Hi - This is my first time driving in Italy. I'm not sure what map(s) I should purchase. I will be driving from Venice to Cuneo to Cinque Terre to Tuscany to Sorrento. I read in Rick's book that I should purchase a map with 1:200,00 or 1:300,00 scale. I have an iPhone 5. I heard I can put some app before I leave on my phone to use with my map(s). I was thinking about Michelin or Touring Club Italiano (TIC) or Trektools.com.
Any recommendations?
Thanks,
Robert
I have driven extensively in various countries in Europe and the last map I purchased was in 2005 - and only because I dropped and broke my GPS. Your vehicle might come with a GPS or if you have one, purchase the European maps and take it with you. Last year was my first experience using my iPhone 5. Though I had my GPS, I thought it unnecessary. Both the Apple and Google maps worked beautifully. Just ask Siri! ViaMichellin is another app you might want to consider.
The full Michelin map of Italy is 1:1,000,000 scale. They have regional maps available at 1:400,000
We take our $90 garmin (load the maps before we leave the U.S.) and put it in the rental car. This worked perfectly in Spain and France and Italy.
I do understand that TomTom does a better job in Sicily, however! Regarding maps, my money's always on Michelin!
You'll most want the larger-scale regional maps when you venture off the main roads, for instance around Tuscany. I just bought a Central Italy Michelin map for that purpose. During your stay in Cinque Terre, you'll probably leave the car parked wherever you find space and switch to a mix of hiking, regional trains, and boats between the 5 towns.
Thank you for all the suggestions. I am a little nervous driving, but excited.
You will also need to become familiar with Italian rules of the road, and Italian road signs.
Pay particular to the signs for the dreaded ZTLs and study up on them or you may find yourself much poorer when you get home.
A map, any decent atlas or folding map, will help you get your bearings. If you are brand new to Italian driving you may find that the GPS takes you a route that you would not have prefered.
You need to understand how Italian road signs work - they list nearby towns, including many you've never heard of, rather than route numbers or compass directions. It is very helpful to know the names of the intermediate towns.
Be aware of the opening hours of fuel stations, and which fuel your car needs, and what colour that is.
