DRIVING IN TUSCANY.......some definitions???
 

Could someone tell me what the difference is between a highway, autostrada, superstrada???? Which ones have tolls and is that payment in paper or coins? Would I actually be able to drop my car off in Florence or should I find a place close by and take a taxi to my hotel?

Highway = highway, whatever it means to you.

Autostrada = Freeway in the US. In Italy, these routes are numbered A1, A2, etc...

Seldom hear the term "superstrada", but I believe people are referring to the an autostrada.

A map (online or printed) will indicate which section of an autostrada is toll and which is not, often by the color they use for the distance marker and the existence of toll plazas. Toll or not, they're still numbered A-something.

Many roads marked on the map as main roads are in fact three lanes (on ein each direction and one in the middle for passing) or one largeland in each direction with wide shoulders. Often not multi-lane roads.

Autostrada are the major highways with divided traffic and limited entrances and exits.

We will pick up a car in Florence and drive around Tuscany in May. Must we have exact change for Tolls? Any limits on the size of bills (ie none large than 5 Euros)? All Euros?? Thanks

There are manned booths at all toll plazas. Don't need exact change.

Only the Autostrads have tolls.
The superstradas are 4 lane highways like the one between Florence and Siena that are fast but have no tolls.
You can also use the VIA lane at toll gates to pay by CC. Have fun !

Autostrada are like freeways and interstates. Always at least two lanes in each direction, both driving directions are seperated from each other with a crash-barrier or median. Autostradas also have a (hard) shoulder for emergencies. All intersections with other roads are free (no crossings or stop-lights etc). Every X km there is a service-area with a gas-station/restaurant etc. On almost all Autostradas you have to pay toll (cash/credit-card). I believe that small parts (esepcially around the cities) are toll-free. Website (in English)http://www.autostrade.it/en/

A super-strada is a three of four lane highway. Either two lanes in each direction, or one lane in each direction with an alternating lane to overtake other trafic.
Sometimes these roads are a lot like Autostrada, sometimes more like a regular two-lane highway. Biggest difference between super-strada and Autostrada; super-strada do not always have a median or crash-barrier, not all crossings with other roads are free, not so many service stations. Also the speed-limit on the super-strada is generally lower (110 km?, where the Autostrada is generally 130 km; some parts I believe have a higerh speed limit -150km- but I am not sure about this last bit...).

Thank you everyone.........but I'm still nervous about the driving......haven't had a second thought about the long plane ride but the driving, yes...and I'm a crazy Boston driver.

If you can drive in Boston, you can drive anywhere in Tuscany.

If you look at a map, the Green highways/signs are toll roads, and the Blue & Red road signs are non-toll roads. ((b))