Best Auto Driving directions in Tuscany
 

We are renting a car in Florence to drive to Tuscany. Returning the car to Florence.
We have heard that using a car with GPS is the best way to get around. But we are on a budget, and the car we are renting doesn't have GPS. Mapquest is very confusing at times, even in the states, so does anyone have suggestions on maps for driving that are easy to navigate? I know the hotel management will help, but I'd like my own directions as well.
Thanks,
BB

Michelin puts out a map book of all of Italia. When we drive we like to take back roads and stay off the big highways so we bought one several years ago. It served us well and it has been invaluable for planning trips after the initial trip. Iy is alot cheaper than a GPS and combined with a compass you can't get too lost.

Hi bb,

We use the Michelin maps.

You can also plan your route with www.viamichelin.com and www.mappy.com.

((I))

Assuming you mean Tuscan countryside as Florence is in Tuscany. Anyway, there is no problem because signs for towns are very good. All you need is a simple map or atlas and pick out the direction you want to go, noting the towns along the way. There will be signs at most if not all cross roads to point you in the right direction, it's a snap!

As ahotpoet mentions you'll do fine with a Michelin map and compass. Give yourself enough time getting to your destinations time by taking the "green" scenic or "white" roads. Some of our best memories have been the serendipitous discoveries along these routes, beautiful villages, great little restaurants, etc.

However, on our last trip to Tuscany we rented a portable GPS with our AutoEurope car. Still had maps for backup. My wife is an expert navigator but she enjoyed being able to enjoy the scenery and not having to keep her nose in the map. Not only did the GPS get us out of Rome, but after we got to our agritourismo in Chianti where we stayed for a week, we entered our place as "home" so at the end of the day of touring we'd just plug in Home and it would navigate us back.. especially nice at night.

For driving in Tuscany, you can plan well enough with the Michelin # 563 with a scale of 400K to 1. However, for driving the back roads you will want the TCI Toscana map at half that scale.

We a detailed map and did fine.

We left very early each day...allowing us to see several of the small towns as they were "waking up" . seeing shopkeepers washing the street in front of there store and setting up was fascinating.

Although we had detailed maps....we frequently took interesting roads or "shortcuts". Sometimes getting lost allows you to see small untouristy towns...along witth some beautiful scenery.

We put on 1500km in a week in Tuscany.

Another endorsement for the Touring Club Italiano (TCI) Tuscany map. At 1:200000 it is the best for finding your way. And getting a little lost is part of the game. Have fun!