We're going to be driving around Italy from Lago Maggiore to Milan to Venice to Florence to Pisa to the Cinque Terre. (Yeah, I know - take the train.) Are there any scenic non-Autostrada routes along the way that we should especially see? I want to get the most travel-value out of having the car so I don't mind driving out of the way to see nice small towns and scenery.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Try browsing Google Maps or Google Earth. Sometimes you can go to "street view" to see what the surroundings are like. Plan your route accordingly. I don't think you can go too wrong traveling the lakes region and Tuscany. To see the true countryside, you will need to get off of the Autostrada. Get a good GPS with European maps preinstalled.
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
We love those back roads. Get a good map ahead of time and learn the area you'll travel through. You should probably get a gps too - but don't use it exclusively! Go through the villages rather than around them. You'll have a blast!
Do be careful of those cities - make sure you have prior arrangements with your hotels about exact driving instructions.
Safe Travels.
Posted by
OP
Newton, MA, USA
58 posts
We already have the GPS with maps loaded yesterday and today I went out and bought a 1:300000 Michelin atlas, so I think we're all set on finding our way.
But the question remains, where should we go?
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
be aware of close circuit traffic cameras in Florence espec. they are notoriuos for ticketing and tracking you down via rental car company. Heads up in other big cities as well.
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
Bill - only you can decide where to go! Look at that new map you got and find a town with a cool name, or a nice lake, or river, or whatever sticks out at you! That is half the fun of traveling - finding the journey!
Posted by
NYC area
2981 posts
Hi Bill,
It's true only you can decide where to go... but I just wanted to say if you can see the Dolomites, do it. Anywhere between Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo. Might fit in between Milan to Venice. The Dolomite area is about a 4 hour drive from Milan and 4 hours from the Dolomites to Venice. Probably out of the way, but simply spectacular scenery (towering Dolomite peaks), plenty of quaint alpine villages, a few charming old towns and probably the most fun I had driving (the passes) in Europe.
Paul
Posted by
Mansfield, GA
850 posts
I second Paul's suggestion. Beautiful Drive in the Dolomites.