Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

[ryan]

Hi all,

I'm planning for a road trip from Munich (start) to Rome (end) with stops in the middle.

The general plan goes like this...

Munich > Milan > Lake Garda > Venice > Florence/Tuscany > Rome

That said, I've been doing some research and that in Florence and Rome, the parking can be pretty expensive and that there's not really much of a need of a car (walking seems to be the best mode of transport) especially in those two cities (it's cheaper by train to get between the two).

Does anyone have any advice with regards to probably just renting a car from Munich > Milan > Lake Garda > Venice?

Or just take the car all the way through to Rome?

Would appreciate replies from folks who've done such a trip or is familiar with Italy.

Thanks.

 

[Ahbengdriver]

Re: Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

You work for National Geograhic ??

 

[ryan]

Re: Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

You work for National Geograhic ??

No.

But is your comment necessary? Gees.

 

[hetraa]

Re: Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

Hey man...im doing a road trip from England to scotland soon too...then to netherlands , belgium and france. (if they are not too difficult)


been to italy, milan (crowded) , venice (too much water ) and rome (congested) will be problematic to park your car..

i suggest u park your car in the outskirts and take public transport...

Florence , Tuscany would be great by car.

Hi all,

I'm planning for a road trip from Munich (start) to Rome (end) with stops in the middle.

The general plan goes like this...

Munich > Milan > Lake Garda > Venice > Florence/Tuscany > Rome

That said, I've been doing some research and that in Florence and Rome, the parking can be pretty expensive and that there's not really much of a need of a car (walking seems to be the best mode of transport) especially in those two cities (it's cheaper by train to get between the two).

Does anyone have any advice with regards to probably just renting a car from Munich > Milan > Lake Garda > Venice?

Or just take the car all the way through to Rome?

Would appreciate replies from folks who've done such a trip or is familiar with Italy.

Thanks.

 

[Spaceman]

Re: Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

I supposed you rent your car in Munich and return in Rome. This could be expensive. I did a road trip from Rome to Milan with stopover in Tuscany. Florence is best done on a day trip. Be careful of the time you enter the city as there are certain roads in there that are not allowed for "outside" car; cars that are not from Florence. I got a fine for straying into the wrong road. Parking is not that difficult as there are multi-storey carparks around. I suggest a short stay over in Tuscany, beautiful vineyards and a few nice villages to visit. Rome is congested but still can be garang a bit and drive inside. Cheers!

 

[VolanteDB9]

Re: Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

Check out Sixt, probably have some offers with your frequent flyer program as well...i had good offers discounts and miles thru United Mileage Plus. (currently have a BMW 5er Gran Turismo LDAR class vehicle unlimited miles)

had a pleasant experience with them picking up a 1 Series cab from Munich Central Train Station...going out to Salzburg, Neuschwanstein...

i believe they also have less issues with you bringing the car into Italy, many other rentals checked out at that time wont agree with it even with hefty insurance option...i usually opt for at least the cheapest Loss Damage Waiver...3 levels reducing your excess...on top of the AIG now Chartis travel insurance...and you dont have to worry about a scratch or dent...

not sure about Milan and Lake Garda, but think going to Venice, train would be a better option...don't recall see any vehicles or even roads within...

within Florence itself you are probably better off walking as most of the attractions are within a 10-15min walk...

check out this hotel...

La Residenza

[SIZE=-1]Via Tornabuoni 8
Florence, FI 50123
Italy[/SIZE]

its right smack in the city and yet not unreasonably priced...within walking distance 5-10mins you be surprised...Uffizi,,,Duomo...Ponte Vecchio and true italian peasant food...not pizzas...

and if you really wanna explore Tuscan region and DRIVE...get on this!

http://www.500touringclub.com/

As for Rome...i think its one of the cities fun and best explored on foot and not deal with hassle of driving parking...

u get the idea...

bypass the Colosseum and Vatican queue by booking one of these tours...or even a free tour of the Pantheon

Angel Tours Rome 2010 - English Speaking Tours In Rome
Welcome to Roman Empire Tours: Expert guides for Vatican tour and Rome tours.(The vatican Tour,Roman Forum & Colosseum,Bella Roma TourOstia Antica,Galleria Borghese)

well worth it...saved precious time and gained lots more insights of the Roman Forum and on streets as well...my guide was an Irish lad whom graduated with a degree in history...was relaxed and fun.

