my husband and I are planning our 25th anniversary and we have 3 weeks.
W e have never been to italy and would like to do a car trip.we dont really know how to go about it and need advise on where to start and what are the most important places to see.
i think at this point knowing where to book our starting flight too and knowing where to fly home from would give us some idea how to go about choosing the middle stuff.

Hello canvend, spending your 25th anniversary in Italy will be so special!

What time of the year will you be visiting Italy? And what are your interest? Italy has so much to offer from the large cities to countrysides to seasides to the Lake area to the Dolomites etc., that if you would share the interest that you two have I am sure that you will receive a wealth of information.

If you have no idea may I suggest that you check out some guide books at your local library or go to your nearest bookstore. Getting a map of Italy (hopefully one that gives the Italians names such as Firenze for Florence etc.) should be of help to you also. Best regards.

There are many possible itineraries. The cities of Rome, Venice, and Florence are what most tourists consider the big 3, then there are smaller towns / cities, and lots of lovely countryside.

As for flying, a lot depends on from where you are coming. If you can get non-stop flights into Rome, Venice, Milan or Pisa then consider flying into one of those and out of another. If you need to make a connection, then consider flying through Zurich, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt. That gives you more flexibility for start/end points.

For 3 weeks I recommend something like this, in no particular order.

Rome 5 nights
Venice 3-4 nights
Florence 3-4 nights
small hill town or rural countryside in Tuscany 1 week

I don't like to move around (change hotels) - for a 3 week trip I think 4 locations is perfect. You can take day trips to expand your horizon.

You would not want a rental car in any of the cities - use trains to get between them, then rent a car for your 1 week in Tuscany.

A. Driving in Italy is a bit different than driving in the USA, or Canada (assuming you're from North America).... You have to be VERY careful, 'cause those Italians are driving like there's no tomorrow, they'll tailgate you if you don't drive fast enough, and especially if you linger on the left lane which is meant for passing only (that part I wish they adopted here in America too....). So be VERY alert, and ready for some suicidal drivers on the road, no matter if you're driving in Northern Italy or Southern Italy....

B. You need to take in consideration that renting a car in Italy will be more expensive than in any other country, and that some (if not all) credit card companies will not allow their free insurance coverage when you use their CC for rental in Italy. To avoid that we flew to Switzerland and rented the car there, to drive into Italy and come back (driving thru the Alps on a clear day is like visiting in heaven!). But there's more, based on my experience just a month ago: Some companies, in some countries renting you certain cars would PROHIBIT you from driving into Italy.....

...SO do some homework before you buy your airline tickets....

...Otherwise it's a REAL PLEASURE, having the freedom of driving your own car thru wonderful Italy. Just be prepared.

This may help for driving. AS for destinations, get a good guide book and see what hits you. Then plan 3 trips in advance since you will return. We did our 16th trip in 2009 celebrating our 50th--you can see the trip report by clicking on my name.


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.

Thank you all for the advice,I neglecteded to mention that we are from Montreal Canada and were looking to visit Italy in the second week of May till mid June,is it possible to tee the south and the North with a Vehicule or should we consontrate to one or two areas.If I had to make a choice for my first visit to italy would you suggest staying north or visiting the Amalfi coast.as you can tell we want to see it all but if that is not possible we would like to be able too see the highlights in case we dont end up in italy again.we are definately going to keep all your advice in mind, thanks again

With three weeks in Italy, J62 above has recommended a good itinerary. It provides the three cities that many people visit on their first trip as well as a week in rural Tuscany at a beautiful time of the year. So you have cities and countryside, sea and interior. You can make day trips to towns in Tuscany if you stay there for a week. Consider staying in one place, at an agritourismo or apartment if you plan to stay for a week.

You won't need a car except for the rural Tuscany part of the trip - in fact, you won't want a car.

Fly into Venice and out of Rome to avoid backtracking.

I think Bob's advice is excellent, especially the "have a good navigator" part (we used a GPS and it really helped). Be aware of speed cameras.

Canvend, you're not going to see all the highlights of Italy, even in 3 weeks. There are 45 World Heritage Sites in Italy, spread around. Alas, we all have to reign in our ambitions to see everything.

You do need to do some research. Get guidebooks from the public library or your local bookstore. I like the DK ones for their pictures. Watch travel shows on TV. Search the Internet. For example, look at Fodors' Destinations above.

And think about your interests. Renaissance art and architecture? Then spend more time in Florence. Foodies? Plan a few days in Bologna. Is the driving really important to you? Then avoid cities. Otherwise we could put together a good trip without any driving at all. In fact, a car is a burden at many of the "highlights."

And what time of year will you be going? That affects the planning of your trip also.

J62 gave a good plan. I would fly into Venice and out of Rome. But we need more from you.

I wouldn't skip the lakes, at least not Lago Maggiore (don't miss Isola Bella!) and Como. Flying into Venice might need a connection flight, 'cause I don't think they fly from N. America into Venice, I think it's Rome or Milan, which is still OK, and can utilize the itinerary others have suggested. Of course, when you're in venice your car will be parked "outside" so maybe it's worth to return it there and then take the train to Milan for your homebound flight.

