Page 23 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

Driving in Italy 21

Left An Italian camp site in summer Right Terminillo Road, a typical, winding mountain drive
explore and a landscape that The speed limit for driving with a DIRECTORY
changes constantly. Note that if caravan or trailer is 50 kmph (30 mph)
you are on a motorbike or scooter, a in built­up areas; 70 kmph (45 mph) CAR HIRE
helmet is compulsory for both driver on secondary and main roads; and
and pillion – a rule enforced with 80 kmph (50 mph) on motorways. AutoEurope
www.autoeurope.com
increasing frequency. A driving
licence or motorbike driving licence Maps and Sat Nav Devices Avis
www.avis.com
is required for all vehicles over 49cc. The best maps for long journeys
Motorcycles must use dipped head­ and overall planning are the AA Road Budget
lights at all times during the day. Atlas Italy (1:250,000) and Touring www.budget.co.uk
Club Italiano’s Atlante Stradale d’Italia Europcar
Caravans and (also 1:250,000). Regional maps from www.europcar.com
Motorhomes/RVs Touring Club Italiano (1:200,000) are Hertz
In recent years, motorhomes have invaluable for local exploring, but even www.hertz.com
become very popular in Italy. Local they will not plot every country lane Holiday Autos
councils have established designated and unsurfaced track. Touring Club www.holidayautos.co.uk
camper parks near many popular tour­ does, however, occasionally produce CAMPER VAN HIRE
ist areas, and larger camp sites nearly maps of small areas of particular
always accept campers and caravans. interest – such as national parks – at Comocaravan
www.comocaravan.it
Camper van or mobile home rental 1:50,000 scale. These are rarely sold
is becoming increasingly common. in shops, but available at park offices. Italy Motorhome Hire
Prices are usually around €1,000 for Satellite navigation devices such as www.italy-motorhome-hire.com
a four­berth vehicle for a week in TomTom or Garmin now come with
high season, with unlimited mileage – good maps that cover Italy. Some
companies to try include Italy car rental firms offer these devices
Motorhome Hire and Comocaravan. as an extra if you book in advance.
In peak season, you will need to If you are intending to use a sat nav
book places in advance at camp application on your mobile phone,
sites. In quieter areas, free camping check that the software has on­board
is on the increase, but it is illegal. mapping rather than relying on the Below far left Road signage, Chianti Below left
To avoid offending local sensibilities mobile network to download maps Camper van near Lake Como Below middle
(or ruining other people’s views), ask as you go, or you’ll incur call charges Tourist information map in Valli di Comacchio
advice from the local traffic police (with accompanying roaming charges) Below middle right Iconic Italian scooter Below
(vigili) before parking up for the night. whenever you use the maps. Getting about in Parco di San Bartolo

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