Nicole

Greetings. My fiancee and I are going to Italy in two weeks for our honeymoon. I am curious what you all think of driving from Rome to Florence, then on to Venice to drop the car. I have heard that the roads are poorly laid out, and the tolls/fuel cost is horrible. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>Nicole

Sherry

Nicole; I drove from Florence to Rome at the end of August. The drive was very easy on the Autostrada. If I remember correctly, the toll was about $12 US. Gasoline is around $2 a liter. The road is in excellent condition and very well marked. It is four lanes all the way. When we arrived in Italy we flew into Rome and took the train to Florence and picked up our car there. The cost to do that one way is about $65 US in second class per person. I am including the cost of getting to the Rome Termini from the airport. It didn't cost any extra for us to drop off in Rome, so we decided to do the drive back. In terms of time, I would drive it instead of the train. Also, take into account that you might pay more for a car pick up in Rome at the airport. I hope this helps. Anything else, just ask.

Richard

If your itinerary is to visit Rome, Florence and Venice, no side trips then I would suggest the train. The IC from Rome to Florence is a 2 1/2 hour trip, $18.00 each one way, no parking hassles, the Florence station is well located for walking to everything. Check out the Italian rail timetable at fs-on-line.com/eng/index.htm. Use Rome, Firenze and Venezia for Rome, Florence and Venice.

Richard

Meant Roma for Rome.

Nicole

Richard and Sherry.. Thank you so very much for your help. We are going to look into the costs for the car rental and then decide. Although the train may be more efficent, we really enjoy the freedom that only a car can afford you. I really appreciate your time taken to help us out. <BR> <BR>Nicole

Paule

A thought: why don't you drive from Rome to Florence, exploring Umbria and Tuscany as you go, and then drop the car in Florence. The drive to Florence is no problem on the autostrada, but the whole idea is to get off the main road and see smaller towns. Do you have reservations already or can you take a few days to stop off in the countryside for a few days? I highly recommend driving the Tuscan/Umbrian region. You can then drop the car in Florence, and take the train to Venice. Arriving in Venice at the train station is MUCH more thrilling than arriving at the car drop-off location in Venice.

Sherry

Nicole. I made a mistake when giving you the prices. Cost of $1 per liter of gas and the train is $65 Eurostar, second class for TWO people. Sorry. Also as Paule suggests...the drive through Tuscany and Umbria should not be missed. But you could do that from a Florence base. Nothing beats the freedom of a car in my opinion.

Bill

If you drive to Florence and rid of the car before you park it. Rates are very high around the ferry to Venice. Next make sure to negoiate with the porters who carry your luggage. It is expensive.

amg

Nicole, <BR> <BR>If you want to see Italy - rent the car. <BR>The towns and scenery between Rome and Florence are beautiful and the car gives you the freedom to stop and enjoy the views. I have driven twice in Italy and the highways are very similiar to American highways - well maintained, good signs and rest stops with gas and food. <BR> <BR>The side roads are a litlle more challenging but are worth the effort. Just give yourself plenty of time and have a good map. Most signs use town names to direct so you need to determine the town names on the route you are taking, including the towns beyond, and follow the signs. <BR> <BR>The only true challenges are driving and parking within the cities. Make sure you have detailed directions to your hotels. Ask the rental car company for local maps of all the major cities they have(they should at least have Rome, Florence and Venice). Look at the maps together and plan the route before you get in the car. <BR> <BR>Congrat on your wedding and have a great time in Italy! <BR>Aileen