Driving in Italy
 

We are a family of five who are travelling to Italy at Christmas time. After Rome we plan to hire a car to go to Sorrento then drive through Tuscany. We then plan to drive to Milan. We have booked a ski week in the Dolomites before flying home from Venice. Should we drive to Dolomites then to Venice after ski week, or leave car in Milan and catch train/buses. I am a little worried about the state of roads in winter. Also not sure how much we will need our car whilst skiing. Any advice?

As a frequent traveler to Italy and one who has the common sense NEVER to drive, avoid it at all costs. My motto, "If you don't speak the language, read the language or know the law ...in ANY country... DON'T DRIVE!" I know enough but follow that rule! we won't even go into issues such as rental cars and the
EVIL PARKING LAWS!
The trains are great and you can always arrange with your hotel or travel agent for a FIXED PRICE driver and insurance policies.
Try "VACATION". Someone else does all the work and hassle!

You will have no problem driving from Rome to Sorrento then to Tuscany but leave the car in Milan & use public transport to get to the Dolomites, I live in the alps & if you're not used to driving in winter conditions it's better not to risk it & you certainly won't need a car at any sking resort. However, if you do decide to drive make sure the hire car company gives you snow chains or you'll be in trouble.

Thanks Clark55. We have driven in winter conditions before but sounds like it would be better not to. Any advice on transport links from Milan to Campitello di Fass and then on to Venice?

Hi Aussies,

I have skied in the Dolomiti and we had no problem taking local buses and taxis when we wanted to venture out of Cortina. I would leave the car in Milan and just make things easy using public trans from there.

Buon viaggio!