We have decided to rent a car for our trip through Italy. After our stay in Positano what would be the best route to Florence? I was <BR>considering taking the A1 and stopping in Orvieto for a break or would it be better to go along the coast? After 2 nights in Florence we'll have 2 in Radda, then 1 in Pienza before spending the last night near FCO.

topping--we will be doing much the same--but stopping in Montalcino for a few days before heading north to Montecatini west of Florence. Looking for the least traumatic way to get from Positano to A1. Thanks for the info!

I checked Mapquest and it indicated it was almost 6hrs to drive between Positano to Florence. Does anyone know if this is accurate? In that case I might want to consider stopping somewhere easier to get into and out of than Orvieto so we can make Florence before 5:00 traffic. Any suggestions?

Help

Here are directions from the Michelin site for Positano to Montalcino--you can put in whatever points you wish and get specific driving directions--the site is www.viamichelin.com. Hope that helps.<BR><BR> <BR> Positano - Montalcino,<BR>Departure on 06/04/2002 at 0h00 <BR>282 mi in 4h44 (including 227 mi by motorway in 3h09 ) <BR> <BR>Motorway Tolls: 11 GBP <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> Driving Directions <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR><BR> 00h00 0 mi Positano <BR> SS163 for 7.7 mi <BR> SS145 for 7.6 mi <BR> 00h33 15 mi Castellammare di Stabia (for 1.9 mi) <BR> 1.2 mi <BR> SS145 for 1.8 mi <BR><BR> A3 / E45 for 11.6 mi <BR> 00h51 32 mi Napoli (passing close by) <BR> A1 / E45 for 12.9 mi <BR> 01h02 45 mi Marcianise (passing close by) <BR><BR> A1 / E45 for 127.7 mi <BR> 02h49 172 mi Fiano Romano (passing close by) <BR> A1 / E35 / E45 for 24.4 mi <BR> 03h09 197 mi Orte (passing close by) <BR> A1 / E35 for 50.5 mi <BR><BR> Bretelle A1 / SS478 for 0.10 mi <BR> 0.4 mi <BR> 03h54 249 mi Querce al Pino <BR> SS146 for 24.2 mi <BR> 04h28 273 mi San Quirico d'Orcia (passing close by) <BR> SS2 for 3.1 mi <BR> 04h33 276 mi Torrenieri (passing close by) <BR> 5.6 mi <BR> 04h44 282 mi Montalcino <BR> <BR> <BR>

MMH - I think 6 hours Positano-Florence (320 miles) could actually be an underestimate. If you're travelling in high season, getting out of Positano to the autostrada can be very time-consuming.<BR><BR>Steve

Steve--is the way the Michelin indicates to get on the A1, the best plan? I am having trouble connecting their directions to my map--will try to get a larger map of the area--is there one online that you know of? Thanks as always for the info.<BR><BR>Robyn

<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>Th anks for the info Steve and Robyn. Robyn, I'm studying the Michelin map as well. I'm sure someone at our hotels can help; but, it does make planning difficult. Any suggestions on where to stop on the way to Florence? It would be nice to find a place to take a break and have a nice lunch.<BR><BR>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<BR>

Robyn - I've only ever done it by train, - but the Michelin directions look good to me. <BR><BR>Leave Positano in the direction of Sorrento, then from Meta follow signs to Castellamare/Napoli.<BR><BR>Follow the green A3 northbound autostrada signs - <BR>you join the autostrada near Pompei.<BR>Then follow signs for A1/Roma/Firenze.<BR><BR> ---------------------<BR><BR>MMH - Orvieto would be a nice place for a lunch stop, - but it's well over half way.<BR><BR>If you don't mind a 15-minute detour an idea for a half-way stop would be Tivoli, if you'd like to do some sightseeing too.<BR><BR>You could have lunch or a picnic at or near Hadrian's Villa - one of the best Roman sites in Italy. I'm not sure if there's a restaurant on site, - I think not.<BR><BR>Alternatively, if the fountain gardens of Villa d'Este interest you, you could go up to the town of Tivoli itself.<BR><BR>Let me know if I can be of more help ...<BR><BR>Steve