How to move in Italy

Italy is a small country and the main mean of transportation is the car. Almost everyone has one but the streets in the cities are narrow, and the drivers crazy. So, if you want to spend your holiday in Italy and want to visit many cities, i recommend you to travel by train. There are high speed trains (treni ad alta velocità) and you can reach Florence from Milan in 1 hours 40 minutes for 29 euros. If you book in advance you can buy tickets for 9 or 19 euros! I strongly recommend to use trains.

There are two main train companies, the most famous Trenitalia and the newborn Italo. So, before buying a ticket compare the two companies and choose the best price!

In the larger cities such as Rome, Florence or Milan the center is closed to cars with the ZTL, limited traffic zone. Be careful not to drive there because there are very high fines. If you have to reach your hotel, be sure to give them your plate number: they will communicate it to the police so you can avoid fines. They will also advice you on the nearest parking lots. The parking lots have a cost per hour or per day and they are underground or private. If you have to park in the streets remember this: white lines means the parking lot is free, blue ones you have to pay, so look for the parchimeter near there, yellow lines are for disabled people so don't park there or there will be a fine.

Many little towns are not reachable with bus or train, but only by car. In this case you can rent one in one of the many car rental. Ask your hotel for information. If your hotel happens to be in one of this town, if you wanted to stay in a countryside agriturismo, for example, many hotels can pick you up at the station or airport and then drive you back there when you have to leave.

Hope this will be useful, and for any further information contact me.