Buongiorno!
We arrive at Malpensa at 8:30am and will pick up our rental car before making the trek to Montecatini. We would like to stop somewhere along the way for lunch, supplies, and to do some banking at a BNL Gruppo. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Wickmanlaw,
If you're arriving at MXP on a transatlantic flight, you may reconsider driving that day, especially since you may be exhausted and experiencing jet lag. You may want to spend the night in Milan and then travel to Montecatini the following morning after a restful sleep... Much safer alternative.
Straight to Montecatini Terme around 4 hours. Read this about driving:
Thanks for the replies. Our hotel in Montecatini is part of a set travel package so we will make the trip that day. Our friends recently did the same drive and said it was quite doable, particularly if you switch drivers halfway through (which we will do). We found an older thread and have decided to grab some lunch in Pontremoli (which is a quaint looking medieval town right on the way).
The article for tips on driving in Italy is excellent. Grazie!
Do you have reservations at Montecantini? There are many great places to see (and stat) along the way. One route takes you through Parma, which is very historic and has great restaurants. I would get some euros at the airport ATM, ti be sure you have some before you start your drive.
If you don't want to bother exiting the freeways, you could also experience the Italian freeway rest stops at one of the many Autogrill rest stops. Plenty of restaurant choices and food shopping inside
Thank you, Roberto!
