poysine

We will be driving from Venice to Montepulciano next June.As I remember,the best place to pick up the car is at the train station(we will be in Venice for 3 days before)and we are going to drop the car off in Florence.Anyone have a suggestion for a rental company?Hertz seems to be the cheapest,and its still not cheap,and we need a GPS which doesn't seem to be included form cars at the train station..or can I use my American GPS,is there a way to download Italian maps?

bobthenavigator

It is not at the train station, but nearby at Piazzale Roma. I suggest Autoeurope or Kemwel, who both use Hertz, Avis and Europcar---they are brokers and will match any better offer.

Mimar

It's better not to drive in central Florence. It's too easy to happen into a ZTL, a locals-only driving zone, and get a costly ticket -- months later in the mail. Drop the car at the airport or on the outskirts of Florence.

You must buy CDW when you rent in Italy, so it tends to be more expensive. Can you drive a manual transmission? That's a cheaper option. And yes, bring your own GPS. You can use it for walking in cities also.

Also you need an International Driver's Permit for Italy. It's easily and cheaply obtained at your local AAA/CAA office.

Michael

I found http://www.economycarrentals.com/ cheaper than Kemwel/Autoeurope where the CDW is required as part of the contract.

caroline_edinburgh

You can also pick up/drop off hire cars at the airport - that's what we've always done. Not sure if there's a price difference or if so, which way it might go.

poysine

THanks for the info.Yes,i know about driving in Florence,I went to school there.we plan to drop the car off at the airport and take a taxi back to our hotel.I will check the rental sites you suggested,and will rent at the piazzale Roma.I couldn't remember where I rented a car before,i just Knew we took the water taxi and got off at the last stop.Yes,I drive a manual,so no problem.thanks

Mimar

Forgot to say, yes you can buy a GPS map for Europe, though they're a bit expensive, usually around $100. I think it better to use your own GPS since you already know how to use it. Can't imagine having to learn from a manual in Italian.

poysine

Thanks,i will check it out.to add Italy to my Tom Tom is $60.My friend has an Iphone,so we are going to see about using that,too