Environmental Zones
Many Italian cities have established environmental zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato,ZTL) The rules are complicated and vary from city to city. For some cities you can buy an environmental sticker, other cities you can only enter with a special permit or within certain times. So keep a close eye on this, the fines are high!

Toll roads
On most highways in Italy you pay toll. The current toll rates can be found here! You can pay in cash, by credit card or with a toll badge. Toll badges can be purchased online at tolltickets.com/en  and are valid in 4 countries: France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Fuel
Fuel prices are similar to UK prices. Filling up along the motorway in Italy is also often more expensive than along normal roads. Current fuel prices can be found here.

Charging stations
Italy has greatly expanded its charging station network in recent years. Along freeways and in towns and cities you will always find a charging station. Still, it is good to check your route in advance. Charging points along the way can be found on this route planner: https://abetterrouteplanner.com/ of chargemap.com 

Please note that it is mandatory to have a warning triangle and a safety vest in the car in Italy.

Weather in Tuscany
With temperatures around 20 degrees, springtime is pleasant in Tuscany. In summer it can get quite hot, especially in the cities. On the coast and in the mountains it will be a lot more pleasant during a hot day. In summer, unlike in spring, there is little or no rain. September and October are also wonderful in Tuscany!

Tap water
Tap water in Italy is generally safe to drink. If it is marked Acque non potabile (no drinking water), go for bottled water.

Cuisine in Tuscany
Italian cuisine is a favourite of many. And Tuscany has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights. Of course, this region is known for its local wines, so a visit to one of the many wineries is recommended. Of course, you will find plenty of pizza and pasta, but also the Florentine steak, ragu of wild boar and all kinds of dishes with beans are real regional favourites.

Restaurant and store opening hours are not regulated by law in Italy. Bakers and butchers open early, somewhere between 07:00 and 08:00. In many Italian towns there is still a lunch break so some stores are closed for a while in the afternoon. The big supermarkets are open every day and often until late in the evening. Well-known supermarkets are Esselunga, Ipercoop, Eurospin and Conad, but you can also find Lidl and Aldi in Italy.

Dinner in Italy starts later than you may be used to in the UK. Before 20.00, there is often no one in the restaurant. If you stay at the campsite for dinner, however, you can go early. If the menu says 'Servizio', the tip is already included in the price. Coperto' is the amount the restaurant charges for the use of crockery, table linen, bread, etc. If there is nothing on the bill, a tip of 5 to 10 per cent is usual.

By Car

Going on holiday by car? Make sure you have looked up all the traffic rules and other important car-related regulations beforehand. A good overview of the most up-to-date traffic regulations per country can be found on the DFA website. Are you travelling to Italy in winter? Bear in mind that winter tyres are compulsory in mountain areas. Don't have winter tyres? Then make sure you have snow chains with you.

By Plane

If you travel by plane, you can fly to Florence and Pisa. You can hire a car at the airport to drive to your holiday destination. The larger campsites and holiday parks often also offer a shuttle service from the airport. Ask directly at your holiday address for the possibilities.

Public transportation

Public transportation is a good option for travelling around Tuscany. The major cities have excellent train connections. Buses also run to popular destinations. Cabs are also available in Italy through well-known apps like Uber.

Health care
Healthcare in Italy is good. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to necessary medical care while on holiday in Italy. Pharmacies in Italy are easily recognised by the Green Cross. As everywhere in the EU, the European emergency number 112 applies.

Money matters
In Italy, you pay with the Euro. There are plenty of ATMs and debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Sockets
The voltage found in the UK and Italy is the same (230V and 50Hz).
You will not need a transformer/converter. Still, you should bring a travel adaptor as there are three associated plug types, types C, F and L.  Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins (most common), plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side and plug type L is the plug type which has three round pins.   

Travelling with the dog
Italy is an animal-friendly country, but there are some rules for travelling with dogs. For example, your dog must have a microchip, a valid dog passport, and be up-to-date with vaccinations, including rabies. See all rules here.