Rome to Orvieto - driving

We stopped at both Viterbo and Orvieto on our early morning (Cruise disembarcation) drive from Civitavecchia to Sinalunga. Orvieto is by far the better stop, but Viterbo was nice. We had lunch in Orvieto, and managed to persuade the restaurant to make it a quick one. I was interested, in the planning stage, about that Atlantic coastal section, but the internet did not persuade me that it was worth the time. There is an inland Etruscan archaeology site somewhere in this area, too, that Lonely Planet said was great.

I would mention also that Castiglione del Lago is also an attractive stop, especially on a hot day - but it's not remotely as good as Orvieto. Orvieto is worth as much time as you can reserve for it.

Do not underestimate driving times, especially off the controlled-access highway. The roads are fine, but they're just too curvy, narrow, and busy to even compare with American suburban roads. Plus, the driver will be looking around (on the local roads. Nothing to see on the highway.) Most hill towns have a switchback approach, and in the special case of Orvieto, a massive parking garage, with elevators or escalators to the center of town. Read the frequent posts here on ZTL, IDP, and insurance choices.

Julie,

Have you tried the Rome Tiburtina station for your rental? Quick cab ride from central Rome and close to the A1/E45 which would be the fastest route to Orvieto.

If you've never driven in Italy, read this helpful info.

https://www.italybeyondtheobvious.com/dont-mess-with-ztl-zones

Years ago we took the quicker route to Orvieto and if I remember correctly it was about 2ish hours and an easy drive. Driving in Italy is not too different from the U.S. and the drive from the airport is all highway - just stay in the slow lane if you are apprehensive about driving there

Will you be at FCO anyway?

We drove from FCO to Greve. Our route took us by Orvieto. That part of the drive is all divided highway and doesn’t get near Rome city traffic. It’s like taking I-285 around Atlanta or any similar loop interstate.

I bought the Italy/Greece maps for my Garmin and saved our destination before we left home. We picked up the rental car, mounted the Garmin, changed from mph to kohl, pulled up our destination from Saved Places and headed out. It was no different than navigating from the airport in a new city when I travel for work.

Do your homework on driving in Italy before you go. Remember speed limits are strictly enforced, there’s no 5 mph grace. Stay in the right hand lane on the Autostrada at all times, only getting in the left to overtake (I hate idiot American drivers who park themselves in the leftmost lane). The Tudor system on the Autostrada is automated. You’ll rarely see a police car because the police are sipping coffee in a command center and watching you on CCTV. If you can follow simple rules you’ll find driving in Tuscany easy and actually enjoyable.

Thank you all for your comments. This has been very helpful!

You may already be aware of this, but each driver listed on the rental form will also require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are easily available at any AAA office and are valid for one year.