I am traveling to Italy in June. I arrive in Rome and have two days to get to Bologna to pickup a friend. I wanted to go to drive to Tuscany and was given a suggestion of a great Farmhouse place to stay in San Gimignano. I am wondering if I will be so jet lagged and it is a 3 1/2 hour drive there. (This is also my first time in Italy) am I making a mistake trying to drive? Maybe I should rethink my itinary. Any thoughts would be helpful.

I once drove from Rome to Castello di Montegufoni (near San Gim.) after a 21 hour flight from Australia. The plane arrived in Rome at 7.00am. It was probably not the wisest thing to do, but I am still alive to post this!!. Just be very careful and if you are a bit tired pull over somewhere for a rest, although that may be difficult on the Autostrada. My advice: If you are not confident don't do it.

Hi; Good advice from DU. You could also consider driving north for only two hours and still find great places to stay. Richard

Is there a train connection to San Gimignano? Could you pick up a car there? Driving in Italy was quite an experience for me. I will be there two weeks in May and will drive again, but I will be able to spend a day or two in Rome to get my internal clock changed. I would not want to deal with getting a car and then drive that far after a long flight. I know lots of people do, but it doesn't seem responsible to drive when wasted mentally and physically, especially in unfamiliar places. Have a good trip.

It's a long way, it could be hot but I don't kow what time you land. I wouldn't do it.

Could try an overnight in Porto Ercole on the coast about 2 hours north of Rome - its about half way, is lovely and would leave you refreshed for the trip through Tuscany.

What ever you decide stick to the main routes. Do not attempt to go through the mountains between Rome and San Gim. We once spent 4 hours trying to get 40 miles over Monte Amiata. It was absolute hell due to the winding roads.

Also which airport you fly into may decide your route as it takes a fair time to cross Rome to get to the A1 and go north.