Driving to Italy, so would like access across Europe, but would accept just Italy if it’s significant. Have smartphone on orange network if that’s significant.
What’re the options I have?
Anyone done it and worked out the cheapest/most effective way?

Do you mean the least expensive?
http://www1.orange.co.uk/mobileterms/terms_europetraveller.html

Macdonalds or other free wifi might be your best bet, a nursed cup of coffee much cheaper than the alternatives.

If you have an unlocked 3G dongle, the simplest way is to buy a PAYG data SIM in Italy (or any country you pass through), then you can get internet via 3G at local rates (quite cheap). This is generally what I do when I’m on holiday in Europe.

EDIT: If you haven’t got an unlocked dongle, you can normally buy the unlock code from Ebay sellers for a few £s (which is how I unlocked my VF dongle).