Planning our Italian trip

What kind of research have you done already? Do you have a couple of good guidebooks? Your questions are pretty broad. (BTW, that's so great that you'll have four weeks to explore Europe!)

Leanne, I agree with the previous reply - I'm not really clear on your question? A few thoughts to offer..... To begin with, are you aware of the usual "issues" regarding driving in Italy? If not, post another note for further information. As you'll be travelling in September, it would be a good idea to consider booking Hotels in Italy SOON. That's the "fall shoulder season" and I've found that it's often difficult to get rooms at that time of year (I started booking about the beginning of March, and I'm still trying to get a booking for one night in September in the Cinque Terre). Travel by train from Milan to Paris is a great idea. Part of the trip will be via TGV, so it will be an easy trip (reservations compulsory). I assume you'll be travelling from Paris to London via EuroStar? I would recommend pre-booking tickets well in advance as the prices will be much cheaper. Have a look at This Website for all the information you'll ever need on travelling by train in Europe. If you're able to get RS Guidebooks in Australia (either paper or E-book versions), they have an enormous amount of information so will really help with planning sightseeing, transportation, Hotels, etc. Happy travels!

As a first step I would buy the Rick Steves guide book and videos. Get an idea of what you want to see in each area and that will help to define how long you want to stay in each area.

Leanne, sounds like a great trip! Also try Lonely Planet guidebooks. Booking.com is a hotel reservation site I use frequently. Either as a stop on the way or a daytrip from Venice, you might be interested in Padua - you'll need an advance reservation to see the Giotto frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel. If you are based in Tuscany, some beautiful hill towns are Montalcino, Montepulciano, Siena, Arezzo. You could manage Assisi and Todi as well (Umbria).

Leanne, Here's the usual "boilerplate" comments regarding driving in Italy..... It's important to note that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any CAA/AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases is offered at the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information on driving in Italy. You may also want to have a look at some of the other posts here concerning the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many Italian towns & cities ( especially Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! There's also the issue of parking tickets and the possibility of having "The Boot" applied, and high fuel costs, tolls, etc. A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW and theft insurance. In Italy, buying CDW from the rental firm is usually compulsory, so coverage provided by credit cards will not apply. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. You could also download the "Car Rental" PDF Guide from Gemut. Regarding the I.D.P., Here's a link to the Australian Automobile Association. Cheers!

Hello again - thank you for your posts. Yes I do have RS guide books. Vernon thank you for the website re train travel in Europe - very useful. We were thinking of hiring a car in Siena and basing ourselves near San Gimignano and exploring the hill towns (looking at villas there at the moment). Please tell me what the 'usual issues' are with driving in Europe? We may not if its too difficult - just thought it would be easier to get around in a car rather than public transport. We plan to travel by train for the rest of the trip. Zoe thanks for your hill town suggestions - we did have them on our list. Most appreciative.
Leanne

Regarding Milan to Paris, you might also want to check the budget airlines. I'm going from SW France to Milan next month and Ryan Air was FAR cheaper than the train, and faster (even including time dealing with airports and ground transportation). I've found the budget European airfares via SkyScanner, and then booked at the relevant airline website. I think EasyJet might also fly Milan routes, but not certain.

Are you planning on going to Florence? If so I'd separate that from your driving tour of Tuscany as having is car in Florence is VERY inconvenient. You could take the train from Rome to Florence, spend two nghts in Florence, take the early morning rapido Sita bus to Siena wander around Siena the in the afternoon you could pick up your car and head to your lodgings. Bus back to Florence and get a train to Venice. Do Verona as a day trip from Venice, and maybe add Ravenna or Padova as a day trip from Venice as well. Take the train to Milan settle in see the sights and do Como as a day trip from Milan. Then on to Paris from Milan. Do check out the Ryanair fares as they are comparable to the train.

Thanks Vernon for your info re driving in Italy. Maggie thank you too for your suggestions - sounds good and will take your advice. We did plan to train it from Rome to Siena, pick up a car and do Florence as a day trip but might be best to do as you suggested - ie Florence first then pick up the car. Thank you guys - yes we are researching but at same time is a bit daunting!
Leanne

very cool. Get the guide book for italy, watch some videos and pick the places that interest you. Then just figure at least two nights for each place you stay. dont worry about seeing too much at once. Better to see less and LIVE more.

Ken - apologies just realised have previously called you Vernon. Have been reading your replies to other posts - you have a wealth of information - thank you.
Apologies again.

Leanne, Not to worry. I knew who you were referring to. You're not the first to do that, nor will you probably be the last. Cheers!

For car rentals, check AutoEurope and Kemwel online for prices and pick-up locations. They are auto brokers and arrange for your car through agencies such as Avis, Hertz and Europcar. Look at what they have to offer online then call them directly to finalize your rental. Sometimes you can get a GPS or free upgrade depending on their current specials. Since you are flying into Rome, I would pick up the car after your days there. You could rent your car in Orvieto which is a one hour train ride from Rome. Orvieto is a beautiful, quaint hilltown which is worth a one night stay in itself. Then pick up your car at the train station and continue your journey from there. Then, before going into Florence, I would return the car at the Florence airport and take the train into the city. That way you will avoid going into the dreaded ZTL area and thus avoid getting a ticket. There are so many areas to visit in between Rome and Florence. Volterra, Pienza Assissi are just a few. We based ourselves outside of Siena for that area and then about 45 min outside of Florence for Volterra and San G. Send me a personal message for some lodging recommendations. Like the previous poster mentioned, go to your local Barnes & Noble, or equivalent, and buy a good Michelin, or similar, map and familiarize yourself with the roads and street signs. You'll be fine driving and exploring the area.

Leanne,
This may help http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm

Leanne, if you have not yet decided where you will be staying in Tuscany, I would recommend Hotel Sovestro, just outside San Gimignano and easy to reach at the end of a day of touring. The parking is ample and there is a very nice breakfast buffet. Also they have a very good restaurant, Da Pode, just next door. Their website is www..hotelsovestro.com and the email is info@hotelsovestro.com. They are usually prompt about replying to messages. Enjoy every moment of your Italian journey!.