4carolina

We are exploring the possibility of driving to Ascoli Pienza for a couple of days and then going on to explore Puglia.I wonder if anyone has done this drive,and would share their experiences.Travelmath says it takes about 2 hours from Rome to AP and 4 hours from AP to Bari.i know nothing about the road conditions,and welcome your advice.

Flame123

We recently returned from a wonderful trip to Italy and it included 5 days in Ascoli Piceno, a real jewel of a town (if you click my screen name you will come up with my trip report).

We drove to Rome FROM Ascoli and it was indeed a very easy and short trip. We ended up by chance on a small winding mountain road (I think S4) and it was beautiful and took us through areas we have never been before. But we had time and did not mind. I am sure that if you prefer there are other roads that may be easier driving.

If you don't yet have a hotel for your stay, do check my report, I highly recommend Albero Piceno !!

And I would be happy to answer other questions.

qwovadis

www.tigercarrental.com good deals for me in the past out of FCO. www.viamichelin.com road info. Publia Apulia pretty but
poor.Nice beaches not as green and nice as the north for me.
Happy Travels!

4carolina

Flame.....i cannot find your Puglia trip report.i know I read it ,but have searched and searched.Please help !! We will stay at Albero Piceno !!

Flame123

4carolina - I already posted it for you on the other thread but here it is again for your convenience :

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-nights.cfm

4carolina

Flame...Thank you so much for your superb report.It is now 5 years later and still such a rich source of information!! It will be interesting to compare current prices with those you encountered!!We continue to think about our itinerary and the possibility of 2 nights in Ascoli Piceno before driving the long haul to Trani and the start of our 10 nights in Puglia,which will conclude with a flight from Brindisi to Rome airport.I know the Ascoli bit may seem a bit odd,but we think this will be our last of many driving vacations in Italy,and we have never been there.The drive from Rome is easy,as you have stated,but I feel a bit uneasy about the Ascoli to Trani leg.My husband is the road warrior,I am the planner/navigator and I need to be sure I am not choosing an exhausting journey.Any feedback will be appreciated.I may start a new thread just to explore this possibility.As indicated by so many of your fans,you provide a great and enduring window into the heart of Puglia.Tante Grazie !!

Flame123

4carolina - Thanks for the compliments. I derive so much information and great hints from this site, that I feel it is just a given that I reciprocate!

Personally, especially if you feel that this will be your last driving experience in Italy, I would plan for more days in Ascoli. You needn't go so far as to do 5 as we did, but certainly I would allow for at least 3. Driving there and in the area is very easy and I would not be worried about that. Same for Puglia, it is very flat and very easy driving, even in the cities, although being a poor region, there are many potholes and streets are not easy for the car.

Getting to Trani from Ascoli should be quite easy and I would not hesitate.

Good luck with your planning !!

4carolina

Flame...Thanks again for your encouraging words.I will re-read your Ascoli trip report and try to adjust our itinerary.Just an aside,in regard to Puglia,it might be fun for you to read a NYT piece written by Frank Bruni,6 May 2007.Change is on the way !!!!