Italy Travel and Driving Guide - Auto Europe

Travel & Driving Guide

Italy

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Index

Contents

Tips and Road Signs in Italy

Driving Laws and Insurance for Italy Road Signs, Tolls, driving Requirements for Italy Car Rental FAQ's Italy Regions at a Glance

Touring Guides

Rome Guide Northwest Italy Guide Northeast Italy Guide Central Italy Southern Italy Sicily and Sardinia Getting Into Italy Accommodation Climate, Language and Public Holidays Health and Safety Key Facts Money and Mileage Chart

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Touring Italy By Car

Italy is a dream holiday destination and an iconic country of Europe. The boot shape of Italy dips its toe into the Mediterranean Sea at the southern tip, has snow capped Alps at its northern end, and rolling hills, pristine beaches and bustling cities in between. Discover the ancient ruins, fine museums, magnificent artworks and incredible architecture around Italy, along with century old traditions, intriguing festivals and wonderful culture. Indulge in the fantastic cuisine in Italy in beautiful locations. With so much to see and do, a self drive holiday is the perfect way to see as much of Italy as you wish at your own pace.

Italy has an excellent road and highway network that will allow you to enjoy all the famous sites, and give you the freedom to uncover some undiscovered treasures as well. This guide is aimed at the traveler that enjoys the independence and comfort of their own vehicle. We have included information you'll need for a self drive holiday in Italy, from renting a car, rules of the road to some great ideas for touring the different regions of this unique and wonderfully varied country.

Tips in Driving In Italy

Driving in Italy can be a wonderful experience, and in some cases it's a pure necessity. Here are a few tips to help you acclimatize to driving in Italy, and help make your self-drive holiday the best that it can be.

Familiarize yourself with the road signs and parking rules.

Drive on the right hand side of the road. The driver sits on the left hand side of the car.

Italian drivers are competent and fast. Do not be daunted by aggressive driving, instead be confident and you'll fit right in.

When you collect your car rental, familiarize yourself with the car's controls.

Types of roads in Italy: Autostrada: Motorways and freeways Major Roads: Dual carriageways and highways with more than one lane in each direction and generally fast moving Minor Roads: Narrow, winding roads with one lane in each direction and slower moving traffic White Roads: Narrow, dirt or white gravel roads through the countryside. Known locally as `Strade Bianche'.

The center lane of a three lane highway is for passing or overtaking. Slower traffic drives on the right lane.

Be cautious on narrow winding roads on routes such as Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast. Most of the small towns on these routes have little or no parking, some do not permit cars at all so park your car outside of the towns and see the sites on foot.

Important Italian Road Signs

Stop

No Motor Vehicles One Way

Parking

No Passing

No Parking

Do Not Enter

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Driving Laws in Italy

Drivers must carry proof of insurance and domestic drivers license and registration papers at all times. An International Drivers License (IDL) is mandatory and functions as a translation of your US drivers license and may be obtained at American Automobile Club or the National Auto Club Speed limits: 130km/hr (80miles/hr) on highways (autostrada), 110km/hr (68miles/hr) on highways when wet. 110 km/hr (68miles/hr) on dual carriageways, 90km/hr (56miles/hr) when wet. 90km/hr (56miles/hr) on open roads, 80km/hr (50miles/hr) when wet. 50 km/hr (31miles/hr) inside cities regardless of weather conditions. Hefty fines can be issued for speeding offenses, and police have the authority to collect fines on the spot. Speed cameras are set up in many places, so if you're caught speeding the fine will be posted to the car rental company, who will then pay the fine with your credit card used at the time of collection. Child Safety: Children under the age of four must be seated in an approved safety child seat restraint, and children aged 4 to 12 must be secured in a suitable child restraint while seated in the front seat. When driving on the autostrada, freeways or highways, you must drive with your headlights on. It is illegal to talk on a mobile phone while driving in Italy. Drunk driving is illegal. The maximum blood alcohol level is 0.05, and DUI drivers can face hefty fines or imprisonment so be smart, do not drink and drive. An emergency triangle must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

Insurance

Car Rental companies in Italy will normally include: Third Party insurance: compulsory insurance and will be included in your car rental rate. This covers you for other people's injury and damage to their vehicle. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): this limits your financial liability for damage to the rented vehicle, and is normally included in prepaid car rental rates. Rentals are normally subject to liability excess, which can be reduced at the time you collect your rental car. Theft: this limits your financial liability for the loss or theft of the rented vehicle and is generally included in prepaid car rental rates. Fire and Liability: this limits your financial liability for bodily injury or death, and is normally included in prepaid car rental rates. Personal Accident Insurance: this covers the driver for personal injuries and is generally not included in your car rental rates. It is considered an optional extra that you can take upon collection of the car.

