Hi Guys,
A bit of last minute jitters...we will begin our Italian two week adventure on Wednesday. Just a few questions: recommendations for restaurants in Rome, Siena, and Menaggio; best way to get from Rome to Siena (bus or train), and suggested driving route from Siena to Como as we will be renting a car. As we drive to Como, I'm would like to stop along the way...Bolonga, Modena, Reggio Emilia, or Parma? Any suggestions? Thank you.
Posted by
Chicago
8236 posts
Best way Rome to Siena is by Flixbus or Baltour bus companies.
Both have sites you can buy tickets online
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Rome/Siena
Posted by
Green Bay
21278 posts
Have you researched ZTL issues in all the places you want to stop on the way to Como?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
As you're renting a car, I hope each driver has the compulsory International Drivers Permit. This is used in conjunction with your home DL so you'll have to take that too. These are easily obtained at any AAA / CAA office for a small fee.
As Sam mentioned, you'll need to be extremely vigilant to avoid the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic) areas which exist in many Italian towns. Do NOT drive in Florence! Each pass through these will result in hefty fines which you won't know about until several months after you return home. There are also tolls, fines for transgressing bus lanes and speed cameras, including the devious Traffic Tutor which measures not only instantaneous speed but also average between two points. Violate both parameters and expensive tickets will follow!
For the trip from Siena to Rome, I'd go by train. Take a taxi down the hill to the station. There may be at least one change, depending on which departure you choose. You can see all the solutions on the Trenitalia website.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thank you for the info. We do have the international drivers license thingy and are aware of the ZTLs. I am still interested in stopping for lunch and a bit of sightseeing on our way to Como. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Washington DC
28453 posts
I think you'd be better off in a place smaller than Bologna. It has a huge historic district that takes quite some time to see, and I have no idea how close you'd be able to get to it without entering a ZTL. There would be less wasted time if you chose a smaller city or town, I believe.
Posted by
7 posts
Chef Pino has a GREAT restaurant, ristorante tar-tufo. We met him at da divo last year but LOVE this new place on via sole, on the back side of campo. Please make rez on like. Five stars. Remarkable but reasonable wine list
William Thompson