We have a trip to Rome and Tuscany lined up for July. For the Tuscany part we are based on San Gimignano. Our flight on the last day (from Rome Airport) isn't till 4:30pm, so we have plenty of time after checking out to explore more of Tuscany

I am considering a trip down the coast but it's not clear to me whether that is worthwhile. I was assuming / hoping that it's beautiful and that the journey would be delightful. But I am not sure of the best way to make the most of that time. Should I head out to Cecina on SR68 and then head down the coast or would it be easier to just head down to Grosseto (via e78) and south from there.

My idea of this part of our trip "done right" is seeing spectacular coast, having time for a beautiful lunch and getting to Rome Airport with no stress, etc. I'd probably want to be in the airport area around 2pm to drop of the car, etc. So, if we head out around 9am that leaves roughly five hours for us to explore.

Suggestions?

Thanks.

Mark

I know nothing of the timing aspects of this journey, but I have read a lot about the La Maremma region, as I am hoping to eventually make a trip there. Google La Maremma, and you will find info, but I would also plug the trip into the viamichelin website and see what it suggests under scenic drives.

Thank you, Yorkshire. Looks like I missed the most obvious option (directly south on SP541 to Grosseto). Bing tells me that with light traffic that trip, all the way to Fiumicino, is around 4 hours in moderate traffic. So, that looks feasible.

What I am looking for specifically the little treasures down the coast that I should try not to miss - the little gems I might not normally uncover on the web . This forum has a good track record with such suggestions so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks.

Mark

good luck--I will be following along to see what specific suggestions you get. I know there are some stellar seafood shack type places as well as some lovely towns.

Mark, Most of that route is not scenic nor has good views of the water. The exception is the Argentario promontory that is quite scenic. You could have an early lunch in Porto St. Stefano, but I am not sure you have the time. You want to be at FCO 3 hours in advance.

If your flight out of Rome is an international one, then, like Bob says, you're supposed to be there 3 hours early. And allow time before that to drop off the car. So if your flight departs at 4:30, you'll need to be at the airport about 1:00. A four-hour drive means you leave San Gimignano at 9:00 -- and skip lunch. Or leave earlier and hopefully there will be some nice restaurant roadside at about noon. And hopefully they'll bring the conto/check promptly.

If it was me, I'd stay closer to Fiumicino the last night. So often, when traveling in Italy, things go wrong. In this case accidents and/or traffic jams. If your flight is an international one and you miss it, you'll have to buy new tickets at the (very high) walk-up price. And, in July, it may be days before there are seats.

Exactly how close to Fiumicino to stay is a function of your personal risk tolerance.

Thank you for the responses. Much appreciated.

I flew from Rome to Paris last year and don't recall getting there 3 hours in advance. I can't recall exactly but I wasn't contemplating quite that much time (though the point about risk tolerance is a valid and good one).

We are flying back to the UK, by the way. We have no luggage to check in and will have checked online. So, I will think about this more.

Thanks again.

Mark

I think most people assumed you were flying to the states. If you are going to UK, you won't need to be there quite so early.

In July, you can expect coastal roads to be crowded.

Yes, fair point - I should have clarified. I guess the UK is technically an international flight

Given the la

(Ooop - sorry about the extra post).

Yes, fair point - I should have clarified. I guess the UK is technically an international flight

Given the lack of obvious must-see suggestions for the coastal trip, I'm now reconsidering. When we visited last year (our first trip to Italy and a magical experience for my wife and me on our 25th wedding anniversary), we spent a week or so in Rome, got a train to Orvieto, picked up a car and then headed north to our stay in a beautiful castle.

Every part of this plan worked out great - until I was home a couple of months later and ready what a lovely place Orvieto happens to be. We saw a regular street and drove straight to the freeway So, this could be our opportunity to do it right and that's on my mind now for that trip south.

Mark

The costal pine woodlands around Alberese are spectacular, in the right light they appear as cloud like formations. There are various walks and the pines fall into the sea due to the previous changes in sea level.

Argentario is a throw back to the 1950s and Porto Ercoe and San Stefano are worth a visit. Many classic yachts base themselves here in summer which add to the feeling of the place.

Just one word of warning about July. Don't attempt this journey in summer t the weekend. The traffic can be of biblical proportions and put a huge pressure on making a flight.

If you are using Ryanair or Easyjet then you can check in up to half an hour before departure. 90 minutes plus half an hour to dump the hire car is usually fine. Be careful when returning the car as they probably will try to apply extra costs for anything possible.