Driving in Italy

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Driving in Umbria

 

 

 

 

 

Lamborghini Murciélago coupé

Italy’s automobile history is long and glamorous, with A-list car manufacturers including well-known names such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.
The timeless styling of Italian cars can often be attributed Pininfarina, an Italian design house, which has been responsible for creating the looks of many famous super-cars.
The iconic Alfa Romeo Spider is the work of Pininfarina as is the Maserati Birdcage which took its inspiration from new, futuristic ideas rather than re-working features from past classic models.
With such an impressive automobile history, there really is no better place to think of for a driving holiday than Italy.

The region of Umbria in particular has diverse countryside, perfect for enjoying long drives along winding roads which pass rows of olive trees, vineyards, pretty villages and Aleppo pine groves. Furthermore, the Apennines provide beautiful mountain terrain, equally perfect for exploration.

Jean Paul Sia from the Umbrian Tourist Board says “Away from the big crowds, this small piece of land blends art, food, nature and culture in perfect harmony. Driving is a wonderful way to get to know this fascinating region”.

For the ultimate driving holiday rent your favourite Italian car, whether it is a dependable Fiat Grande Punto or a flashy Lamborghini Murciélago coupé, and relax as you soak up the fantastic sights of Umbria.

Car Driving Guide for Italy

  • If you have a UK issued driving license, you do not need an international driving permit to drive in Italy.
  • You must be over 18 to drive in Italy
  • Keep right and overtake on the left
  • Trams and trains have right of way
  • Seatbelts are compulsory for both front and rear seats, failure to comply with this rule can result in fines for both the driver and the passengers
  • Vehicles approaching from the right have right-of-way at crossings

Speed limts for

  • Urban areas is 31mph (50kmph)
  • Minor out of town roads 56mph (90kmph)
  • Major out of town roads 68mpm (110kmph)

It is compulsory to carry a spare tyre, triangle and reflective safety jacket
Third-party insurance is compulsory
Tolls are levied on the more popular motorways
In urban areas, horns are only used for emergencies
It’s compulsory to use dipped headlights during the day on two-lane motorways.

Article by Stephanie Sheehan

A final word. These are the laws for driving in Italy but with the Italian’s reputation and my own experience including driving in Rome I would add this side note.
(Not to be taken seriously):
To drive like the Italians and be able to keep up with the traffic flow: –
“Put your foot to the floor, ignore everyone else, and don’t worry about the dents.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cliff Chapman
www.traveljunkies.com
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Paris Nightlife

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Bars

Ice Kube is one of the coolest bars in Paris, literally. Kept at a refreshing -12C, you will be given special coats to wear to keep the frost-bite at bay. For a fixed price you half an hour in the bar and four tasting cocktails. Find it near the La Chapelle metro station and be sure to make a reservation as it gets booked-up quickly!

Do you enjoy reading while drinking your wine? Then La Belle Hortense could very well be your new idea of heaven. Named after the novel by Jacques Roubaud, this cosy bar/bookshop is the perfect place for a rainy Paris afternoon – perch on one of the bar stools or make yourself comfortable in the back room.

For a special occasion or just a good meal followed by some classy cocktails then the Mezzanine Bar at Alcazar is the place to go. After a delicious dinner downstairs, head upstairs for cocktails and champagne overlooking the bar below. DJ’s play until late from Wednesday to Sunday and you can have the set menu for dinner

 

Clubs

There are underground clubs and then there is Showcase. In an old naval hangar beneath the Alexandre III bridge in the Champs Elysees, you will find this glamorous club overlooking the Seine where you can hear the very best in house and electro music. If you are used to partying until dawn then you might be able to stay up until the club starts serving brunch on selected mornings.

If you’re determined to do some celeb spotting in Paris the VIP Room is one of your best bets. This exclusive club is strictly on a reservation only basis and you will need to dress to impress! Open from Thursdays to Saturdays from midnight until 6am, 

Live Entertainment

If it is a show you’re after then where else springs to mind than the Moulin Rouge.

 

Dinner on one of the small round tables, adorned with the red lamps that are synonymous with the windmill, followed by the Féerie show will be an unforgettable evening in Paris. See the jewelled, feathered dances and enjoy the sumptuous menus at this famous windmill if you want to experience traditional French cabaret.

Is jazz is more your thing? Then head to New Morning near the Chateau d’Eau metro station. Eat, drink and be merry and start your night off at this atmospheric club. Gigs begin at around 9pm, so get there at about 8 if you want to eat before.

Find out more about Paris city breaks with lowcostholidays.com here.

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