Have a house rented close to Siena for four nights in July. Looking for suggestions of what to see with a car without spending the day driving. A real feel of the countryside would be great - small towns and off the path places. We took the RS Village Italy tour in '12 but are traveling this time with another couple new to Italy. Suggestions? Experiences? What to expect driving?
Thanks,
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15198 posts
I'm stopping here as I'm running out of space. Possibilities are nearly infinite.
You can check here for more ideas:
www.borghiditoscana.net/en/
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15198 posts
What to expect driving:
On regular roads:
- Lots of curves, except for the freeway Florence-Siena. Hopefully nobody in your party gets too car sick.
- Narrow roads with little or no shoulder.
- Lots of bikers, especially on weekends.
- ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) inside the historical centers of most old towns. Park in a lot outside the historical center.
- Hidden Speed Cameras (with no cop in sight) in many built up areas. The ticket will come via mail courtesy of your rental car company. Stay under the 50 km/h speed limit (or no more than 10% above)
On freeway:
- Cruising in and hogging left lane is not permitted. Left lane is passing lane only. You must return to right lane upon completion of passing to let faster vehicles pass you. You cannot pass vehicle from their right flank. They must move to the right lane first, then you pass them from the left lane.
Google "Italian (or European) road signs". There are numerous sites that illustrate European road signs, including Wikipedia articles. Print for reference.
I presume you know you will need your Drivers' License issued by your state PLUS an International Driving Permit (issued by any AAA office).
Posted by
OP
Salem, OR, USA
27 posts
Thanks - I knew I could count on you. These are perfect!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
One tiny town that is very near San g (almost not even a town) is San Donato. It is up a narrow little road on the top of a hill. There is a church, a winery, a few little hotels and a beautiful view of the Tuscan countryside. Pack a picnic lunch and spend a little time just soaking it all in. There are often many artists painting the view. It is off the beaten path.
I love all of the itineraries that Roberto gave you... a few favorite towns... Certaldo Alto, Buonconvento, Cortona...San g.
Posted by
New Orleans
169 posts
This timing is perfect! I have been spending the day trying to plan out a few routes by myself and wondering how realistic my ideas were. Thank you.