Hello,
My fiancé and I are planning our 9 day honeymoon in Rome & Florence. Sep 25th-Oct5th. This will be the first time in Italy for both of us( though both of us have visited multiple other European countries). We fly into Rome, train directly to Florence for 3 days, and have been pondering renting a car and driving through Tuscany over 2 days (1 Night) to make our way back to finishing the last 3-4 days in Rome. My first question is whether this is even a good idea. Are rentals easy/reliable? Will we have trouble parking? I love road trips and taking in the scenery, so for me, if this plan is viable, I would love it. If there are alternatives, what should we look into. We also know there are so many gorgeous and interesting places to see along the way. My fiancé would like a winery day and for me its about the history and architecture. Can anyone suggest their favorite stops on the way south to Rome? Where should we stay over night? Any suggestions or advice is much appreciated!
Posted by
Washington, the State
107 posts
If you do go through Tuscany, I highly recommend Volterra - beautiful, full of interesting history and architecture, with a great little wine bar called La Vena di Vino. Lots of tasting opportunities in a unique setting with friendly hosts.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
This drive on the SR222 will provide all of your wishes. All these towns have great wine bars, but I've included my favorite winery visits too. Now you have to narrow it down. My choice for lodging would be either Montalcino or Castellina.
Florence-Greve 35 min.
https://www.vignamaggio.com/en/tuscan-food-and-wine-tours/wineries-tasting-tuscany
OR
https://www.verrazzano.com/en/
Greve-Radda. 25 min.
http://www.volpaia.it/index-en.html
OR
http://www.castellodiama.com/en/ospitalita/
Radda-Gaiole. 10 min.
Gaiole-Castellina. 25min.
http://www.mazzei.it/en/The-estates/Castello-di-Fonterutoli/The-estate/
Castellina-Montalcino 1 hr10min.
One note, the alcohol limit in Italy is much lower than here. We usually share a glass anda snack then buy a bottle or "few"to have in the evening.
You also need an IDP (international driving permit) translation of your d license.
If you do drive know the rules of the road. Good info here.
https://www.italybeyondtheobvious.com/dont-mess-with-ztl-zones
Edit. Spelling
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1245 posts
Be aware that if you are driving in Italy, each driver needs an International Driver's Permit, available at any AAA office for $20. Read up on rules for driving in Italy, street signs, ZTL's, and know that there are cameras to enforce these.
Posted by
Rural Georgia
2213 posts
I think that would be wonderful! You'll be there at a nice time, the weather will be cooling off and the crowds will be smaller.
You've gotten some great ideas so far. We spent a week in Tuscany and used Castillo di Verrazzano as our home base. Here's a suggested itinerary:
Drive from Florence to Greve. Visit the main square for a little while, then drive 10 minutes to Castillo di Verrazzano and take their winery tour. From there, drive south to Radda and explore. It's a teeny hill town that can be seen in an hour or so. Then, head over to Castillina and explore. From there, drive to Volterra. It is absolutely gorgeous at sunset. Stay the night in Volterra, then visit San Gimignano in the morning. From there you can choose to head on down to Rome, but if you don't mind getting into Rome a little later, you could do more ambling. You could drive over to the Abbazia Monte Oliveto, which is a gorgeous abbey. From there catch the Autostrada for an easy drive to Rome.
Driving is straightforward. Parking shouldn't be a problem. We rented from Hertz and it was almost as easy as renting from the states.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Just to add, you will need to make reservations for tours at all the wineries above.
If you stay in Montalcino, you can then the next day take the SR2 down to San Querico d'Orcia, Vignoni, then Bango San Filippo.
This route takes you thru the Val d' Orcia, which has a totally different landscape than Chianti. You can continue down this road an get off at either Orvieto or Orta passing by Lake Bolsena. If you get off the SR2, at either town, you will hit the A1/E35 which is the autostrada to Rome.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16206 posts
Not sure how many nights you have on the ground, but maybe you can make your drive back a bit slower because with one night only (basically two partial days) you won’t get to visit much.
The drive from Florence to Rome via the Via Chiantigiana (SR222) and the Via Cassia (SS2) is a long drive, and I’m sure you want to stop and see places along the way.
Count your total nights on the ground. Spend the first 3 nights in Florence (since you plan to go their upon landing) and the last four nights in Rome (both are ideal allocations for a 10 day trip). Whatever number of nights you have left in between, can be devoted to a leisurely drive through the regions of Tuscany and Latium.
I reiterate the need to read about:
- International Driving Permit (visit your local AAA)
- ZTL (zones in historical centers where only residents, transit and emergency vehicles can drive), and
- European Road Signs system