Driving in Italy
 

I am taking my family on a 3 week driving tour of France, Germany and Italy. We will have a van. There are 5 in the family--two adults and 3 teenagers. I'm getting nervous about driving in Italy. Is it a foolish thing for me to do? I've heard some say that Rome is the worst. Forgive my ignorance...is it any different than driving in New York City or Washington DC? Thanks for any advice!

Should be no big problems for most drivers with the exceptions of Paris and Rome. German drivers are far better than most North American. The further south one goes in Europe the driving seems to get a little more daring. <BR> <BR>Italy can be a bit worrisome on two lane roads on occasion, with drivers taking more chances on passing than I believe is reasonable. Speeds on the autostrade are a bit fast, but slower than in Germany and generally no problem. Driving in minor cities is easy. <BR> <BR>Paris looks difficult in places, but I've never driven there so can't say for sure. Certainly I'd avoid the circle at the Arc de Triomphe at rush hour! <BR> <BR>Rome is something else. Yes, I've driven in New York City, Washington, and Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as Zuerich, Luzern, and Bern, and all around Germany (though not in a major city.) And, I've driven in Rome. Nothing compares ... trust me. <BR> <BR>But there's no reason to drive in Rome. Drop the car in a safe garage or lot when you arrive, and walk, bus or take the metro. Parking is an absolute bear, and if you try and use the van for general day to day sightseeing you may spend more time looking for a safe and convenient place to park than you do seeing the sights. <BR> <BR>Ed

Agree with Ed mostly. don't use car for sightseeing in Rome. Hopefully you've found a hotel with parking provided, as we did, and didn't see the car for the three days we were in Rome. Use bus, taxi, underground for getting around in Rome. However, I did drive into Rome to find our hotel at rush hour, and it was, shall we say, challenging. What was frustrating was the way the one way streets kept changing. A real challange to the Lady Navigator. However, I really didn't think it was any worse that San Francisco at rush hour, given that we were unfamiliar with where we needed to go. Get a good map, and just before entering Rome, stop at a gas station on the Autostrada for directions to your destination in town. Worked ok for us. <BR>Florence was actually a little more harrowing, but then again, I hit it at rush hour (how do I keep doing that). <BR>The Autostrada in both France and Italy can feature some fast drivers. One thing, when you pull out to pass, get back to the right lane quickly, or you'll find a big Mercedes radiator in your rear view mirror, with lights blinking. <BR>We loved driving around France and Italy. You'll enjoy. Treat the big cities as another adventure. <BR>Oh yeah, buy all the insurance you can.

Are you going to Naples/Sorrento? If so, DON'T plan on driving in the city. The drivers are the worst in the world. NYC is a walk in the park compared to Naples, so is Rome. No rules apply. Right turns from left-hand turn lanes, on a red light? No problem! And making three lanes out of two? No problem? Just plan on parking once you get where you are going. Agree with the advice about Rome. I've been there many times. I always parked my car and walked or took mass transit. Driving is not easy, at the best of times. And the multitude of one-way streets always seem to be going the wrong way.

If you can drive in Boston, you can drive anywhere. Just close your eyes and put the pedal to the metal. One hand is for steering, the other for the horn. <BR>

Thanks everyone. Our plans have changed. We decided we were doing too much in too little time. Will save most of Italy for another trip. Will only go to Venice this time. But I will keep all your responses for when we're planning to get back to Italy. From your advice, I'm feeling pretty comfortable with driving in France and Germany. We don't plan to drive in the cities at all. We'll park and use public transportation. Thanks again.

we went to italy 2 yrs. ago & drove: rome, sorrento, venice, florence & milan i don't remember the order BUT we wouldn't do it agian. my husband our our friend would get soooo burt out from driving that they wouldn't enjoy the 1st day once we got to our destination. we live in la but really it's really really diff. there. if you don't have to drive don't! tips for venice if you're driving there no one told us, you have to park your car at a parking lot & take a water taxi to venice, to your hotel. so you're going to be paying for parking per day & car rental per day & you won't be able to use your car, so don't rent a car!!!