Italian road trip?

Question

I am going to Italy during the end of March. I am landing in Rome, and I like to drive to the Almafi Coast then head north to Florence. I have drivein in many countries before and dealt with suicidal traffic but has anyone experienced driving in Italy? What's the traffic like? Is it a good idea to go for a road trip in Italy? I also like to rent an Alfa Romeo 156 or a 159. Does anyone know how to go about doing that?

Answer 1

I was in Amalfi last February- the off season. And I can tell you that coastal road is very narrow and dangerous. Lots of hairpin turns. If you are planning on driving, plan on waiting behind some tour buses which will eventually stop for 40 min to an hour in the course of your  inching along behind them  because there is another oncoming tourbus and not enugh room for the two to pass by each other on the narrow mountain road (between Sorrento and Amalfi) Then one of the drivers which eventually jump out and try and get you and 15 other cars to back up so that the buses can try to make room for each other without scraping.

Driving in italy could be interesting if you don't imitate them, but I can't agree with what was said about safety above. I read that they do have more traffic fatalities in Italy than most Northen European countries and the government is trying to do something about it.

I always travel but train, bus, or taxi when Im there..you'll have far  less trouble in the cities but I can admit for touring some regions regions like Tuscany it can be very helpful to have your own transportation if you want to go up to a little hillside town (like Montalcino and back to Siena) in the same day.

With Avis you can make a reservation from anywhere in the world for anywhere else and they should be able to tell you whats on hand. Surely Italy has Alpha Romeos.

Answer 2

We have driven several times in Italy. The drivers are definitely suicidal. They drive their little Puntos or Fiats like madman. Its scary for sure but on the other hand I have not heard that the road accidents in Italy are higher than in any other European country. You can't stop on a busy street to ask directions, the curses you will hear will probably make you blush even if you do not understand them and if that is not enough they also make obscene gestures with their hands. On the other hand driving is the best way to see Italy. About renting an Alfa Romeo you need to check with Hertz Avid etc. if they do guarantee one in Italy. They usually do not like to guarantee which car make you will get but just the class (A,B,C,D). Good luck with the driving.

Answer 3

I did that last spring but not so long way just from Austria to Venice. it was nice. I love the view!! The traffice is ok not like in Rome :) Have fun!

Answer 4

i think you have a great idea!  we drove all over italy when we were there back in march.  we drove from rome to spoleto, all over umbria and tuscany, to florence, and pompeii and vesuvius.  yes, the drivers were crazy.  i think the worse parts were in the cities and on mountain roads since they were so small.  but, the autostrada was a dream and so easy to just drive.  with small roads, they like to pass 2-3 at one time around a semi.  but we only saw one wreck the whole time we drove and it seemed self-induced.  we used Auto Europe for our rental and felt it was an easy experience.  I am not sure what they have in the way or Alfa Romeo, we drove a Smart ForFour since it made getting around in town so easy and it was on the cheaper end of the rental prices.  Best of luck on your trip and enjoy the views!  I think the stuff we saw driving was worth all the hassle compared to just busing or using the train to get around.