Driving in Northern Italy
 

We have decided to pick up a car in Verona and drive to Cortina. Use the car for a few days while we hike in that area then drop the car off before going to Venice. What will it be like driving in Italy in the mountains. We've driven in England and had no problem whatsoever but I've heard that Italian drivers can be a little wilder.

We have had quite abit of driving expeerience recently, in Italy. Italian drivers are very used to speeds beyond North American standards and are, on the whole expert drivers. Speeds are often in excess of 150k and there are rules like :use the left lane only for passing. We were very glad to have tinted light-sensitive sun glasses as going in and out of tunnels in the mountains is tricky. In summary I would say if you can take the speed and are aconfident driver at home then you will have no problems ther. If you are at all a nervous highway driver on US super-highways DON"T even think about driving in Italian mountain terrain.

Hello <BR> <BR>One tip I would have is that unless you want to be a speedster, stay out of the left lanes on the highways. If you stay to the right, the sppeds are similar as in America. On the left, things really speed up, and if you are there going at a "slow" clip, you better be prepared to move over quickly.

In 1992, after touring the Lake District on our bikes, we picked up a car at Malpensa and drove to Cortina. It was a wonderful drive, along Lake Garda, and then the Dolomite Road from Bolzano to Cortina. We stayed two nights in Campitello di Fassa and hiked out of town toward the Marmolada. Took the cable-car from Passso di Falzarego to Rifugio Lagazuoi for lovely views. Stayed a couple nights in Cortina and drove out to trailheads for hiking (trekking). I digress. Driving was no problem, Italian drivers tend to be more agressive in the cities, much like drivers here in the US.

Jane, A good idea--not a problem. <BR>I suggest the route that takes you north <BR>from Verona and exit for Ortisei and the <BR>Val Gardena. Then, over the Sella pass <BR>and east thru Arraba to Cortina. <BR>This is the best of the Dolomites and is <BR>spectacular. You may even want to stay in Ortisei for a nite--the Hotel Adler <BR>is very nice. In Cortina we like the <BR>Post Hotel---great town.

Hi! I just wanted to add a great drive from Cortina to Bolzano or reversed. You go through the Dolomites and the scenery in fantastic. We did it several years ago and it rivals driving through mountains anywhere else. <BR> alan

Jane, <BR>My wife and I drove throughout central and northern Italy this past summer. Agree with and did the route mentioned by BOB THE NAV. including staying at the Hotel Adler.Enyoyed the Adler very much along with their excellent food. This is really a beautiful area and the driving is really a piece of cake. Stayed at the Hotel Alaska in Cortina.

I'm having a planning dilemna, thinking that we don't want to be so stuck to reservations every step of the way next May. Let's say we fly into Milan and pick up a car. We have five days (more precisely, four and a half) and four nights to get to Venice -- where I DO have reservations for three nights. If we were to head toward Verona and maybe Asolo, then perhaps take that drive and stay in either Ortisei or Cortina before we head to Venice, would we be OK finding places to stay as we go? <BR>

Diane, you sholdn't have any problems finding hotels as you go. In the Dolomites, May is low season and many hotels will still be shut down but there should be plenty to choose from. Outside the period from end of June through beginning of September one also shouldn't have any problems in Verona. <BR> <BR>IMO you should take the opportunity to play it by ear, on a day to day basis. I think it's a joy to arrive somewhere not having to worry about moving on, whether you love it or not. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>

Any travelers have any experiences driving from Rome to Naples? How long does it take? Its it mostly highway roads? Thanks for the assistance.

Ev, I've driven from the center of Rome to Naples and/or vice versa 3 times. Once you leave Rome and get on the GRA (Gran Raccordo Annulare), you'll travel on A1 Autostrade (divided tollroad) all the way to Naples (taking Naples Tangenziale at Pozzuoli). If you're smart enough not to get lost within Rome's city limits, if you leave early enough before traffic builds up and if you don't loose yourself driving into Naples, the trip should take you about 2 1/2 hours (approx. 220km). The last time I drove the distance I was able to do it in 2 hours flat (but I knew my way, startup was at 7am and my right foot was kind of heavy on the pedal!). <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>

Thanks Paulo, it seemed to me that traveling by ear would be much more enjoyable! It was "important" that we know we had a canal view, good location, etc. in Venice (this is our 25th wedding anniversary) but we hope to spend some of our time just exploring!

Hi! Paulo is correct. My wife and I have ben traveling to Europe for about 15 yrs. Initially we made some rerservations prior to departure but we disliked the scheduling. The past several yrs. we only nake a reservation at the city we are flying into so that we recover from jet lag and feel better the next day. We pick up our car and when we return it always at the airport we go to the tourist info or reservation desk and make a return reservation for that night so we are close by the airport the next day when we leave. Enjoy alan

Thanks Paulo for the good advice.

We go to Italy frequently, and just returned from a 6 week stay. One of my absolute pleasures in visiting Italy,is driving. No one, but NO ONE will ever hold you up on the autostrada. As one of the previous respondents said quite correctly, don't think about hanging in the left lane. And no one seems to get mad in Italy, if you get to point X first, good for you, and if the other driver does, good for them. Most of the drivers are much better than American drivers. Finally, the driving time from Rome to Naples is approximately 2 1/2 hours. We put 7700 Kilometers on a new Pugeot 406 in our 6 weeks, and I enjoyed every one.

Thanks to everyone for your responses - I've been on vacation in California and just got back to read your helpful messages. I figure driving should be no problem in Italy after the California freeways! By the way, I may be a control freak, but I'm making hotel resservations all along the way because we are travelling in July and suspect it may be crowded. <BR> <BR>Toyed with the idea of Verona and decided it would be too crowded with opera fans although it is soooo tempting. I always make the mistake of trying to pack too much into my trips. So Verona will have to wait for my next trip. <BR> <BR>Thanks again everyone. I'm sure I'll think of more questions between now and next summer.