Florence, Tuscany & Bologna in April

Careful about driving to/into Bologna. Like Florence, it has a lot of ZTL areas.

I liked Bologna a lot. It has a large historic district. Much of it is arcaded, which could be handy for an April trip. One great thing about Bologna is that it's a rail hub so very convenient for day-trips. It seems no one has a bad word to say for Ravenna (lovely historic district as well as 6 or 7 sites with medieval mosaics) or Ferrara, and there are other possibilities as well.

Where will you be staying in Greve?

Your sketch of plans sounds good so far. You are wise to wait to get a car until you leave. I didn't rent from Florence, but look into either picking up your car in the city or at the airport. We stayed in Greve and took the bus into Florence. Personally, I wouldn't want my first driving experience in Italy to be trying to negotiate Florence streets. I think it might be better to take the train to the airport and pick up the car there. Will you fly open jaw out of Bologna or return to Florence?

Google driving in Italy. It's not that hard if you learn some basic road signs, know how to identify (and avoid) ZTL's and obey the speed limit.

Greve is a great hub to see Tuscany. Siena, San Gimignano, Volterry and Montepulchiano are less than 1 1/2 hours away and you drive through gorgeous scenery. Do you have a place in mind to stay in Greve? I highly recommend Castillo di Varrazzano.

When in Greve, you've got to have dinner at La Cantina. It was full of locals and the food is wonderful. Be sure to tell Alessandro and mama Lorena I said hello!

Yes flying open jaw into Florence and out of Bologna. 3-4 days in Florence first Considering staying at Villa Bordini in Greve on rec from friend...looks relaxing. And I will read about driving in Italy...need to try to understand about the ZTL..
Dinner at La Cantina is now on my List.

Chianti is just a very short distance southeast of Florence--a few minutes drive.
Hertz has a location 2 miles from the train station you can reach by cab, and the agent can give you directions to the Motorway going south that won't get you anywhere close to any ZTL. If you pick any rental up at an airport, there will substantial charges and tariffs you won't have to pay at the city offices.
Bologna is about a hour's drive north of Florence--all controlled access highway. It's a busy drive but no problem getting up there.

3 nights in Florence.
Stay in Greve as long as you like depending on how many day trips within Tuscany you want to take. 4 nights will give you 3 full days.
Bologna itself needs a day (for sure at least the night before the flight). But stay longer than 2 nights if you want to take day trips in Emilia-Romagna.

For driving in Italy, each driver listed on the rental form will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are easily available for a small fee at any AAA office and are valid for one year.

Regarding ZTL (limited traffic) areas, you may find these websites helpful.....

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/traffic_cameras_speeding.htm

http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/the-ztl-avoid-restricted-traffic-zones-fines-in-italy.html

Many towns and cities have ZTL areas, but not all are enforced by cameras. You may also want to have a look at this recent thread on the forum.....

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tourist-scams/italy-ztl-scams

ZTL's are not the only traffic issue you'll have to deal with when driving in Italy. There are also fines for driving in Bus lanes, speed cameras, including the devious Traffic Tutor which measures not only instantaneous speed but also average between two points (violate both and that's two tickets), tolls on the motorways, parking charges, etc.

FWIW, there are also some potentially expensive caveats to be aware of when using trains and other public transit in Italy. If you need more information on those, post another note. One other point to mention is that fines are often collected on the spot!

Thank you to all! I am reading about driving in Italy... Dates now set late April into May...thinking cool weather...

Looks like we will do 3 nights in Florence, then get car near train station and head to Tuscany. Lucca on way?
4 nights there, (a day in Sienna, tour area of Montepulciano, wineries)
then drive to Bologna, drop car at airport (?) and head to town for 3 nights.
I have not chosen a hotel in Bologna if anyone has recommendation.

Happy thanksgiving!

I always stay at Hotel San Donato at via Zamboni 16. Walking distance to piazza with San Petrino church and fountain. Breakfast included in rate. Great location.