Car Rental Italy

Speed limits in Italy

• Motorways: 130 kph (80 mph)
• Dual Carriageways: 110 kph (68 mph)
• Main Roads Outside Built-up Areas: 110 kph (68 mph)
• Main Roads With Built-up Areas: 50 kph (31mph)

Main roads in Italy

• The Autostrada A1,also known as the Autostrada del Sole, is the oldest motorway in Europe. Itlinks some of the country’s largest cities, including Milan, Florence, Rome and Naples.
• The Autostrada A2,or Autostrada del Mediterraneo, is more than 275 miles long. Running through the south of Italy, it serves cities including Salerno and Cosenza.
• The Autostrada A4,or Serenissima, is more than 324 miles long and connects Trieste and Turin via Venice and Milan.

Road types in Italy

• The Autostrada is the highway road network. These roads are usually tolled and are marked with green signs and white text.
• Strade Statale is the name for dual carriageways leading to cities and town centers. They’re not tolled, are numbered and named with an SS prefix. Road signs are blue with white text.
• Strade Comunale is the name given to municipal roads managed by local authorities. Speed limits vary and the road signs are blue with white text.

Toll roads in Italy

Tolls are charged for cars, motorbikes or trucks on motorways in Italy. They can be paid for by card, cash or fuel card directly at toll gates. Tolls range between €18.20 and €64.40.

Tolls are also charged for passage through some tunnels on the borders of France and Switzerland.

An additional cost will be incurred if the motorway is left without making a payment, These additional charges must be paid at a toll gate or via the internet.

Driving basics

• When driving in Italy, you need to travel on the right side of the road, as in the US.
• Drivers must give priority to vehicles on the right.
• In Italy, you must stop at red lights, even when there is no traffic in the area.
• Headlights must be used at all times on two-lane highways.

Rome

Italy’s capital is one of the world’s most spectacular cities. Situated in the northwest, it’s a glorious mix of cultural delights and architecture dating back to ancient times. As for attractions – there’s the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Vatican. The only problem you’ll have is fitting all the wonders in.

Naples

Italy’s third-largest city was founded by the Greeks in the first millennium BC. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban places in the world. Visit the city center and you can see why UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site. You’ll also be able to enter the Chiostri di Santa Chiara, a network of fascinating historical cloisters.

Milan

The second biggest city in Italy is situated in the north and is home to the stock exchange. It’s also one of the fashion world’s big four and the Milan Fashion Week is a semi-annual highlight. And from Renaissance art to contemporary showpieces, culture vultures are spoilt for choice.

Florence

The capital of the Tuscany region is considered by some historians to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. Thankfully for everyone, many of its cultural highlights remain, including the Duomo cathedral, the 12^th-century Romanesque Baptistery and the Galleri degli Uffizi, home to one the world’s most famous art galleries.

Venice

For romance and beauty, few cities can rival Venice. Grab a gelato by the Grand Canal and watch the water taxis drift by in the sun. Alternatively, get some Insta-worthy snaps of the Gothic-style Doge’s Palace. Then walk across the Rialto Bridge, as seen in films including Casino Royale.

Palermo

The capital of the southern island Sicily, Palermo is rightly famous for its history, culture and food. Italian food is renowned, but Palermo’s street food will tantalize your tastebuds. Make sure you sample the fried balls of rice called Arancina, or a pane con le milza (sandwich stuffed with veal).

Trapani

This old fishing port is nestled on the west coast of Sicily and a charming example of Italy at its best. Highlights include the old town with its delightful fish market. And the medieval Erice Village, balanced on a rocky cliff, provides a spectacular view of Sicily.

Catania

At the base of Mount Etna lies Sicily’s second largest city. Catania has survived several earthquakes and is one of the island’s most popular destinations. The late-Baroque architecture has to be seen to be believed, as does the Piazza dell’Universita, which houses not one but two palaces.

Turin

Few cities have backdrops as fantastic as Turin. This northwestern city lies at the foot of the Alps and is famous for the iconic Fiat car and first saleable hard chocolate. However, it’s not stuck in the past – Turin is also known for contemporary art and an envious live music scene.

Lodi

Awesome architecture, landscapes to die for and gastronomic delights aplenty make this northern Italian city full of sights to soak up. Don’t miss the unfinished Church of Saint Francis, or a chance to travel by bike or horse along the Suburban Ring.