An area which is rich with such brilliant scenery and landscape is the boarders of France, Switzerland and Italy. Between these three nations lies numerous lakes, all of which taking up a different scale to the last and each offers a varying slice of what Europe can bring to the plate.

It is, of course, possible to experience all of these within the same trip thanks to their reasonably close proximity to each other and propose a great chance to get out in the car and have a true European road trip in one of the most attractive areas of the continent. Taking the car will let you see so much more of the scenery you otherwise would as you have the choice to stop whenever you please. Of course this means budgeting a bit for fuel and those with a SCCI card might want to take advantage of a bit of fuel management.

Geneva/Lausanne

One of the largest lakes in Europe is Lake Geneva, with a maximum length of 45 miles and encompasses a total of six settlements that include Geneva itself, Lausanne and Evian. As a result, the lake covers the boarders of both France and Switzerland.

One of the greatest elements to this part of the world is the superb mountain ranges that often surround the water, but of course the focal points would be visits to the cities of Geneva and Lausanne.

Geneva Lake, Switzerland by Wouter Hagens

Como

Made famous by its acting giants and rock stars who make up a small part of the local population, such as the likes of George Clooney and Muse vocalist Matt Bellamy. However, Como has also been given such a brilliant reputation because of how truly beautiful the landscape is, as well as the town itself.

Going out for a boating trip across the lake or taking in the view by the shore with a drink are just a couple of the things you can enjoy in Como, but away from the water, the buildings of the town are also worth a look in.

Lake Como, Italy by Franco Folini

Maggiore

Sticking with northern Italy, Lake Maggiore is another that crosses boarders as it also reaches into Switzerland.

Maggiore is quite narrow at some points and therefore a boat trip between towns and villages such as Verbania and Arona are logistically viable. Ferries operate daily, so it is possible to visit numerous locations whilst in the area and get a solid grasp on the beauty of the surroundings.

Maggiore Lake, Italy by Franco Folini

About the author: Sam writes for SCCI Carte Carburante Italy, who offer fuel cards for those travelling in Europe.

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Photo published with a kind permission of its author Paulo Heitlinger

On the area of 105 hectares you can find incredible 700 kinds of trees, including giant Mexican cedar, giant ferns, cypress, plane, evergreen oak, cork, etc. Forest Buçaco is surrounded by a wall which is 5750 meters long and 3 meters high.

The climate is mild with few frosts and exceptionally snow. The annual rainfall is about 1500 mm, with 130 days of rain annually. The temperature ranges between 39-40 ºC in summer and 1 °C in winter. The fogs are very frequent and dense here, and less frequently in spring and winter than in summer and autumn.

Mata Nacional do Buçaco is a popular tourist destination – here you can walk through the forest paths, lakes, fountains and chapels. Beautiful is the local hotel Palácio Hotel do Buçaco, which was originally built in 1907 in an exuberant Neo-Manueline style by the royal family as their residence. Next to it lies the cork church.

View Mata Nacional do Buçaco – protected area in Portugal in a larger map

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