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License

Requirements

An International Driving license is recommended for American drivers license holders. An International Drivers License (IDL) functions as a translation of your US drivers license in ten different languages and may be obtained at American Automobile Club or the National Auto Club International. Make sure that you take your American license with you as well. Car rental companies will require that drivers have held a full license for at least one year.

Min & Max Age

Requirements

Min Driving Age: 21 ? some suppliers allow drivers from 18 years but apply a young driver's fee. Young Driver's Surcharge: Drivers aged 18 years may be charged from 22 per day, drivers 19-24 years may be charged from 15 per day. Max Driving Age: There is no maximum driving age in Italy with most car rental suppliers; however the max driving age for some car rental companies is 75 years. In these cases, aged drivers may be required to hold a letter from their physician stating they are healthy and fit to drive. Check with Auto Europe for further details.

Road tolls & e-tags

The Autostrada system is privately owned, and drivers pay a toll to use it. You collect a ticket when you enter the Autostrada, and pay the toll once you exit. When you arrive at an entrance of the Autostrada, head to the gate marked Bigletto' (ticket), rather than the Telepass or Viacard gate. When you exit you can pay the toll at the Bigletto cards with either cash or credit card.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

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Parking in Italy

Although parking may be hard to find in larger cities, everywhere else in Italy parking is relatively easy to find. In larger tourist areas there are numerous pay parking lots outside of the historic areas. Street parking is designated with signs, and coloured lines denote whether it's paid or free parking. Blue lines indicate pay parking, where a ticket machine will be close by to purchase a parking ticket to display on the car dashboard.

White lines or no lines indicate free parking. If the parking sign indicates that the parking time is limited you'll need to display a parking disc on the cars windshield, which shows the time you parked. Parking discs are sometimes included in your car rental; if not they can be purchased from tobacconists. Ask for a disco orario.

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Italy Car Rental FAQ's

What kind of car should I rent for my holiday in Italy? This depends on where you're traveling, how many people are traveling and the style of driving you intend to do. Cars range from small (economy, compact) to larger size cars (intermediate, full size), to convertibles and luxury vehicles. For short trips with fewer passengers opt for the smaller cars; for longer trips with the family then a larger car , van or SUV would suit. There are plenty of car rental options to choose from; it all depends on your personal needs.

How do I figure what car is right for me? You can use the ACRISS system to show you which car will suit your needs.

Class

M = Mini E = Economy C = Compact F = Full size P = Premium L = Luxury X = Special

Fuel Capacity

0.8 - 1.0 1.0 - 1.4 1.2 - 1.6 2.0 - 3.2 2.0 - 4.2 2.0 - 4.2 1.2 - 3.0

Type

B = 2 Door D = 4 Door C = 2/4 door L = Limousine S = Sports Car T = Convertible J = All Terrain R= Recreational F = 4 Wheel Drive X = Special K = Commercial Van/Truck P = Ute X = Special

Transmission

M = Manual A = Automatic N = Manual 4WD C = Manual AWD B = Auto 4WD D = Auto AWD

Fuel/Air Cond.

R = Yes N = No D = Diesel Air Q = Diesel No Air H = Hybrid Air I = Hybrid No Air E = Electric Air C = Electric No Air

Can I rent an automatic car in Italy? Yes, automatic cars are available in Italy, however they will be more expensive than manual cars and not as readily available as manuals.

Will I be able to collect my rental car direct from the airport once I arrive, or will I have to take a shuttle bus to the depot? In most cases, car rental desks and depots are located at domestic and international airports, or located just outside the terminal grounds with shuttle services available. You should be informed when you make your car rental booking exactly where your car rental depot will be located.

Are there additional fees to collect my rental car from Italian airports? Auto Europe's car rental rates usually include the airport or `premium location' fees for car rental collections in Italy. Check your prepaid voucher to make sure that this included.

What about collecting my rental car from downtown Italy? Premium location fees will include airport, downtown and railway depots, and should be included with inclusive prepaid car rental. Check with Auto Europe to ensure this is included.

Do I need a credit card to collect my car rental? Yes. Car rental suppliers will usually freeze the excess of the vehicle (from 200) which will be refunded when the rental car is returned at the end of the rental. This amount may be refunded via a check which is sent to the renter's residential address.

Can I collect my rental car in one Italian city and drop it off in another Italian city? Yes, this is certainly possible, however in most cases there will be a one-way fee payable when you collect your rental. Check with Auto Europe before you travel to find out any additional costs.

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Italy Car Rental FAQ's

Can I visit another country outside of Italy and then return the car to Italy? In most cases, travel to other countries is permitted but this depends on the vehicle you're driving and the country that you're be visiting. Generally, luxury and high end cars are not permitted into some Eastern Europe countries. Check with Auto Europe for further details.

