Italy - Car vs Train: Milan, Cinque Terre, Lalyake District in March
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Italy - Car vs Train: Milan, Cinque Terre, Lalyake District in March
My spouse and I are flying into Linate airport and going to a conference in Milan in March. Not a warm month to visit, we know we are going to be cold! We plan to take the train south to Rapallo for four nights and make day trips to Cinque Terre. Then we're off to an apartment in San Giovanni, Bellagio for six nights. We would like to take the train to Varenna and ferry to Bellagio, however we reserved a rental car to save travel time and arrive in Bellagio in the daylight. I welcome advice on taking the train versus the car. After Bellagio, we return to Milan for one night to catch an early flight out of Linate the following morning.
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I would research carefully what is open and what is not in the Cinque Terre in March. Doesn't seem an ideal time to visit there, although at least you'll avoid the swarms of tourists.
Tons of tourists rent cars in Italy every year. I wouldn't be the slightest bit worried about the police, but I'd be sure I knew about the ZTLs and how to avoid them, as well as speed limits, signs, etc. That said, trains are so easy to use in Italy, I almost always opt for the train unless I plan an extensive driving tour in the countryside. If you do rent a car you will need an IDP.
Tons of tourists rent cars in Italy every year. I wouldn't be the slightest bit worried about the police, but I'd be sure I knew about the ZTLs and how to avoid them, as well as speed limits, signs, etc. That said, trains are so easy to use in Italy, I almost always opt for the train unless I plan an extensive driving tour in the countryside. If you do rent a car you will need an IDP.
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Italy - Car vs Train: Milan, Cinque Terre, Lalyake District in March
Posted by: FootLooseJo on Feb 26, 17 at 11:39am
There is nothing wrong with driving in Italy. Just be on alert to traffic signs as pointed out by StCirc. But don't drive in the major cities for the sake of your sanity. For an illustrated introduction to driving in Europe see http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap18/auto-1.htm.
Posted by: FootLooseJo on Feb 26, 17 at 11:39am
There is nothing wrong with driving in Italy. Just be on alert to traffic signs as pointed out by StCirc. But don't drive in the major cities for the sake of your sanity. For an illustrated introduction to driving in Europe see http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap18/auto-1.htm.
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I would be more worried about what's open on Lake Como in Marche rather than the Cinque Terre, where I think that there are plenty of tourists already in March, and where you only plan a day trip. I myself wouldn't want to spend six nights on Lake Como in March.
I'm not sure what you mean by "San Giovanni, Bellagio".
I'm not sure what you mean by "San Giovanni, Bellagio".
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Really appreciate the advice. We don't have a choice for timing since we're going for work. I too wonder what will be open in Cinque Terre and the Lake District in March. I thought we would enjoy the scenery and walk the trails, all while missing big crowds. However since most of the nice hotels are full, there must be a lot of us thinking the same thing.
We've driven in many European countries and never had an issue before. We agree that Italians drive with gusto, so relaxing on a train sounds good. However, if we have a car in Bellagio, then we have the option to make day trips to other areas.
We've driven in many European countries and never had an issue before. We agree that Italians drive with gusto, so relaxing on a train sounds good. However, if we have a car in Bellagio, then we have the option to make day trips to other areas.
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Having a car can offer a freedom not otherwise available and a chance to see places that are not readily visited via public transportation. Certainly, there are times when I choose to rent a car! But there are disadvantages to having a car. For example:
- For one thing, some of those “oh, doesn’t that look charming!” places aren’t actually that charming, and by the time you get back on the road, you can end up with less time than might be ideal for visiting the places that were your priorities.
- For another thing, driving can be stressful – and I say that as someone who loves driving! But some roads are challenging, unexpected detours or GPS failures can be a bit daunting, and driving into cities (and finding parking) can make the last part of a long trip less than pleasant.
- Driving – or at least responsible driving – can pose constraints on the driver. For example, the driver may be unable to truly enjoy spectacular scenery, as s/he needs to pay attention to the road -- sometimes, very careful attention! And depending on how much one eats and one’s size and and how long one relaxes over a meal, even a glass of wine with lunch may carry risks.
- Driving is generally not a particularly green choice – and for some of us, that is a worthy consideration.
- and one of the best things about taking public transportation: It can sometimes give you wonderful opportunities to interact with people from the area, or gain insights into local norms and traditions.
Hope that helps!
- For one thing, some of those “oh, doesn’t that look charming!” places aren’t actually that charming, and by the time you get back on the road, you can end up with less time than might be ideal for visiting the places that were your priorities.
- For another thing, driving can be stressful – and I say that as someone who loves driving! But some roads are challenging, unexpected detours or GPS failures can be a bit daunting, and driving into cities (and finding parking) can make the last part of a long trip less than pleasant.
- Driving – or at least responsible driving – can pose constraints on the driver. For example, the driver may be unable to truly enjoy spectacular scenery, as s/he needs to pay attention to the road -- sometimes, very careful attention! And depending on how much one eats and one’s size and and how long one relaxes over a meal, even a glass of wine with lunch may carry risks.
- Driving is generally not a particularly green choice – and for some of us, that is a worthy consideration.
- and one of the best things about taking public transportation: It can sometimes give you wonderful opportunities to interact with people from the area, or gain insights into local norms and traditions.
Hope that helps!