Going to Italy Sept 2008?

Question

My husband and I are Australians (NSW) in our late 40s and have planned a "once in a lifetime" holiday to Italy now that the kids have gone. We are not seasoned travellers although we drove both islands of NZ 2 years ago. Hubby doesn't like the idea of a guided tour (stuck on a bus with no freedom to explore) and wants to drive. Accommodation and entry to most tourist sites will be pre-booked. We are staying 5 days in Rome, 3 days in Chinque Terra, Venice, Sienna, Sorrento then a week in Umbria at a villa and will do day trips from the hotels. Any advice on car rentals, driving, siteseeing or hints/tips would be appreciated. Love to talk to anyone who has done similar or might be going at the same time.

Answer 1

Tips:

Watch out for pick-pocketers.  They're everywhere tourists are, and are extremely good.  They dress normally and work in teams.  Just keep a constant eye on your person when in any crowd.

Have 2 photo-copies of your passports, ID's, credit/debit cards (both sides).  ATMs swallow cards sometimes and the bank won't return them to you without it having a signature.

Act like you know your way around and know what's going on- the more clueless a tourist appears in Italy, the more attractive you are to scammers.

Answer 2

I have been to Italy a number of times.  Here are some things that may be of interest to you.

When you go to Sienna try and do a detour to the small little town of San Gimgnano.  It is a walled city and is very beautiful.  Don't spend too much time in Cinque Terra, while it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, the little towns are tourist traps, there is little Italian charm there.  That being said, while you are there you have to try the Focaccia bread pizza...it is so good! If you are out driving around, just take it slow, they may beep their horns at you, but Italians are generally impatient anyway.  I would also suggest taking or renting a portable GPS navigation system for the car.  It is easy to get turned around and this will eliminate MOST of your travel stress!  I hope you are also able to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa when you are in the area.  If you do get to Pisa, there is a small beachside town about 10 minutes from Pisa called Tirrennia (this is where the navigation system would be handy) and there is a fabulous restaurant called Lo Squalo (the Shark) there.  It is really good, the nice thing about Tirrennia is that there is also an American Forces base nearby and there is a lot of English spoken and the menus are in English.  Also nearby to Pisa (actually on the way back from Cinque Terra) is the marble mines of Carrara.  These are really cool (literally and figuratively!) you can tour the mines.  Great side trip, something different, we picked up a beautiful marble cutting board there!

Wish I was going!

Answer 3

You know I came here about 20 years ago in an adventure, backpacking, met my hubby and never left. I always hated organized tours....really I know we drive badly, gas is expensive, but there is nothing better than getting in your car and just going...where you end up you end up!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get a good guide book....the best investment you ever made, rent a car, and go.  The beauty of Italy is...around every corner is another way of cooking, different wine, different bread, different dialect, different scenery...on a tour bus you can't see experience this.  Every angle, every corner hides another surprise...to miss all these things on a tour bus...go with the car. If you are near Asti..in Piedmont..email at my yahoo address...I'll set you up with wine tours etc.  Its a under-rated my wonderful area.  Have fun..and enjoy the trip...an adventure after the kids are gone!!!!!!!!!!!!(I still have 3 at home, but wait til I can adventure again:):))))))))))