Drive between Florence or Civitavecchia with Orvieto

[kohanfam]

Planning to rent a car in Florence and drive to Civitavecchia for the day and stop in Orvieto.

Any hints on what to look out for during drive and parking and luggage storage in Orvieto or wine tasting stop after Orvieto.

[Hlitner]

2 hours ago, kohanfam said:

Planning to rent a car in Florence and drive to Civitavecchia for the day and stop in Orvieto.

Any hints on what to look out for during drive and parking and luggage storage in Orvieto or wine tasting stop after Orvieto.

The drive to Orvieto is mostly enjoyable (especially when you finally get off the Autostrade).  As you arrive in Orvieto there is parking near the entrance to town.  The Tourist Office is located at the Piazza della Pace (an area close to when you arrive at the city), so this is a good time to visit that office or kiosk and pick up some free brochures and advice (if needed).  I believe there is a luggage storage place (at that location) but times change so no guarantee. The web site does mention it is open from 9-5 starting in March (beginning of the tourist season).  It is a relatively small town, and like many of these old hill towns most everything is close or along the main street (which is where you will start).  

 

I am puzzled by your "drive to Civitavecchia for the day" comment.  Civitavecchia is a port city that few would consider a good day trip destination.  We have driven to and from Civitavecchia (many times) but only to embark or disembark from a ship.  Otherwise, it is a town we would not visit.

 

As to wine tasting, in the Orvieto area, they should have info at the tourist office about which regional vineyards are open for public tastings.  In Italy, we have found that many of the best tasting places have limited hours and are often relatively small facilities  Since things are always changing, we tend to do our homework within a few weeks of a visit and will sometimes e-mail various wineries about a tasting appointment.  

 

I cannot say that the Orvieto area is our favorite region for wine tasting.  Since you are going to be in Florence, you might want to consider the so-called Chianti Trail/Road which is the 2 lane SR222 road that runs between Florence and Siena.  There are many small wineries along (and close to this country road) which also takes you through a series of small villages (often worth a short stop).

 

If you have never been to San Gimignano, this is also worth a visit (this famous town can be crowded during the daytime).

 

Hank

[edinburgher]

2 hours ago, kohanfam said:

wine tasting stop after Orvieto.

i am a bit surprised by the references to "renting a car" AND   "wine tasting stop.".

 

kohanfam, I have no idea what the permitted alcohol level is in your country or state, but in many countries in Europe the limit is very low indeed, and in some it is actually zero. Because of this,  I suggest that you carefully check the alcohol  limits and law in Italy unless of course you have a "designated driver". because it may be lower than you are used to at home.

[kohanfam]

We are driving to Civitavecchia to get on cruise ship the next day.

We will have a non-drinking designated driver.

[euro cruiser]

Educate yourself on ZTLs before driving anywhere in Italy.

 

This link is in Italian but Google translate will make it clear enough:  https://www.aci.it/laci/driving-in-italy/guidare-in-italia-informazioni-per-i-turisti-stranieri.html

[euro cruiser]

I found some of it in English but I think you have to use the Italian language page for the ZTL info:  https://www.aci.it/laci/driving-in-italy/driving-in-italy-information-for-visiting-motorists.html

[Hlitner]

Euro Cruiser is right to suggest learning about ZTLs and we would add to also read about parking in Italy.  But on the drive from Florence to Orvieto, San Gimignano, or the Chianti area, there is no ZTL problem except within Florence.  If renting a car in Florence you will need to know the proper route to get away from town (without penetrating a ZTL).  The rental car office where you rent can give this info (along with a map).  The ZTL info is also found online.

 

For those who do not understand, ZTLs, they are simply limited driving zones that exist in many major cities and some less major tourist areas.  It is not a big deal as long as one does their homework and avoids these areas.  ZTLs are usually marked with signs, but the signs are small and easy to miss for those not informed.  When we stay in Florence, our normal home is the Hotel David (we love this inn-like hotel) which conveniently has free parking and happens to be just outside the ZTL.

 

A bigger problem for many Americans is that that, traditionally, the lowest price rental cars are manual shift (stick shift).  For folks that cannot (or willnot) drive a stick, rental car prices tend to be somewhat more expensive and automatics should be reserved well in advance.  The good news is that Europe is slowly (very slowly away from stick shifts) so it has become easier to rent automatics.

 

One other warning about driving in Italy (and most of Europe).  Unless you know the "lay of the land" it is wise to stay within the posted speed limits.  Europe has increasingly moved to speed cameras (especially on the main roads most often used by tourists) and you can bet some nasty fines that will later be assessed by your rental car company (who will add an extra administrative expense).  Unlike in the USA, driving 5 over the speed limit might still get you fined.  

 

Hank