We are traveling in Italy for 2 weeks, 5 adults. We plan to get a van in Rome (after our visit there), and drive to Siena (3 nights), Camogli (near Santa Margarita, 2 nights), Mennagio (on Lake Como-2 nights), and then to Venice where we'll turn in our van. Does this driving seem reasonable? I know trains may be faster, but for expense and convenience we thought having a car would be good. Any advise from anyone???
Posted by
Northborough, MA
636 posts
We will be traveling in Italy for 15 days, 2 adults and 3 kids. We are staying in Rome for 4 nights, then renting a minivan and hitting the road:
Sorrento for 3 nights (hotel with free private parking),
Florence for 3 nights (hotel with free private parking "garden")
Vernazza (Cinque Terre) for 2 nights (taking our chances on the Vernazza parking lot)
Then, off to Venice, where we drop off our car and then stay for 3 nights
We are really looking forward to the advantages of having a van. There are certainly disadvantages, but I think that they will be inconsequential.
So, I think that you have a great plan. Enjoy!
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
ViaMichelin.com has great driving directions for Europe but rent a GPS with the van if you can.
Posted by
Northborough, MA
636 posts
We have rented a van with GPS. But, we also have a bunch of maps, and we have printed out the viamichelin directions for each of our trips as well.
Posted by
Atlanta
800 posts
Debbie - we did almost the exact same trip in our van with 5 people, just in reverse. It was fine for us, we have driven in Italy 3 times now and find it fairly easy. I use viamichelin.com to map out the route and I am the official navigator. I also purchase the michelin map for the region - not the one that shows all of Italy but as small a region (i.e. Central Italy & Tuscany) as possible so I can get as detailed as possible. Haven't progressed to a GPS yet as I actually enjoy maps, seeing what is coming up, planning where to stop, etc.
I think your itinerary is a good one.