Brooke

Am leaving for Italy this week and was wondering how I can get a map of driving through Tuscany? Will they have them available in Florence? (renting a car in Florence). Is there somewhere on the Internet I can get it? (read Elaine's message in the search function and the site she lists doesn't have a map listed that I could find anymore). Also, so there is a scenic route and then the autostrada route? So, the autostrada isn't scenic? Any info would be helpful! (as well as any recomended wineries?) Thanks!

Deb

Brooke, <BR> <BR>Not sure if this will help at this late date but the map I received from Monteraldi vineyars is excellent. It has all the wineries listed in the Chianti area and is very similar to the Napa Valley maps I've gotten in the past. Here's the website address: <BR> <BR>www.monterinaldi.it/en/ <BR> <BR>If nothing else the site explains Italian wines very clearly. <BR> <BR>DFW 8/26/01

mary

Brooke, <BR>We have spent the last two summers driving in Tuscany-- I would recommend that you buy the Michelin maps from your local bookstore. If you want the vineyards pointed out to you on a map--- review the Frommer's driving guide in the section for Chianti-- the sections points out the vineyards and where they are located!! If you follow the Michelin maps, you will easily find the vineyards as you pass through each town. The driving in Tuscany is fairly easy with the exception the roadsigns are not always correct and they can be misleading--- Do not wait until you reach FLorence, because in our experience throughout Italy, maps were not easily found. I was very lucky that I listened to a Fodorite and purchased my maps before I left. On the plane ride over, read, read , read and familiarize yourself with area. <BR>A restaurant suggestion is Lamole-- it is situated up a very steep drive past the Villa Vignamaggio vineyard and inn (featured in Much Ado About NothinG) in Chianti south of Panzano. The view is spectacular, the food is outstanding and the service is lovely and warm!! <BR>Ciao! <BR>Mary

Leslie

Here's another vote for a Michelin map - The one of central Italia would work. Barnes and Noble bookstores carry them. Don't rely on the map provided by the rental car agency. They simply aren't detailed enough.

ellen

If you can find it, the Italian Touring Club map of Tuscany is good. I found one at a map store in D.C. I don't think Barnes & Noble carries it but Borders might.

Dayle

We used the Kemwell's maps recommended by others here for our trip last year. Extremely detailed - which is what you need. I ordered them by phone from a bookstore in Boston. Maybe the search function would bring it up.

Russell

Brooke, <BR>Michelin maps are usually about as good as one can get, but I would suggest that you wait until you arrive before buying them. For one thing, the maps you will buy in Florence will probably be the latest available, unlike those sold in the states, which may be slightly out of date. For another, Michelin has a number of regional and local maps that have even greater detail. They are generally available in the areas in the regions they cover, rarely in the U.S. Finally, the maps will be less expensive in Italy, as well. To my knowledge, both www.mapblast.com and www.mapquest.com have European driving maps available. So does Michelin at www.viamichelin.com. On the Michelin maps, the scenic routes have a green band running along them and if time permits they're a better choice. No, for the most part, the autostrade are not scenic.