Tuscany short trip
Aug 14th, 2010 | 12:06 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Tuscany short trip
We will be returning from a cruise in Civitavecchia and would like to spend 3-4 days in the Tuscany area. I loved the scenery in Letters to Juliet and would like an area similar to it or the same. We are in our 50's, upper middle class and have never rented a car in Europe. Ideas where to go/stay are appreciated as well as thoughts about transportation. A cooking class would be the icing on the cake, if possible.
Aug 14th, 2010 | 12:44 PM
#2
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 37,526
Likes: 14
I think some of the filming was here.
http://www.borgoscopetorelais.it/en/relais.html
And perhaps Montalcino.
http://www.prolocomontalcino.it/index.php?lang=en
http://www.borgoscopetorelais.it/en/relais.html
And perhaps Montalcino.
http://www.prolocomontalcino.it/index.php?lang=en
Aug 14th, 2010 | 01:12 PM
#3
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30,742
Likes: 4
Its possible to do the area by public transport but unless this trip is high season (July august) i'd rent a car. Good news they drive on the same side as Americans, but bad news getting an automatic is hard.
The big cities such as Siena and Florence can be visited for a day but I would recommend staying in one of the smaller towns and day visit. This allows you to drive into the hills and see the lines of cedar trees.
The big cities such as Siena and Florence can be visited for a day but I would recommend staying in one of the smaller towns and day visit. This allows you to drive into the hills and see the lines of cedar trees.
Aug 14th, 2010 | 04:51 PM
#4
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 613
Likes: 0
You will be much-much better off with renting a car. If you get a GPS (better yet if you can familiarize yourself with using the GPS prior to renting the car), you should not have any problems. To rent a car, browse the website and then contact AutoEurope. You can reserve an automatic but it will cost you +/- 30% more.
As far as where to stay, and I note here your comment re economic status, take a look at these two places:
http://www.lasaracina.it/
http://www.villapoggiano.com/
We stayed at both and, IMO, both are "pinch me" incredible.
I am certain that a cooking class could be arranged for you through your hotel.
As far as where to stay, and I note here your comment re economic status, take a look at these two places:
http://www.lasaracina.it/
http://www.villapoggiano.com/
We stayed at both and, IMO, both are "pinch me" incredible.
I am certain that a cooking class could be arranged for you through your hotel.
Aug 15th, 2010 | 12:01 PM
#5
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
renting a car is simple and important. GPS IS A MUST... you can easily rent a car at the port and be in the heart of tuscany in a few hours. we stayed in Siena and used it as a base dont go to far in one day.....towns are close...
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Aug 16th, 2010 | 05:39 PM
#8
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,525
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Aug 16th, 2010 | 06:06 PM
#9
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
I am 54 and just rented a car in Italy for two days in May and didn't really have a problem. There have been lots of discussions concerning the IDP - I got one and am glad I did for the piece of mind and I recommend it, but for the record, never had to show it to anyone. I consider myself an excellent map reader, and between good road maps and very driver friendly Italian signage I found my way around southern Tuscany without a problem, GPS free, but if you are facile with a GPS, then I agree the GPS is worthwhile.
There was a humorous situation that developed when I rented the car at the Piazza Roma in Venice. I arrived an hour earlier than anticipated, and the agent (Hertz) rather tersely told me my reservation wasn't for another hour, and promptly motioned for the next customer. Well, my party was tired and the air conditioning in the office was nice so we just stood there. Not angry or passive-aggressive or nothing; we were just enjoying a moment's rest and had no where to go!
I guess without intending to, the Hertz people became uncomfortable with a family just standing there, so they figured out a way to get us our car more quickly. I assume this was an anomaly at Venice, where parking is a premium.
You may wish to stay in the lovely town of Montepulciano and stay at the Abbergo Terrazza Di Montepulciano,
www.laterrazzadimontepulciano.it , run by the most delightfully eccentric Roberto. When we stayyed there, we shared this place with an Austrian Harley Club who had rode down from Vienna to stay there. - a rather surreal experience. But you can then stroll aroudn and sample the local wines at the many enotecas in the town and they can help arrange cooking classes.
There was a humorous situation that developed when I rented the car at the Piazza Roma in Venice. I arrived an hour earlier than anticipated, and the agent (Hertz) rather tersely told me my reservation wasn't for another hour, and promptly motioned for the next customer. Well, my party was tired and the air conditioning in the office was nice so we just stood there. Not angry or passive-aggressive or nothing; we were just enjoying a moment's rest and had no where to go!
I guess without intending to, the Hertz people became uncomfortable with a family just standing there, so they figured out a way to get us our car more quickly. I assume this was an anomaly at Venice, where parking is a premium.
You may wish to stay in the lovely town of Montepulciano and stay at the Abbergo Terrazza Di Montepulciano,
www.laterrazzadimontepulciano.it , run by the most delightfully eccentric Roberto. When we stayyed there, we shared this place with an Austrian Harley Club who had rode down from Vienna to stay there. - a rather surreal experience. But you can then stroll aroudn and sample the local wines at the many enotecas in the town and they can help arrange cooking classes.
Aug 23rd, 2010 | 06:09 PM
#12
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
We were in Tuscany last year (NW corner) and we are headed back in about 4 weeks. In my opinion, you should not drive in Tuscany if you need clear directions, fear one-laned hairpin corners driven at high speeds and don't like to be lost. We enjoyed the thrill of getting lost and finding new things along the way. Two weeks into our trip last year, we were still getting lost in the back hills of Tuscany as we did day trips and loved every minute of it.
Just my two cents.
Just my two cents.
