Hi,
I am working on planning a trip to Italy in July. This forum has been very helpful! We are flying into Rome and then out of Venice (I know many have suggested the other way around but my son already booked his flight into Rome...hopefully flying out of Venice won't be an issue).
Anyway, we will be taking the train into Florence and renting a car from there to drive to a rental in the countryside and explore the area. We are thinking of staying one night in Florence and the other 4 nights in the countryside. Here are my questions:
1. Is it worth staying the night in Florence (a little outside the main city are)
2. We are looking at a place in San Miniato. Is that a good are to stay as a base? And, is it easy to explore the countryside form there like San Gimignano and Chianti.
3. The driving is so intimidating. Is it really that difficult? Any tips or anything I need to be aware of? Tolls, ZTL's are some things I've come across.
Thank you so much!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16587 posts
- There is no reason to stay one night in Florence unless you get there late in the evening.
- San Miniato is a pretty town, although it probably wouldn’t be my first choice to visit Chianti or other famous locations near Siena. San Gimignano and Volterra are not far however.
- ZTL is definitely something to be aware of. Learn the signs. Also Italy requires the International Driving Permit ($20+ at any AAA office). Ubiquitous hidden speed cameras are also something to consider. The Waze navigator is the best to alert you about the upcoming speed traps. Google “road signs in Italy” and read about them, Wikipedia has an article too. Other than that, it’s not any more difficult than driving elsewhere.
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Thank you for the reply! Where would you suggest staying instead of San Miniato and what are some must sees that you recommend?
Also, I appreciate the tips on Florence and the driving!
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1868 posts
San Miniato is northeast of the Chianti area, so if you plan to drive there maybe staying in the middle of the area instead of out of the area would make for shorter driving. The drive from San Miniato to Florence is about an hour, it is not difficult but the Fi-Pi-Li highway (no toll) is overly trafficked and any little trouble could translate into long queues. As you enter the Florence area be sure to stick to speed limits to the letter, as there is a speed camera to catch those still driving at highway speed. The speed camera in the opposite direction, driving out of Florence just past the underpass, is said to be a major source of revenue to the municipal administration.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16587 posts
If you are interested in Chianti stay in the Chianti, San Gimignano is not too far. Or if you can find a place in the Alta Val D’Elsa (upper Elsa Valley), like near Monteriggioni, you would have easy access to the Florence-Siena freeway and be a short drive from everything.
Posted by
5798 posts
You should probably determine where you want to concentrate your driving trips and stay somewhere most convenient for that, but I did want to say that San Miniato is lovely and makes a great place to stay within close distance to Pisa for arrival or departure. The countryside just to the south is stunning, and the town is cute and has great restaurants (any vegetarian or vegetable fan should make a pilgrimage for Ristorante Maggese).
We parked at a lot and took an elevator up to access our apartment rental.