To drive in Italy there are some important things to remember;
When driving in Italy you must always carry these documents:
Driving License
Car registration document/log book (this should be provided with hired all cars)
Car insurance (this should be provided with all hired cars)

Other Italian Laws
Autostrade Speed Limit 130 km - Motorways with green coloured signs - Toll roads
Super Strade Speed Limit varies/usually 90 km - dual carriageways with blue signs - Free
You must carry identification documents at all times (passport).
You must wear a luminous reflecting jacket if you get out of your car on all main roads, this should be provided if you hire a car.
You must have purchase receipt within 20 meters of purchase.
In vehicles, when you park you must turn the visible clock on the windshield to the time parked. If you do not you may receive a parking ticket.

Check List
Before setting out on your trip to Tuscany by car we suggest the following checklist.
1 Check insurance cover - make sure you know what to do in the event of an accident.
2 Breakdown insurance - check you are fully covered for breakdown insurance even if your car is new!
3 Remember to drive on the RIGHT - we suggest that you stick a note on your steering wheel to remind you to drive on the right, even the most experienced of drivers should do this!
4 Car Service - check that your car has been fully serviced including tyres and brakes one week before you travel.
5 There are main dealers for most of the major car companies here in Tuscany should problems arise while you are here; don't forget your dealers guide.

Italian Motorways
There are 24 hour Petrol Stations along the Motorways, you should try and fill up before leaving the motorway, fuel is sometimes difficult to find in the countryside and more expensive. Tolls can be paid for by Credit Card in Italy, this is often easier on long journeys.
For the latest traffic information on Italian Motorways, petrol stations and for a toll calculator www.autostrade.it (English version available)

Maps
For excellent maps and driving directions click here to look at the michelin website. This site also provides cost of tolls.
For information about the arriving at and departing from Rome Fiumicino airport click here.

By road from England
From Calais, drive through France via Macon to the Frejus tunnel take the tunnel and continue on motorway to Turin (Torino).
From Turin, take motorway A21 through Alessandria to Piacenza. In Piacenza, take the A1 to Modena and then Florence (Firenze).
Follow your location directions from here.
Travel time from Calais to Florence is about 16 hours driving time.

Macon is about halfway between Calais and Tuscany. There is a range of motels to choose from there and there are some phone numbers below that may help.
You can also find more information and a route planner at www.theaa.co.uk or www.michelin.co.uk Motels in France
Formula 1 - 00 33 143 70 98 78
Premier Class Motels - 00 33 148 65 37 46
Stop over in the beauty of the Italian Alps
Highly recommended St. Corbinian

Channel Crossing
For channel crossing I recommend Euro Tunnel, for information and tickets www.eurotunnel.co.uk

If you are planning on staying in Calais we can recommend the countryside location of
Hardinghen La Ferme Bleue
Sleeps from 2 -10
La Ferme Bleue is a wonderful old French farmhouse in the middle of the Boulonnais region. Restored into a warm and welcoming home, it offers the calm of the countryside in total comfort within easy reach of many interesting sites and outdoor pursuits. Hardinghen is within a few minutes of the Eurotunnel terminal.
For further information contact John Keefe
La Ferme Bleue
24 Rue du Général De Gaulle
62132 Hardinghen
France
Tel : 00 33 3 21 85 48 31
Fax : 00 33 3 21 85 83 27
E mail : jkeefe@club-internet.fr

Motoring to Tuscany
Motoring to Tuscany can be a very pleasant way to travel and now that the notes and coins of the Euro have been introduced you don't have to worry about taking many different currencies with you.
Here are just some advantages of Motoring to Tuscany.

- You have your own car to drive when you arrive at your destination.
- You maybe able to save money.
- You get to see and experience other countries and cultures on the way.

By road from Germany
From the South of Munich take A8
Then take A12 direction Innsbruck
Take A13 to Brenner
Pass Bolzano, Mantova, to Mòdena.
Take A1 motorway direction Bologna
Pass Bologna direction Firenza
Follow your local directions from here.
You can also find more information and a route planner at www.theaa.co.uk or www.michelin.co.uk
Motels in France
Formula 1 - 00 33 143 70 98 78
Premier Class Motels - 00 33 148 65 37 46
Stop over in the beauty of the Italian Alps
Highly recommended St. Corbinian