Tuscany
True guided tours are convenient, true driving in a foreign country without knowing the language is a hassle, true they drive on the wrong side of the road, but equally true is the fact that the best way to enjoy the diversity and beauty of Tuscany is when you self drive through the countryside.
The best thing to do would be to rent a car, the smallest possible car that you could rent would make things more convenient as gas in Europe is expensive, the roads are often narrow, parking is difficult, and turns can be tight.
The other drivers are not really a big problem in Tuscany but the roads and road signs may be different from what you are accustomed to. There are also many places where high stone walls border the road on both sides, especially in the hills around Florence. Beep when you approach a blind turn and keep your ears open to hear someone doing the same from the other direction. At night, flash your high-beams instead.
Always let the other driver pass if you are on a two way road that simply won’t fit two passing cars. Buy the best road map available and keep it ready in your glove compartment.
The best thing on the highways, the Italian Autostrade is the Autogrill a highway-only chain of rest stops you can get a decent panino, a caffè for a quick boost of caffeine and just about anything else you might need.
Don’t be afraid of getting lost as that the best discoveries are made when you get a bit “misplaced”.
Car hire is available from leading companies including Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Sixt and Europcar.