Ideas for a auto tour of Tuscany

Posted by dgrieco on 12/30/18 03:15 PM

We are considering renting a car and taking a tour of Tuscany.
Thinking that the views while driving each day will be beautiful and
visting and staying in the charming small towns and villages would
be a very nice experience.

We can do this for as many days as it takes.

The way it looks now, we will be heading towards Tuscany by train from
Montorosso. So, we can pick up a rental car ineither La Speazia or Pisa?

Looking for some suggestions as to a good route of travel, towns and villages
to visit, places to stay, and places to eat?

Whatever experiences you have and suggestions will begreatly appreciated.

Posted by Threadwear

Fort Myers, FL

12/30/18 05:56 PM

1921 posts

In addition to Florence, these are places I enjoyed on a recent trip to Tuscany. Siena, Lucca, Montecatini Alto, Carrara, Pisa (Actually only the Tower interested me), I'm not a huge fan of Pisa itself.

Here are a couple of links that may help you choose.

https://www.visittuscany.com/en/ideas/top-10-must-sees-for-a-first-timer-in-tuscany/

https://www.discovertuscany.com/

You will enjoy Tuscany!

Posted by Suki

12/30/18 08:48 PM

11660 posts

Visit walled Lucca first. Then to Volterra. Florence and then south.
Drive SR 222, the historic Chiantigiana. Pass through Greve, Panzano, Castellina and venture off a little to Radda. End in Siena.
And SE of there, Montalcino and Pienza.

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

12/30/18 09:54 PM

32393 posts

dg,

You may already be aware of this, but note that 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 obtainable at any AAA/CAA office for a small fee, and are valid for one year. Those without an IDP can face hefty fines, which are collected on the spot!

You'll have to be vigilant to avoid the ZTL (limited traffic) zones which exist in many Italian cities. DO NOT drive into Florence as the city is heavily covered by automated ZTL cameras, and each pass through one will result in hefty fines, which you may not know about until several months after you've returned home. There are also automated speed cameras in different locations.

If you're coming from Monterosso, La Spezia would be the easiest place to pick up a rental car. In order to determine a "route of travel", you'll first have to figure out which towns you want to visit.

Posted by TJ

Portland, OR

01/17/19 07:48 AM

83 posts

We would highly suggest Montepulciano. It's a fantastic hilltop town in the heart of wine country. The restaurants and shops are amazing - been there so many times!

With Montepulciano as one of your home bases, it's easy to venture out and see Pienza, Cortona, Siean, Perugia, Assisi, and so many others.

Dining Suggestions:
- L'Altro Cantuccio (http://www.laltrocantuccio.it/)
- Pane, Vino, & Zucchero
- La Grotta (http://www.lagrottamontepulciano.it/intro.php)
- Pulcino's

Accommodation Suggestions:
- Fonte Martino Guest House (https://www.fontemartino.com)

Hope this helps!