Renting a car in Italy allows you to freely explore the country at your own pace. It is most cost effective to rent a car ahead of time from a major rental company with offices in Italy. An international driver's license is required to drive in Italy. Most roads have scenic routes passing charming hill towns and vineyards, though driving in major cities can be difficult. Famous drives include the Amalfi Coast and roads through Tuscany dotted with cypress trees and towns. The north of Italy has majestic Dolomite mountains and towns to visit as well.

1. Experiencing
Italy’s Wonders By
Car

2. Having your own car for your Italian vacation gives you
maximum flexibility and freedom to explore at your own
pace and schedule.

3. It is most economical to rent a car ahead of time, before
you leave for Italy. Almost all big-name rental companies
have offices in Italy.

4. An international driver’s license is required to drive in Italy.
This can be obtained through AAA in the United States and
through CAA in Canada.

5. Most cars in Italy have manual transmission. Renting an
automatic transmission car can be difficult and is more
expensive.

6. Observing the speed limit for urban areas, secondary roads
and the Autostrada is strictly enforced.

7. The Italian Highway Code follows the Geneva Convention
and Italy uses international road signs.

8. Gasoline and diesel fuel are significantly more expensive
than in the United States. Be prepared to pay at least
€1.50/per liter.

9. Look for signs with a large blue “P.” There are well-marked
parking lots with plenty of parking in most tourist towns.

10. Look out for the large red “A” and stop at an Autogrill.
There are clean bathrooms, trinket shopping and excellent
coffee and food.

11. While traffic and restrictions make driving in Rome and
Florence a bit difficult, outside of the big cities are some of
the world’s most scenic routes.

12. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the SS163 or more
popularly known as the Amalfi Drive, connects the towns of
Sorrento and Salerno in the Amalfi Coast.

13. Positano beach along the Amalfi Coast

14. Fall under the spell of symmetrical rows of cypress trees,
green hills and charming hill towns from San Gimignano to
Bagno Vignoni in Tuscany.

15. The Tuscan countryside during summer

16. The South Tyrol region of Italy is a bridge between
Mediterranean and Alpine Italy.

17. Begin your easy drive to the famous city of Verona heading
out towards the Prosecco and Valpolicella vineyards.

18. Plan a stop along one of the towns bordering Lake Garda.
You have castles, churches and ancient glacial walls to
choose for a visit.

19. As you head further north you will see the majestic Dolomite
mountain range with lots of picturesque towns to visit.

20. The city of Bolzano is home to Ötzi the Iceman, a rich
musical tradition and during the holiday season, famous
Christmas markets.

21. For more information
about travel to Italy,
visit our website
www.touritalynow.com
or call our travel experts
at 800.955.4418.