Tuscany with Siena: By Car

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By Car

The Autostrada del Sole (A1), northern and central Italy's major north-south highway, connects Florence with Bologna, 105 km (65 mi) to the north, and beyond that with Milan. Rome is 277 km (172 mi) south of Florence via the A1.

Within Tuscany, the cities west of Florence are easily reached by the A11, which leads to Lucca and then to the sea. The A1 takes you south from Florence to Arezzo and Chiusi (where you turn off for Montepulciano). Florence and Siena are connected by a superstrada and also the panoramic SS222, which threads through Chianti wine country. The hill towns north and west of Siena lie along superstrade and winding local roads -- all are well marked, but you should still arm yourself with a good map.

Drivers should be prepared to navigate through suburban sprawl around Pisa and Arezzo, and to a lesser degree Lucca and Cortona; to reach the historic centers where most sights are, look for the centro signs. In many small towns you must park outside the city walls.

Emergency Services

If you have a breakdown on the autostrada, or any toll road, you will find along the side of the road "SOS" boxes placed every couple of kilometers. You push a button on the box, a green light pops on, and help is sent -- you don't actually talk to a person. If you are on other roads, call ACI, the Italian Auto Club.

Contact

ACI (803/116).