17 Days driving trip in Italy and Provence - Suggestions and Tips needed

I'll provide what suggestions I can, as well as suggest that you do some internet research (i.e., on market days). Use weather underground or a similar site to get historical information on weather in the areas you're planning to drive in. Some of the distances that you plan to travel are quite long - Milan to Arles, for example, is at least 5 1/2 hours with no stops. The Italian Riviera (let's pick Genoa) to Sorrento is more than 7 hours (without stops). If you stayed 2-3 nights in rural Tuscany, instead, your drive to Sorrento would be shorter, of course, but your drive from Nice to rural Tuscany would be at least 5 hours. Personally, I would rather spend the time outside of a car and enjoying a location, whether it be a museum, market or cafe. But it sounds like your family has already made that analysis. With 3 nights in Arles, you have two full days. One day you could spend in Arles; there's quite a bit to see there. The other day, consider visiting Les Baux de Provence. The Pont du Gard and the city of Avignon are both interesting, though further away. I haven't visited the Camargue, so I can't advise there. The Cinque Terre I don't recommend - they've had extraordinary flooding in a number of the towns, and I don't know what's open, etc. The Italian Riviera and rural Tuscany are both geographically quite large; you'll need to narrow down where you want to spend your 2-3 nights. It might be quite snow in rural Tuscany. Have you considered staying in/near Florence? I would suggest that upon arriving in Rome, you drop your rental car. To travel from Rome back to Milan, it would be easier, and more cost effective, to take the trian.

We had a car and stayed in Avignon for 3 nights. It really wasn't enough to see the beautiful villages of Provence but we did see a lot. Les Beau de Provence is great. In Provence, also consider Lourmarin and Gordes. Beautiful and scenic countryside to and from these villages. Lots of restaurants in the interior part of the villages. We had a great lunch in Lourmarin. This journey could work as a way to get to Nice.

For Gorges du Verdon, look at Hotel La Bastide de Moustiers with its Alain Ducasse restaurant. If the weather is decent, the Camargue is lovely and worth a visit. I wouldn't want to go there if a wintry gale is blowing. The church at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer has an interesting history. Nearby Aigues-Mortes is also well worth a visit. You could do a day trip loop which includes a taste of Nimes as well. The Luberon would be another good day trip--Gordes, Bonnieux, Roussillon, etc. Lovely perched villages, great restaurants, beautiful architecture.
What you'll be able to do depends upon the weather, though. It isn't the best time for a road trip as you know.

Thank you or your responses. My plan is becoming more concrete: 16th Dec Morning - 8:15 AM land in Milan and pick up the car 16th Dec - morning - Drive from Milan to Ecris - stay somewhere near Briancon/Ailefroide 17th - Arles - Drive to Arles, see Arles 18th - Arles - Provence area 19th - Arles - Provence area 20th - Nice - Drive to Nice 21st - Nice - Around Nice 22nd - Nice - Around Nice 23rd Lucca - Drive to Lucca - maybe see Portofino on the way 24th Lucca - If weather good then do a day trip for hiking in Cinque Terre ((I believe that Riomaggiore to Manarola and Manarola to Corniglia should be open?) 25th/26th Some other town(s) in Tuscany 27th Sorrento (A small hike on Vesuvius on the way?) 28th Sorrento - Amalfi coast drive 29th Sorrento (Pompeii?) 30th Rome - leave car in Sorrento and take a train 31st Rome 1st Rome first half, take a late afternoon train to Milan 2nd return flight from Rome A few questions: 1. Recommendations for specific towns/drives 2. Recommendations for hotels (mid to high end $200-$400 range) 3. Would love some recommendations for short hikes (1-3 hours) along the above route (or even some detours)
4. Any suggestions for staying in/near Briancon? Thanks!

Ashutosh, Keep in mind that for driving in Italy, you'll require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which must be used in conjunction with your home Driver's License. Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! You'll also need to be very careful to avoid Zona Traffico Limitato areas which are very prevalent in some locations. Each pass through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket (which you'll receive several months after you return home). I tend to use rental cars only when absolutely required. The public transit in Europe is excellent, so cars are usually not the best method to get around. Cheers!

Ken - thanks for the reminder - yes I ma getting an IDP done. We don't plan to use the car in any of the big cities. Will leave the car before going to Rome. Thank you for the helpful suggestions.

Driving in Italy is really no bid deal if you spend 30 minutes - one hour BEFORE travelling memorizing couple crucial traffic signs that are very different from the American ones, plus the blank speed limits for highways (130 km/h), non-highway roads (90 km/h) and urban areas (50 km/h). While I respect people who think otherwise, the "hell of driving in Italy" is overstated by people who, preferring to ride trains as amusement rides (which is absolutely fine with them), sometimes overstate the "hassles".

Ashutosh Cinque Terre and Sorrento are less than ideal to see in December. I would skip Cinque Terre because it is time consuming to get there and the recent disasterous rain and mud slides in Monterroso and Vernazza. It will be chilly windy gray skies and damp and portions of the hiking trail are periodically closed because of weather related damage. Sorrento may be much of the same weather. See what other posters recommend for Sorrento. I would add more nights in Tuscany, Sienna or perhaps in the countryide s for a change of pace. It is always good to have original posters in a dialogue and understand the ideas and suggestions we are making! Bobbie