European road trip
The famous Duomo, right, and nearby Campanile tower and Baptistery buildings rise over Florence, Italy, on a European road trip. Though gasoline costs about $8.50 a gallon there, Europe’s highways are modern and efficient, and for some, the lure of the open road and the continent’s many sights make the cost of auto travel worthwhile. (Richard Derk / Los Angeles Times)
A bridal party poses for photos at an overlook in Florence. The Arno River and the famous Ponte Vecchio (the bridge with buildings on it) are visible in the background. (Richard Derk / Los Angeles Times)
Guidebooks to the city in a variety of languages are for sale in Florence. Travel information is also available from the Italian Touring Club, similar to AAA. (Richard Derk / Los Angeles Times)
A Holiday Inn Express lies not far from this picture-perfect alpine scene north of Lucerne, Switzerland. Crossing the Alps is a cinch on today’s superhighways. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
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The port at Monte Carlo in the principality of Monaco. Grandstands (foreground) hold spectators for this year’s Grand Prix auto race. The area’s prices reflect its Riviera glamour: At the swank Hôtel Metropole, a mojito costs $35. Sip slowly, budget travelers. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
A beach in the Ligurian coast town of Moneglia, Italy. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
It’s not hard to spot this symbol of Paris, near the Seine, but on departing the City of Light for the French countryside, a driving trip can take confusing turns. Country roads, though delightful, are infrequently marked. (Richard Derk / Los Angeles Times)
The Lower Corniche near Monaco winds along the Mediterranean coast, twisting along and sometimes through the seaside mountains. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
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Driving along the Côte dAzur, heading toward Monaco. Along the way, a stop at a tourist office in the beach town of Frontignan la Peyrade can net you reservations at nearby lodgings. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
North of Milan, Italy, a rest stop features a Total gas station and an Autogrill, where customers can get hot, multicourse meals with wine. The names of other restaurants such as On the Run and My Chef suggest that English has become the universal language of the European road. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