I would consider buying Michelin's Green Guide and their maps if you're driving. GPS is great but you want a good map in the cabin....

If you decide to rent a car for a week in Tuscany...after our 4 night stay in Florence, we took a taxi to the airport to pick up our rental car. Although you can pick one up in the city, I wouldnt advise it. The cab dropped us right in the car rental lot. It took us all of ten min to pick up the car and be on our way.

We then drove south from there, visiting the hill towns, Siena, Tuscany, and finally leaving the car in Rome.

Btw, the highways are great and simple to drive, but I'll never forget the beautiful postcard-like scenery we found when we missed our main turnoff. Rather than backtracking, we took the next exit and ended up on a smaller road thru the hills of Tuscany south from Florence. So...try to get lost!

Driving in Italy is what you read about..The Italians are agressive drivers.But so are the drivers in the big cities in the US. Just dont try to drive in the big cities.Italy is famous for sending tickets for driving in the wrong areas.they usually come a year later. To busy trying to navigate to see the camers in town.Gps are great but not very helpful if your trying to follow it in Big towns in Italy.I would save driving for out in the country side.
I would fly into Venice out of Rome.

More places to check:

San Gimignano (on the road from Firenze to Siena), Piza (the leaning tower), Cinque Terra and the town of Santa Margherita Ligure -- take the boat to PORTOFINO, a real gem.

South of Firenze is a little magical town of Cortona.

Milano is Europe's fashion center, if interested.

Every time I read those Italian rules of the road I want to correct them. itialian drivers are not aggressive - they are assertive. There's a big difference. (And IMHO dreiver are much better - and safer - than many in the US.)

They are good drivers and they expect you to be as well. They expect you to know the rules of the road (the left lane is for active passing only - not lollygagging - and should be occupied for the minimum time - with your blinker on indicating you will return to the right lane ASAP). They do not tailgate. If someone is tailgating you - you are in the wrong lane - so move over.

They do not have to deal with 1) soccer moms weaving over several lanes while they try to break up fights between kids, 2)salesmen trying to eat their lunch while they drive, 3) elderly doing 35 mph on a main highway.

Driving is not a right for everyone over the age of 16 who can pass a test by driving 2 blocks without hitting something. It is a privilige given to those who have actually larned how to drive.

Frankly I love drivig in Itlay - and in all of Europe (except major cities - where it makes no sense)- because the driving standards are so much better.

Have done probably 40 plus road trips - in many differnt countries - and while there have been a few interesting events (coming around a corner of a small road in rural England to find 3 lambs standing in the middle of the road) overall it is very enjoyable.

That said - a car makes no sense in Rome Florence or Venice - but does for the countryside - and the lake district.

Well, Italians DO like to tailgate if you don't drive fast enough on a small, single-lane road. We found ourselves being "harassed" several times, and we learned simply to pull aside (when it was possible) and let the guy behind us pass. I remember the funny thing was, we were driving a brand new VW Passat, and twice were tailgated by really old, rusty Fiat 500... The road was narrow and winding, and being unfamiliar with the road, and tourists who are there to enjoy the scenery, we just drove at a reasonable pace, there was no reason for us to rush. So we just let them Italians drive like maniacs, no hard feelings.

People who are familiar with small country roads can, of coure, drive safely on them much faster than tourists who are admiring the scenery. On that type of road if there is more than 1 car behind you the only polite thing to do is pull over and let them pass.

Why should they dawdle just because you want to?

Yes, of course, but it happened while I was driving at a very reasonable speed (nobody ever accused me of being a slow driver.... I'm a FAST driver, usually), not idling while watching the scenery.... It's just that the locals are driving FAST, no matter how small, old and rusty their car is, and they will still tailgate you if you don't feel safe enough to drive as fast as them..... And when I say tailgate -- I mean staying about 6 inches behind your rear bumper.....

One morning we were watching the owner of the B&B we were staying at (at Lago di Garda), an 85 year old lady drive her Vespa to deliver something.... BOY, it was quite a scene, the speed in which she was maneuvering the narrow alleys....

The Italians are just VERY FAST DRIVERS. And tourists need to take that in consideration if they elect to drive in Italy.

Oh please - Italian drivers are NOT fast at all. Germans are fast drivers, and crazy to boot (talk about tailgating!!). The French are really VERY fast drivers. Italians, no. Italian city traffic, in particular, is slower than almost anywhere else in Europe.
As nytraveler said, they just know how to drive. They're Europe's best drivers, that's the whole "secret" about driving in Italy. If you can cope with their quick reactions and their intelligence on the road, drive, and you'll enjoy it immensely. If you can't, take the train.

once agian thank all of you for your advice,I think were a the point we need to decide weather three weeks on the road or a twelve day cruis doin mostly italy and then disembark and do a three days in rome,what do you think

Well, a cruise is nice because you don't need to pack/move/unpack. But what you see is the boat, except for a few forays on land, maybe half a day each. You're not really experiencing Italy. Depends on what you want.

Maybe a guided tour on land would be a better fit for you?