 

[VolanteDB9]

Re: Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

Hey man...im doing a road trip from England to scotland soon too...then to netherlands , belgium and france. (if they are not too difficult)

what are your stops in the UK?

think Lake District is well worth a night or two...Scotland as in St Andrews or Edinburgh?

had a Passat Estate diesel picked up from Hertz, London - Manchester - Lake District - St Andrews - Edinburgh...3/4 tank of diesel

a Garmin with Europe mapset and sites you planned for bookmarked really helped...never once lead me e wrong way and estimated timing quite accurate.

 

[desertfox65]

Re: Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

From munich drive down towards Salzburg then towards bolzano rovato and the lago del garda. In venice you leave your car on the mainland and take local transport. After finshing venice take the A4 venezia milano highway. Actually it is better to go to Venice first and then back track to Garda. From thereon you can take the autostrada to bologna Firenze.it is difficult to drive in florence but to see tuscany and reGgio emilia car is the best. Rome is best on foot.

Please check most rental compamies will not allow drop off in italy from germany unless you pay a very hefty fee. Thte other option is to drive back. Youcan do milan munich in about 8 hours or less. Its a great trip with some of the best view driving thru italian alps and tuscany.

 

[hetraa]

Re: Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

Yeah going to Edinburgh from London....along the way do a couple of stops.

Manchester, Birmingham , are they worth stopping? Yah that reminds me i gota get a garmin map of europe

what are your stops in the UK?

think Lake District is well worth a night or two...Scotland as in St Andrews or Edinburgh?

had a Passat Estate diesel picked up from Hertz, London - Manchester - Lake District - St Andrews - Edinburgh...3/4 tank of diesel

a Garmin with Europe mapset and sites you planned for bookmarked really helped...never once lead me e wrong way and estimated timing quite accurate.

 

[DriveAllDay]

Re: Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

Hi all,

I'm planning for a road trip from Munich (start) to Rome (end) with stops in the middle.

The general plan goes like this...

Munich > Milan > Lake Garda > Venice > Florence/Tuscany > Rome

That said, I've been doing some research and that in Florence and Rome, the parking can be pretty expensive and that there's not really much of a need of a car (walking seems to be the best mode of transport) especially in those two cities (it's cheaper by train to get between the two).

Does anyone have any advice with regards to probably just renting a car from Munich > Milan > Lake Garda > Venice?

Or just take the car all the way through to Rome?

Would appreciate replies from folks who've done such a trip or is familiar with Italy.

Thanks.

Wow sounds like a trip!

I think it is quite alright driving all the way through. If Venice, if you stay on the main land, you might be able to get free/cheap parking at the hotel, and take a bus / water taxi. Of course, you will be paying rental for a car to sit in a car park. Like others said, car is good for Florence/Tuscanny although again you might want to stay outskirts of city.

I find Sixt quite expensive. Orbitz gives good rate comparisons -- you might want to try it out if you are looking for basic, manual cars.

For cross-country trips I usually use Hertz for peace of mind. Once did a 7 country drive from UK-Ireland-Europe, and switched cars 4 times (left-right-left hand drive switch, one tyre blow out) with no problems.

If you are driving in Italy, consider also Amalfi Coast. Quite spectacular.

Godspeed!

 

[ryan]

Re: Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

Hi all,

Thank you very much for your feedback.

 

[DriveAllDay]

Re: Need advice - Munich to Rome Road Trip

Hey man...im doing a road trip from England to scotland soon too...then to netherlands , belgium and france. (if they are not too difficult)


been to italy, milan (crowded) , venice (too much water ) and rome (congested) will be problematic to park your car..

i suggest u park your car in the outskirts and take public transport...

Florence , Tuscany would be great by car.

If you are going to UK, here are the great places up north
1. Lake District is great
2. Drive to Isle of Skye on A87 is EPIC
3. Drive through Norththumberland National Park on your way back is fantastic
4. Cotsworth is great for driving. Stop by Burton on the Water -- most idyllic place.

Enjoy your holidays!