What are Tuscan Roads Like?
Jan 23rd, 2004, 02:24 PM
#1
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What are Tuscan Roads Like?
My partner, who graciously allows me to do all the driving, thinks that we can drive from Florence to Lucca to Carrara and then back to Sinalunga in one day and have time to briefly visit Lucca and the quarries at Carrara.
The only time I've driven in Italy was from the French border to San Remo and back last year and it was not a fun experience. The French road system and drivers were great except on secondary roads where traffic was heavy and SLOW; the Italian roads were poor and the drivers were, well, Italian. Of course, this was a Saturday in October and we would be making this trip on Friday in March which may make a difference, looks like around 160 miles more or less.
Would appreciate any comments from those who may have driven in this area. I am particularly concerned about the stretch along the coast toward Carrara.
The only time I've driven in Italy was from the French border to San Remo and back last year and it was not a fun experience. The French road system and drivers were great except on secondary roads where traffic was heavy and SLOW; the Italian roads were poor and the drivers were, well, Italian. Of course, this was a Saturday in October and we would be making this trip on Friday in March which may make a difference, looks like around 160 miles more or less.
Would appreciate any comments from those who may have driven in this area. I am particularly concerned about the stretch along the coast toward Carrara.
Jan 23rd, 2004, 07:17 PM
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Bucko: The roads in Tuscany are generally very good. The traffic, construction and the Italian driving style are a bit more unpredictable. The Carrera area should be no problem. Lucca can be tight, for a just a quick stop I would park outside the walls and walk in. That's a lot of driving for one day, but if that's all you've got, go for it!
Jan 24th, 2004, 02:44 PM
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Thanks all for the information..
NYCFS any suggestions for plan B. We've adjusted our itinerary so we can stay at Locanda dell'Amorosa which opens on that day; so would be really put out if we missed the first night. My night vision leaves much to be desired so MUST be there before dark. The thing that worries me most is that when I drove from Nice to St Tropez in October on regular roads it took hours to get there. From French border to San Remo and back was the stuff of nightmares.
Ira, thanks for doing the math but, actually, whether it is realistic to hope to average 40mph would be a lot more helpful.
NYCFS any suggestions for plan B. We've adjusted our itinerary so we can stay at Locanda dell'Amorosa which opens on that day; so would be really put out if we missed the first night. My night vision leaves much to be desired so MUST be there before dark. The thing that worries me most is that when I drove from Nice to St Tropez in October on regular roads it took hours to get there. From French border to San Remo and back was the stuff of nightmares.
Ira, thanks for doing the math but, actually, whether it is realistic to hope to average 40mph would be a lot more helpful.
Jan 24th, 2004, 05:27 PM
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Oh_so,
Unless your buying marble for your estate in the Hamptons or Palm Beach, I'd skip Carrara. It sounds like Sinalunga is a priority and I recommend you not bite off more than you can chew.
If you love marble like I love marble, Carrara is worth a little time. The mountains are breath taking and the town has some interesting shops. There really is no such thing as see a quarry and run. You could easily get tied up without a specific destination or time to explore.
Lucca is one of my favorite Tuscan cities and so adorable, even in a downpour. I'd plan on spending more time there. I could live in Lucca. Then take a leisurely drive towards Sienna. If you leave Lucca early enough, take the S222 from Florence down to Sinalunga. It will take you longer to get there but you won't regret it.
Unless your buying marble for your estate in the Hamptons or Palm Beach, I'd skip Carrara. It sounds like Sinalunga is a priority and I recommend you not bite off more than you can chew.
If you love marble like I love marble, Carrara is worth a little time. The mountains are breath taking and the town has some interesting shops. There really is no such thing as see a quarry and run. You could easily get tied up without a specific destination or time to explore.
Lucca is one of my favorite Tuscan cities and so adorable, even in a downpour. I'd plan on spending more time there. I could live in Lucca. Then take a leisurely drive towards Sienna. If you leave Lucca early enough, take the S222 from Florence down to Sinalunga. It will take you longer to get there but you won't regret it.
Jan 25th, 2004, 11:37 AM
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Thanks, NYCFS, that's pretty much what I decided to do. It is, after all, supposed to be a vacation. Will save Carrara for next time. Will definitely go for route 222; out of curiosity, how did you arrive at your screen name? You're probably the only one who understands mine.
Jan 25th, 2004, 02:01 PM
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I hate to admit it, Osso Buco, but I haven't a clue what your screen name means. Contrary to popular belief, I don't know everything.
As for my merry moniker, I think it's pretty obvious. I'm a veteran New Yorker and a food snob. See how simple that was?
As for my merry moniker, I think it's pretty obvious. I'm a veteran New Yorker and a food snob. See how simple that was?
