, is the drive over the Simplon Pass (2.005 m, picture right), normally open in winter, too. The journey (from Germany) may take about an hour longer, but is less tiring and affords many impressive views and well-built roads.

If you use the Simplon route, the car train Autoverlad Lötschberg between Kandersteg and Goppenstein can be highly recommended: just 15 min. in the rail tunnel and usually without more than ten or so minutes waiting.

A further alternative is the very attractive route over the Grand St. Bernhard Pass (2.473 m, picture right), although this is not always open in the winter. The journey also takes perhaps just an hour or so longer than the Gotthard and offers stupendous views.
The route is partly on less well-built roads: at times the protective railings are missing on the valley side; there are narrow parts and plenty of hairpin bends (see the winding road approaching the pass pictured right).

However, you can also use the well-built tunnel below the pass, which of course saves a great deal of time. After crossing the Alps, take the autostrada towards Genoa.

On meeting the coast at Genoa, turn west on the attractive autostrada dei fiori and follow the Ligurian coastline over many bridges and countless tunnels to Imperia.

From Imperia to Casa dei Limoni

(© Stephan Perthes - with many thanks)