Based on everyone's great recommendations, my husband and I are going for an 11-12 day trip to northern Italy next May. My husband has driven stick shift for years so thats not an issue. is it easy to drive there? can the mountains be dangerous? we were just curious what to expect as we drive from Venice to Milan and through the lake regions. thank you!

Italians take driving much more seriously than Americans. It;s much harder to get a license and they drive quickly but authoritively. As in, no driving - only passing - in the left lane. On local roads the lanes may be very narrow and if you drive through the mountains or next to a lake there may be minimal protection between the road and the drop off. Be sure your parking skills are up to date - almost all is parallel, often on either side due to one way streets, and in space barely bigger than the car.

As long as you're a competent and confident driver you shouldn't have any problems. (I find it easier to drive than in the US - where I'm always having to dodge soccer moms weaving all over the road in giant SUVs they can;t control - or geezers sitting in the left lane at 50 mph, being a hazard to all around them.

This may help:


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 www.autoeurope.com [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, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. 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 $15. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.

The roads are often very narrow in villages where you're sharing the road with pedestrians, bike riders, parents pushing baby buggies, etc. - but you just have to be careful.

As nytraveler pointed out, the left lane is for passing - which I also liked and wished that was the case in the US. However, I did observe that when there were two lanes going in one direction, some drivers would drive over the dividing line, going down the middle of both lanes. (They would get over to the right land when another driver wanted to pass.)

The only time I was particularly nervous was driving between St Moritz and Varenna. It was very steep with gorgeous views but the other drivers wanted to go a lost faster than I felt comfortable. Fortunately, there were many places to pull over & I probably pulled over at every one.

If your husband is used to driving a stick, and is a good and patient driver, he should be fine.

We've driven that route and loved it! Some of roads can be steep and curvy particularly in the Lake are, but if you take your time, its really not a problem. Enjoy your rip -- its a beautiful area