I have a wedding in Como at the end of July. I am in Italy until August 2nd. We are renting a car and would like to visit some off the beaten path locations in Northern Italy. I don't want to spend the entire trip driving but I was thinking Emiglia Romagna (Modena, Parma and Ravenna), I would love to do Verona (how much time do I need there) and I was contemplating Cinque Terre or somewhere in Piemonte, but I am not sure about the driving routes a where to go to first, second, third, etc. I arrive and depart out of Milano - Malpensa. Any driving tours suggestions or outlines would be greatly appreciated. Grazie Mille ragazzi! Anyone have any thoughts on Agriturismi in these areas.
Many Thanks
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
For a month, tinker with something like this ...
Milan (2nts)
Verona (3nts) (side trip to Mantua by public transport)
Vicenza (2nts)
Padova (4nts) (side trip(s) to Venice by public transport)
Ferrara (2nts)
Ravenna (2nts)
Bologna (3nts)
Modena (2nts)
Parma (2nts)
Cinque Terre (3nts)
Genova (2nts)
Turino (3nts)
Milano (1nt)
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for your thoughts. I will only be there for 10 days. What are your thoughts on narrowing it down to approximately 8 days?
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I am so sorry. I don't know what month I was thinking of came between July and August. lol.
Lot's of great places with fewer crowds across the north of Italy...
Verona - Vicenza - Padova - Ferrara - Ravenna - Bologna - Modena - Parma
Driving distances between all these places is only 1hr to 1.5hrs.
Perhaps 2 nights each in the larger centres - Verona, Padua, Bologna.
Or the smaller more manageable sites for a night each - Mantua, Vicenza, Ferrara, Ravenna, Modena, Parma.
This would work if you wanted to tick off your 'wish list' ...
Verona (2nts)
Ravenna (1nt)
Modena (1nt)
Parma (1nt)
Cinque Terre (2nts)
Milano (1nt)
Posted by
824 posts
Every place you mentioned in your original posting is well-served by train. Driving in Italy is expensive and a real hastle. The Autostrade has hefty tools, fuel is really expensive and insurance through the rental company is compulsary. Considering that parking is ALWAYS a major hastle and many of the places you mentioned are either traffic-free or have ZTLs, public transport is much easier, faster and cheaper.
If you MUST drive, remember your International Driving Permit (required) and beware of speed cameras (everywhere). Also, Italian police like to stand on the side of the road and wave you down with their little red "lollipops."
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
None of the places you mention is off the beaten path, but all are good locations with good transportation. You should have no problems without a car.