After 4 days in Rome my son and I will pick up our car and head to Siena for 4 days.
2 possible routes:
Use the Google Maps Interstate route and stop for a short visit in Civita di Bagnoregio
Or
Use E80 and SS223 along the coast.
I have used the first route before but thought the second MIGHT provide some sea views and a longer but more interesting drive.
Comments ?
TIA
Bobb
What time of year? Coastal areas tend to be thronged during August when Italians & other Europeans go on vacation.
Sorry. May 5th, a Friday
The area between Rome and Siena is totally amazing with so many wonderful spots to stop -- If at all possible add a day in here and see a few places north of Rome and in the Val d'Orcia:
e.g. Montepulciano, the hot spring public swimming waterfall in Saturnia, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Pienza, Orvieto, the Etruscan tombs in Cervetari and Tarquinia or the ones in the hills you can stroll to from Sovana (you can get maps and drive up to them), Civita (https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/civita-de-bagnoreggio-adrift-in-the-clouds/) -- It is a very rich area. If you just have the one day, I would go through the Val d'Orcia and plan on two stops along the way -- perhaps for lunch for one. Be sure to not leave valuables in the car -- carry a bag with your computer, camera, passport etc when you stop to visit a site or have lunch and be sure nothing is showing in the car.
E35 is a beautiful drive from Rome
Once we arrive in Siena we will spend 4 days heading out on day trips in the area.
I agree that E35 is a nice drive. Just wondered if 80 might have anything on it.
Bobb,
Parking can often be challenging in Siena, so you might want to choose a hotel that provides parking.
If you haven't been to or driven in Italy before, note that each driver listed on the rental form 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 may be provided by the issuing office).
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, which is almost saturated with automated ZTL cameras. EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket, which you won't know about until several months after you return home! This website provides more information - http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/traffic_cameras_speeding.htm . There's also the issue of parking tickets, high fuel costs, tolls and automated speed cameras including the devious Traffic Tutor system which measures not only instantaneous speed but also average between two points. Violate either or both parameter and expensive tickets will follow.
You may find this recent thread to be interesting - https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/unsatisfied-judgment
Since you will do some of Tuscany from Siena, consider a few stops closer to Rome. Tivoli and Villa Adriana -- fabulous; SAturnia, fabulous; etc etc -- I'd pick a couple to stop in on the way.
