I'm planning to rent a car in Florence and spend a day driving the countryside and checking out some hill towns. My rough itinerary is to drive through Chianti area, making a few stops to check out castles, etc. Then, go on to San Gimignano and maybe Volterra for dinner, then return to Florence in the evening. Is this a reasonable amount to do in one day, starting 10am-ish and returning say 9pm?
Posted by
St Louis
411 posts
I agree with Paul that it's doable but you should leave earlier. Are you staying within the Limited traffic zone in Florence? Be aware that there are heavy fines for driving within certain parts of the historic district.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32392 posts
David, Are you aware of the usual "caveats" for driving in Italy? If not, post another note for further details.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Your day trip sounds reasonable. You will be driving on "red", country roads which will take more time. However, it's beautiful country. If there are sites you want to see in Volterra such as the museum or the interior of the church, just be aware of their closing times. IMO, Volterra has a lot more interesting sites to see than San G. San G is more touristy. We basically walked the streets and looked at the shops. Will you have a GPS? It's not absolutely necessary, but very helpful. Also pick up a good Michelin, or similar, map at a Barnes & Noble. A more detailed map will show the red roads you will be travelling on. Also, go to your local AAA office and obtain an International Driver's Permit. No test is required, just $15 and two passport type photos. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
2 posts
Hi, We did Siena, San Gimingani and Volterra in one day. ( in March 2012) We stayed in villa in Montaione and it's 20 minutes away from San Gimignano. Thanks to Rick Steve's books, we had a great vacation ever. The roads in Tuscany in some places are very narrow, especially when we drove from Montaione to San Gimignano or Volterra. You should drive very carefully.
But the view is very beautiful.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
21 posts
Thanks all for your replies. Ken - not sure what all you mean by the usual caveats? I have an International Drivers Permit, and know about the auto-free zones in Florence. I plan to bus or taxi to the car rental shop, which is outside the zone, and drive from there. So does anything really get started before 10am in Italy?? Just kidding... Maybe we'll shoot for earlier. Thanks for the advice.