Can I collect my rental car in Italy and drop it off in another European country? Yes you can, but be aware that an international one way fee will be charged upon collection. This is dependant on the country and the distance that country is from the collection point. Auto Europe will advise you at the time of booking of any international one way fees.

Since cars cannot be taken into Venice, where is the best place to pick up, drop off or park my rental car when I visit Venice? Auto Europe has car rental depots in Venice downtown, Piazzale Roma, which is right opposite the ferry terminal that will take you across into Venice. Piazza Roma has a city owned parking station where you can safely leave your car.

Can I drive my rental vehicle on Cinque Terre? Yes. There are some sections of the Cinque Terre where cars are not permitted, however when you do travel to Cinque Terre, park your car outside the towns and explore these places on foot. Drive with caution and confidence on this route, as the roads are winding and narrow, however with confidence and common sense this will be a brilliant experience.

What do I do if I want to extend my car rental while I'm in Italy? Once the car rental has commenced you can call Auto Europe toll free at 00-800-223-5555-5, and if the car is available to be extended, you will be offered additional days at the Auto Europe rate.

Should I take out additional insurance on my car rental? Rental rates will include basic insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Third Party Liability and Theft Protection. In the event that your rental vehicle is accidentally damaged, regardless of who is at fault, or stolen, the Insurance excess is the maximum amount you are liable for. In Italy, the base amount of excess begins at 600.

Should I rent a GPS for driving in Italy? Definitely! You can rent a GPS from Auto Europe for as low as $8 per day plus shipping and includes a portable Garmin Nuvi complete with country mapping. We have the unit delivered to your home before you go.

Italy's Regions

NORTHWEST ITALY: Piedmont, Liguria, Lombardy and Valle d'Aosta.

NORTHEAST ITALY: Emilia-Romania, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto.

CENTRAL ITALY: Lazio, Abruzzo, Marche, Tuscany and Umbria.

SOUTHERN ITALY: Apulia, Basilicata, Campania and Molise.

SICILY & SARDINIA

MAJOR CITIES: Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Cinque Terre, Turin, Genoa, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Calabria and Palermo.

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Rome

Rome is the capital city of Italy, situated on the river Tibur between the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Eternal City of Rome was originally founded as a village in the 8th century BC, and over the last two and a half thousand years, with the might of the ancient Roman Empire, earned the esteemed title of the Capitol of the World. Although today it's no longer caput mundi, it is a living masterpiece, rich in architectural and cultural beauty with a unique love of life and appreciation of art and history. Rome is a bustling, thriving, chaotic city, where the modern day life blends in with ancient buildings and magnificent dolce vita ? the sweet life.

What's On...

Best Things to See & Do

January:

Visit The Vatican ? home to the Pope and the Roman Cath-

Epiphany Fair in Piazza Navona ? A fair of toys,

olic Church. See St Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, St

sweets and other presents around the Bernini

Peter's Square and the Vatican City Gardens. View the bril-

fountain.

liant work of Michelangelo, Raphael and Botticelli on the

April:

chapel ceilings and frescoed panels.

Rome's Good Friday Procession ? a torchlit proces- The Colosseum - See where gladiators fought in mortal

sion moving from the Colosseum re-enacting the 14 combat in Ancient Rome in the epitome of Roman

Stations of the Cross.

architecture that was built in AD72.

May:

May Day Musical ? Rome celebrates spring's arrival The Roman Forum - Visit what was once the religious,

with fantastic music festival.

commercial and political center of Ancient Rome.

June:

The Pantheon ? This is one of Rome's best preserved

Estate Romana Festival - Running from late June to ancient monuments, built as a temple in 27BC, and is a

September this festival offers music, film theater brilliant example of Ancient Roman architectural ingenui-

and children's fun.

ty.

July: Donna Sotto le Stelle ? Roman high fashion paraded on the Spanish Steps in the Piazza di Spagna.

August: 15th ? Feast of the Assumption: the streets of Rome come alive with the Gran Ballo di Ferragosto, with

Trevi Fountain ? toss a coin into Rome's largest and most famous fountain to ensure that you return to Rome.

Escape the city's buzz and head to Tivoli: Villa d'Este ? enjoy a stroll through the landscaped gardens and mossy fountains in this famous Italian-styled garden.

dancing in the town squares. September ? October:

Roma Europa Festival ? Modern art, theater, music and dance including Italian and European artists.

Experience magnificent food ? try some local made gelato, pasta and pizza, and sip delicious coffee at an outdoor caf?.

Rome Jazz Festival ? music festival dedicated to

jazz that's been running since 1876.

Celebration of St Francis ? Rome celebrates its

patron saint, St Francis, on this feast day.

International Film Festival ? a celebration of the

Italian Film Industry.

The Colosseum, Rome

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