Driving in Italy?
Jun 26th, 2005 | 07:55 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
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Jun 27th, 2005 | 12:24 AM
#3
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,236
Likes: 1
Milan is a maze of roads and signs. It's easy to get into Milan but terrible to get out. I know of people who drove 3 hours around the city trying to get out. You didn't mention Milan but I thought I would....just in case.
Tuscany is wonderful! Enjoy the sights and the atmosphere.
Tuscany is wonderful! Enjoy the sights and the atmosphere.
Jun 27th, 2005 | 03:48 AM
#4
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
1.If driving from Bellagio, the road to and from Como can be very intense.
2.It's not difficult to drive to Florence from Como (you'll go around Milan),if you get good directions.
It,however,can be a long boring drive. Not very pretty and lots of trucks.
3.Working your way from Florence ,down through Tuscany and then to Rome is not difficult. It all depends on how much time you have to cover this territory.
4.Driving into Rome (to leave off the car??)can be tricky. It depends on what your options are to return the car.
2.It's not difficult to drive to Florence from Como (you'll go around Milan),if you get good directions.
It,however,can be a long boring drive. Not very pretty and lots of trucks.
3.Working your way from Florence ,down through Tuscany and then to Rome is not difficult. It all depends on how much time you have to cover this territory.
4.Driving into Rome (to leave off the car??)can be tricky. It depends on what your options are to return the car.
Jun 27th, 2005 | 09:07 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
I've driven on six or seven trips to Northern Italy, Tuscany, and Sicily and have experienced no insurrmountable difficulties. Once you get used to the traffic circles and get a good map, you're good to go.
To put Rome into perspective, I have and would again drive in Milan, Venice area, Catania, Siracusa, Taormina and Palermo, but I would stick to public transportation in Rome. Roman traffic still intimidates me.
To save space here, more of my thoughts are at: http://www.geocities.com/timradams/cul5-driving.htm
That page is a bit outdated. On my last trip, gas was 1.25 Euros per liter (about $6.50 per gallon).
To put Rome into perspective, I have and would again drive in Milan, Venice area, Catania, Siracusa, Taormina and Palermo, but I would stick to public transportation in Rome. Roman traffic still intimidates me.
To save space here, more of my thoughts are at: http://www.geocities.com/timradams/cul5-driving.htm
That page is a bit outdated. On my last trip, gas was 1.25 Euros per liter (about $6.50 per gallon).
Jun 27th, 2005 | 11:14 AM
#6
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
We've driven in Italy and never had a problem. (Except for sticker shock on gasoline prices!)Italians drive quickly, but slower traffic hugs the right shoulder and others go by. Question -- we've never had an international driver's license and never been asked for one at car rental counters. Are there different requirements now?
Jun 27th, 2005 | 11:36 AM
#7
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,525
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Note the comment at the bottom about IDP.
DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE
Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a good navigator
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors
Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is AUTOEUROPE [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, full mandatory insurance coverage, and VAT taxes. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.
Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—you should too !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.
OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.
NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $10. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE
Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a good navigator
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors
Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is AUTOEUROPE [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, full mandatory insurance coverage, and VAT taxes. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.
Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—you should too !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.
OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.
NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $10. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
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Jun 27th, 2005 | 12:01 PM
#8
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Regarding driving in Rome. My SIL born and raised in Rome is there right now. He has not been home for 7 years. He is shocked how congested the traffic is in Rome now. And keep in mind he is not even in the central area and knows all the roads etc. So unless you are a patient and a very confident driver and use to driving in major cities I think NOT trying to drive in Rome is a good decision.
