Any 'must visit' roads in Tuscany?
Any 'must visit' roads in Tuscany?
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Chris71

Original Poster:

21,548 posts

258 months

Friday 19th April 2013
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I'm going to be staying in a village near Arezzo on the eastern edge Tuscany in a few months' time. I probably won't have much chance to explore, but if I do get a chance to pinch the hire car for an hour or so are there any 'must drive' roads in the area?

Sadly, I note the Futa Pass is a bit too far north. Sansepolcro, on the original Mille Miglia route is just over the other side of the Apeninnes, though.

Halmyre

12,002 posts

155 months

Saturday 20th April 2013
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There's some lovely scenery in Tuscany but I can't say I remember the roads being memorable. Maybe if you get up into the mountains?

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,548 posts

258 months

Sunday 21st April 2013
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To be honest, the focus isn't really on driving. Just thought I'd enquire in case there was anything spectacular on the doorstep.

driving

Highway Star

3,608 posts

247 months

Monday 22nd April 2013
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Drove around there a couple of years ago, nothing really stood out. We stayed just south of Arezzo and drove back from Sansepolcro one evening - road is ok. The road surface on the Umbrian side of the Apepennines is significantly worse than on the Tuscan side.

AlexIT

1,664 posts

154 months

Tuesday 23rd April 2013
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Hi,

you can easily drive down the Futa while going to Arezzo, or on the way back (probably better, as you won't be tired from driving).
You just need to leave the motorway on the exit of Rioveggio, just a few miles after Bologna, and re-enter in Barberino di Mugello, a few miles before Florence (or the other way round).

Apart from that, most roads around Tuscany are worth a drive, so a quick tour around Arezzo will provide you with great driving too.

Keep in mind that the Futa pass, especially on weekends can be crowded with motorbikes.


Chris71

Original Poster:

21,548 posts

258 months

Tuesday 23rd April 2013
quotequote all
The thing is, it's not a road trip. We're flying to Pisa and then getting a hire car. I should also confess it's our honeymoon, so anything more than a short detour from the planned itinerary would be pushing my luck. whistle

AlexIT

1,664 posts

154 months

Tuesday 23rd April 2013
quotequote all
Chris71 said:
The thing is, it's not a road trip. We're flying to Pisa and then getting a hire car. I should also confess it's our honeymoon, so anything more than a short detour from the planned itinerary would be pushing my luck. whistle
I'd then opt for SPA, swimming pool and ehmmmm........ tongue out

And congratulations btw thumbup

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,548 posts

258 months

Tuesday 23rd April 2013
quotequote all
AlexIT said:
I'd then opt for SPA, swimming pool and ehmmmm........ tongue out

And congratulations btw thumbup
Yeah, that's the general plan.

Many thanks. smile

Wozy68

5,431 posts

186 months

Tuesday 23rd April 2013
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Chris71 said:
The thing is, it's not a road trip. We're flying to Pisa and then getting a hire car. I should also confess it's our honeymoon, so anything more than a short detour from the planned itinerary would be pushing my luck. whistle
Where you staying?

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,548 posts

258 months

Tuesday 23rd April 2013
quotequote all
Wozy68 said:
Chris71 said:
The thing is, it's not a road trip. We're flying to Pisa and then getting a hire car. I should also confess it's our honeymoon, so anything more than a short detour from the planned itinerary would be pushing my luck. whistle
Where you staying?
Polvano, near Arezzo.

Wozy68

5,431 posts

186 months

Tuesday 23rd April 2013
quotequote all
Chris71 said:
Wozy68 said:
Chris71 said:
The thing is, it's not a road trip. We're flying to Pisa and then getting a hire car. I should also confess it's our honeymoon, so anything more than a short detour from the planned itinerary would be pushing my luck. whistle
Where you staying?
Polvano, near Arezzo.
Siena .......... lovely. Lucca ..... very nice, just up the road from Pisa.

In a previous life I was to be married in Florence.
I've not been to Florence, (understandably my wife is not that keen to go with me, though she has been before) but been informed that its better to take the train then the car into the city.

Tuscany really is most beautiful. Have a great time. I stayed here when I went http://www.villalean.com/home.asp

S. Gonzales Esq.

2,559 posts

228 months

Tuesday 23rd April 2013
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I spent a week in Tuscany this time last year, and don't recall many roads worth recommending. There was one bit though, that was fun and actually looked like Tuscany is supposed to - here.

The good news is that you're staying pretty close to it, and can perhaps combine a drive with a trip to Bagno Vignoni for an evening meal.

If you're up for a bit of exercise, the best thing we did was a walk through the countryside from Pienza to Montepulciano:


truck71

2,328 posts

188 months

Wednesday 24th April 2013
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Try the S66 north from Pistoia to San Marcello Pistoiese, then the S12 north and oddly enough you'll end up in Modena...

A truly great drive, I did it the other way in the Tuscan and it's unforgettable.

ARobinson

173 posts

165 months

Saturday 11th May 2013
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The roads around the villages in the chianti region south of Florence, north of Siena, are really good. Plenty of switchbacks, steep hills, hairpins etc.

Driving into Florence is fine. There's a huge free car park at the top of the hill, it's a fair walk into town(15 mins) the walk back up the hill at the end of the day is hard work, get a taxi up if you're not fit hah