DIRECTIONS
Getting There
Tips on how to get to your destination.
Arriving in Rome by Plane.
Rome’s main airport, FIUMICINO AIRPORT, also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is Italy’s largest. It is 16 miles from Rome’s city center and one does not have to go anywhere near the busy traffic of the city to get on your way to my home from the airport.
From the airport, it is a 2-hour and 15-minute car trip to the house. I recommend that you consider renting my 2022 Fiat 500x 4-door, manual transmission car to use during your stay. My charge for this is only $500 per week as compared to $1000-$1200 per week for a small rental car at the airport AND, if you do rent my car, you and your party can be picked up and later returned to the airport by my property manager, Davide Lupo in San Venanzo, who speaks English.
The TOTAL cost for BOTH of those “chauffeured” roundtrips is only $300 well worth t especially after all the money you save renting my car instead of a rental car at the airport. (By the way, in Italy, the car is insured, so, anyone I approved can drive my car and be insured.) Renting my car also saves you from having to go to the car rental section of the airport, wait an hour+ at the desk, then having to drive 2+ hours to my home after a long flight. Later, when returning to the airport, it saves you the stress of having to go 2 hours earlier than you normally would to return the rental car, which you better have topped off with gas to avoid a substantial penalty. If you are just 2-3 people with your luggage, David will pick you up and return you in my car. More than 2 people will be picked up via a bigger car or van that can take 4-6 people and all of their luggage. The $300 fee, however, remains the same no matter which vehicle is required.
BUT, If, for some reason, you’d rather rent your own vehicle, you can do so at the Rome airport. Renting is straightforward and rental agents all speak English. In my opinion, the most economical car rental agency is a company based in Maine in the U.S. Before I purchased a car, I used it all the time. That company is called: KEMWEL. You can call them directly at: 1 (877) 820-0668 or visit their website at www.Kemwel.com. Start with KEMWEL before renting a car from anyone else, but definitely shop around. If you do find a better price for the same or comparable car, call KEMWEL back and ask them to beat that price. They always have for me.
A Few Words about Driving in Italy:
Italian cars have the steering wheel on the same side of the car as we do here in the states. Italians also drive on the same side of the road as we do in the U.S.
Driving in Italy is easy. The roads are well-maintained, the signage is excellent (lots of signs, and in the right places), the roads have many safety features and there are more rest-stops, gas stations and snack bars on their highways than in the U.S. I was nervous the first time I drove in Italy, but within 15 minutes I was fine and could see how good the roads, signs, bridges, exits, etc. were. The things you hear about crazy Italian drivers speeding around like madmen are generally false, although you will see that somewhat around big dense cities like Rome and Naples. The Italians use the left lane of multi-lane highways ONLY for momentary passing and it is considered very rude to be driving in the left lane unless you are passing.
Highway Tolls
Almost all autostrade are toll roads. The easiest way to pay tolls is to use a major credit card. When you get to the exit ramp, look for the lanes with a large sign showing the pictures of the various credit cards. Insert the toll ticket first (with the arrow pointing forward), then your credit card (with the hologram out). To get a receipt, push the red button after you retrieve your credit card.
Breakdown Services
In case of breakdown on any Italian road, dial 116 at the nearest telephone. The nearest ACI office (Automobile Club of Italy) will be advised to come to your assistance. On superhighways, use the emergency telephones placed every 2 km.
Insurance
If you are planning to rent a car in Italy you must have valid insurance coverage which is included in the price for all cars rented through KEMWEL and most other car rental agencies.
Speed limit
In cities and towns, the limit is 50 km. (31.25 m.p.h.). On other roads, maximum speeds are: 90 km. (56.25 m.p.h.) for all cars and motor vehicles on main roads and local roads 110 km. (68.75 m.p.h.) for all cars and motor vehicles up to 1099 cc. on superhighways and 130 km. (81.25 m.p.h.) for all cars and motor vehicles over 1100 cc. on superhighways.
Mobile phones & Seat Belts
Drivers may use mobile phones only if the phones are equipped with an earpiece. Pedestrians have the right of way at zebra crossings and seat belts are compulsory at all times.
Navigation in the Car
Your i-phone or android, if it equipped with international roaming, should connect directly via the Smart USB port (in my car and most rental cars) to the car’s main dashboard screen allowing you to use Goggle maps to guide yourself around. I also let my renters use my Garmin GPS unit at no charge during their stay, if they wish. I have already programmed dozens of towns, cities and restaurants in it which saves time and provides extra peace of mind while driving. At the end of your day you would need only to press “Roberts House” amongst the “Saved Locations” in the GPS and the unit will take you right back to my house. Past renters have loved having it.
Driving from the Rome airport to the House in San Venanzo.
The address of my house in San Venanzo is:
Via XXIV Maggio
#18
San Venanzo, Italy
It might look as if taking the A1 to Orvieto, then coming over Mt. Peglia might be the most direct route, but I NEVER come that way because the road from Orvieto to San Venanzo is very curvy, and goes UP the mountain then back down. Personally, I think it’s just too tiring after a long flight. So…here’s how I drive from Fiumicino airport in Rome to the house:
A1, take direction towards Firenze, then exit at Orte. At Orte, take direction towards Terni (E45), then take the direction towards Perugia. A few exits after Todi is the exit for Marsciano. Take this exit, which curves you up and over the E45, heading into Marsciano. There’s a long, straight road that heads towards Marsciano, with fields on either side. This road ends at a T, where you can go left or right. There will be a sign telling you to go RIGHT for San Venanzo. At the next roundabout go LEFT, then at the next roundabout go left again. At the next roundabout, (the third), go left. You’re now on the SS317, which heads up to San Venanzo. Stay on this road, going straight thru the next round about, then follow the road as it curves to the right. Stay in the right hand lane, following the signs for San Venanzo about 12 miles. As you enter San Venanzo follow the main road thru town past the small IP gas station on the right, then the post office on your left. JUST AFTER the Post Office, you’ll turn right, in front of the church, then immediately turn right again, so that you’re now driving uphill, with the church on your right. At the top of the hill, turn LEFT at the corner where the Cassa di Risparmio bank is. After turning left at the bank you’ll drive one short block then turn LEFT at the first opening. As you drive down this street, (XXIV Maggio, our street). After about another half-block, you’ll see a small (5 car) parking lot on the right. Our house is directly across from this parking lot (#18). If there is a space in that little lot, pull in there. If not, continue down the street, and just as you start to curve to the left, pull into the space behind our garage, which is just around the corner of the building.
By Train
Orvieto Station on Florence-Rome trains
How to get around in the district
Public bus services, to and from Orvieto, with stops at all towns (only weekdays)