Would love any critque of our itinerary for our Italy trip. We are taking a month - since my husband lost his job thought we should make lemonade and stay awhile!!

Arrive Rome Tuesday September 1
Depart Friday, September one night in Spello at Palazzo Bocci

Saturday, September 5 - 12 - Tuscany week - either Fattorio Vittico or Romitorio di Serelle - plan biking around Chianti towns and day trip to Sienna

Saturday 9/12 - Monday 9/21 - At Villa Sampaguita in Asti, Piemonte - cheese festival in Bra, Palio di Asti and trips to Turin and Milan (hope to attend La Scala)

9/21- 9/25 - cinque Terre - staying in Riomaggiore

9/25 - 9/28 - Forence - Hotel Casci
9/28-9/30 - Bologna -need recommendations
9/30-10/3 - Venice
10/3 - back to USA

we wil have a car after Rome - please suggest somewhere to pick it up other than in the city - perhaps a short train ride outside - nervous about driving in Rome - still having flashbacks of driving in Paris a few years ago! We will drop the car prior to CT and take the train for remainder of trip.

The order is a little strange..you are going from Tuscany to Milan/Piedmont, then back to CT..why not do the CT first, then Tuscany, Bologna, Piedmont, and Venice..

we needed to do the month of september and planned the trip around the palio in Asti -

Yes, I can understand the reasoning. And you have figured in the use of the car..

It looks like a wonderful trip!

We stayed at the Hotel Roma in Bologna, which is a business style hotel in a perfect location just a few steps off the main piazza on a pedestrian street. Not what I would call charming, although the rooms were fine. You can check the rates; I think we paid about 100 euro a few years ago.

http://www.hotelroma.biz/eng/albergo.php

thanks eks - I'll check out that hotel.

Nice trip--I would love to tag along.
Get your car in Chiusi via Autoeurope. Be sure to get there before 1300 to be sure they are open. I hope not a Sunday, if so you are stuck with Rome. Give Tim our best wishes. We will be in Venice that same week.

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 AUTOEUROPE [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, full mandatory insurance coverage, and VAT taxes. 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 $10. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.

I think you need to update your instructions, Bob!

The price of the IDP has gone up. And Kemwell is often better for renting in Italy than AutoEurope.

thanks so much - I'll check out both and glad to know about the IDP - didn't know about that. I'll tell Tim you said hello - they have been great so far - we are lucky to have gotten the place there.