Are you aware that there are stiff cross-border drop-off fees on car rentals? It may be worthwhile to drop the car off in Ventimiglia (or the nearest town with a car agency), take the train to Menton to pick up a car for France.

Kemwel or Autoeurope provide a good base for price comparisons.

Thanks Michael. We have booked with Renault Eurodrive and the drop off fee was included.

Hi plaw,

>Do we need to prebook most of the accommodation?

Only if you do not find driving around a strange town looking for a room for the night enjoyable.

I would prebook in June unless you want to keep your itinerary flexible. In that case, carry with you a list of hotels in possible destinations and call ahead when you know where you will be. As Ira suggests, you can spend a lot of time searching for lodging instead of enjoying your trip.

first night and last night is a must, over a weekend sensible, during the week you could take the risk

How about 2 bases? Perhaps you could swing to the east and visit Umbria area. Would Bologna take you too far east for the next stop? Or Verona?

mamcalice's suggestion to have a list of hotels ready is a good one. The tourist info places usually have hotel info as well but do know where the TI is located!

We once did a trip that was Paris, Aix and back to Paris and stayed in the same hotel chain. Had we needed to change any dates, I think it would have been pretty convenient since the chain was going to make money no matter what. That wouldn't work if you were looking for charming little B&Bs.

Or go up the west coast and stop in Viareggio and Genoa?

Hi plaw,

for driving distances and possible routes, go to viamichelin.co.uk. you will see that you have boxes on the left for departure and destination - in between you can put any number of stopping off points, and vary your route from fastest to scenic. also ,you can look at michelin listed hotels and restaurants for places en route.

you might also look at the michelin green guide for Italy which has some driving tours in it, or Karen Brown's italy, which has rather more.

personally, i would have my accommodation in Rome and the amalfi booked, but in June, with just 2 people, i wouldn't worry about other places. if you take the michelin RED guide to italy, you will have town and city plans and lists of hotels throughout the country.