I'm travelling to Italy in

I would not rely on any mobile BB here in Italy. Although it is much better than it was a few years ago it is still patchy at best and whilst travelling, especially in rural areas, you could have no cover. Why no download Google maps for the area before you get here, they are valid for 30 days and if need be when in a good reception area you could re-download. As for a provider; WIND, Tim , Tre and Vodafone are your best bet, although I've never had access to the latter here. I've found Wind to have the best deals for both cost and coverage, Tre is likely better on cost. If coming from the UK, then look at Three (Tre here) for their sim and activate before you leave, it can be used here for up to 2 months at no extra cost. This site here has very specific mobile advice..Have a lovely trip it’s a great area, although personally I’d do Pisa to Siena rather than Florence

Hello, Thanks for your detailed info!  I'll review google maps downloads as I didn't know I could do that.  Since my post I've also found some great offline navigation maps apps which I'm investigating.  And, you'll be pleased to know that I'm cycling from Florence to Siena to Pisa.  Hopefully, I've chosen the right route!

Hi. I've cycle toured quite extensively in Italy over the years, in fact I've just got back from a three week self supported trip from Genoa right down to Bari. Using a roaming package, I've never had too much trouble finding a 3G connection, even high up in the Abruzzan Appenines. The exception on my latest trip was the Gargano peninsula, where I did find myself without a signal for prolonged periods.However, I would strongly recommend using offline mapping. The trouble with using Google maps or similar online is that it will use up your data and run down your battery quickly too. Use an offline mapping app and keep your phone on airplane mode most of the time to save battery. Your phone's GPS will still work, but it turns off a load of other battery draining services. Then you only need to turn airplane mode off whenever you want to check your emails, messages etc.For offline mapping, I use an app called Galileo (https://galileo-app.com/), and I'd recommend it. It's cheap and you can download free vector mapping of the area you need (you can download Tuscany just on it's own). It also saves a cache of any of the online mapping you've viewed for use offline, so you save those just by browsing your route at couple of different zoom levels before you go. The Open Cycle Map mapping is particularly useful, with a lot of detail and full terrain contours to help you identify how big that next hill is!Make sure you have a way of recharging your phone on the move too, such as a back up battery and cable, and of course a plug adaptor so you can recharge at your hotel or B&B (or campsite). And I'd always recommend having a good paper map as a back up too, phones can let you down (I've been there!)Have a great trip - it's a beautiful region, and there's no better way to see it than by bike! The road surfaces (and drivers) can be a little 'erratic' but honestly, you're going to love it. Do you have a detailed route worked out? I'd like to hear more about it, if only to make myself jealous!

Thanks so much!  You've been amazing!