Italy Car Rental
Oct 8th, 2013, 04:59 PM
#1
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Italy Car Rental
I've been lurking and absorbing lots a great info as we plan our first family trip to Europe next summer. Thanks to everyone for sharing their passion for travel! I have question on how long to keep a rental car. We're a family of five (from the U.S) travelling next June, flying into Venice and out of Rome. Our itinerary is Venice, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Rome (I haven't made any hotel or apartment reservations yet but have our air tix). We're planning on driving from Venice to Tuscany and Tuscany to the Amalf Coast, staying in either Sorrento or Positano. My dilemma is whether to keep the car on the Amalfi coast and drop it off outside of Rome, or drop the car off on the Amalfi Coast and train to Rome. Also, of the locations for picking up a car in Venice is one preferred (airport, non-airport)? Thanks!
Oct 8th, 2013, 05:26 PM
#2
A family of five plus luggage won't fit into a car. You will need a van. The coast roads are very narrow and will be packed in June. Parking is another issue. What exactly did you want to see on the coast and how many days would you have there?
If picking up in Venice, it's would probably be closer to pick up near the train station.
If picking up in Venice, it's would probably be closer to pick up near the train station.
Oct 8th, 2013, 05:48 PM
#4
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DRop the car in Sorrento---easy to do.
This may also help---note last paragraph.
DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE
Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors
Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is www.autoeurope.com [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.
Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.
OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.
NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $20. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
This may also help---note last paragraph.
DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE
Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors
Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is www.autoeurope.com [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.
Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.
OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.
NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $20. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
Oct 8th, 2013, 06:08 PM
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You know Capri is an island, and you are not allowed to take your car there.
Five is an odd number if you consider relatively high rental car cost in Italy along with maddeningly narrow roads you would encounter in Tuscany that lead to points of interest to first time travelers. You will also find that even if you don't take luggage in consideration, a car that can take five (adults?) suitable for long distance travel is a major step up in rental price.
How do frequent travelers (like the previous poster) to Italy rent cars without these headaches? They stay out of problem towns/cities, likely to travel alone or as a couple without big luggage to allow renting maneuverable small stick-shift cars that are easier to book, to park, to turn tight corners, and to fill up the tank.
Five is an odd number if you consider relatively high rental car cost in Italy along with maddeningly narrow roads you would encounter in Tuscany that lead to points of interest to first time travelers. You will also find that even if you don't take luggage in consideration, a car that can take five (adults?) suitable for long distance travel is a major step up in rental price.
How do frequent travelers (like the previous poster) to Italy rent cars without these headaches? They stay out of problem towns/cities, likely to travel alone or as a couple without big luggage to allow renting maneuverable small stick-shift cars that are easier to book, to park, to turn tight corners, and to fill up the tank.
Oct 8th, 2013, 06:13 PM
#6
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I checked the Auto Europe and Kemwel sites. Sticker shock!! For 4 days, a van is more than $1,000. A VW Passat wagon is less at around $600. Does anyone have experience renting a car big enough for five adults in Italy?
Oct 8th, 2013, 09:12 PM
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@Tripletdad
Believe me you have choose very nice place to visit. I wish your family will enjoy this and this tour will be the wonderful tour of their lives. I think for five people car is not suitable you have to choose alternative of this.
Believe me you have choose very nice place to visit. I wish your family will enjoy this and this tour will be the wonderful tour of their lives. I think for five people car is not suitable you have to choose alternative of this.
Oct 10th, 2013, 02:42 PM
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We have rented cars several times in Italy/Europe. We rented a minivan for Germany, Czech Republic, Austria as there were 6 of us on that trip. I suggest you contact Andy Bestor at www.gemut.com. He has always handled our car rentals and is extremely helpful. Others recommend him on Fodors as well.
Oct 11th, 2013, 05:24 AM
#10
>>>I checked the Auto Europe and Kemwel sites. Sticker shock!! For 4 days, a van is more than $1,000. A VW Passat wagon is less at around $600.<<<
Yes and that doesn't include gas (very expensive in Europe), tolls (also high), parking (runs about 30-40€ per day in many places).
I'm not clear that you even need a car although you listed Tuscany (only area I can see you need a car, but you didn't state where in Tuscany so possibly you don't need one at all).
You also didn't say the ages of the family. It's possible you qualify for the family discounts on trains.
You would needs trains for:
Venice/Florence (Tuscany?)
Florence/Naples
Naples/Rome
For the Amalfi coast, you might want to buy the 3 day Campania Artecard Tutta la Regione for 32€ which includes the trains and buses from Naples to Sorrento/Positano/Amalfi all the way to Paestum (the 7 day does not include transport!). It also includes admission to Pompeii (11€)and one other site.
http://www.campaniartecard.it/en/art...m#.Ulf6oFM6yYE
For your itinerary list on the coast and only three days (can't see that you even have time to see Pompeii, the coast and Capri), I would stay in Sorrento or you will be spending all your time on transport. Positano is an hour away from Sorrento (on very curvy, crowded roads) whether you bus, drive or ferry. Then Pompeii is another 30 minutes by train.
How many total days (or hotel nights) do you have for this trip? Three nights somewhere only gives you two days to sightsee.
Yes and that doesn't include gas (very expensive in Europe), tolls (also high), parking (runs about 30-40€ per day in many places).
I'm not clear that you even need a car although you listed Tuscany (only area I can see you need a car, but you didn't state where in Tuscany so possibly you don't need one at all).
You also didn't say the ages of the family. It's possible you qualify for the family discounts on trains.
You would needs trains for:
Venice/Florence (Tuscany?)
Florence/Naples
Naples/Rome
For the Amalfi coast, you might want to buy the 3 day Campania Artecard Tutta la Regione for 32€ which includes the trains and buses from Naples to Sorrento/Positano/Amalfi all the way to Paestum (the 7 day does not include transport!). It also includes admission to Pompeii (11€)and one other site.
http://www.campaniartecard.it/en/art...m#.Ulf6oFM6yYE
For your itinerary list on the coast and only three days (can't see that you even have time to see Pompeii, the coast and Capri), I would stay in Sorrento or you will be spending all your time on transport. Positano is an hour away from Sorrento (on very curvy, crowded roads) whether you bus, drive or ferry. Then Pompeii is another 30 minutes by train.
How many total days (or hotel nights) do you have for this trip? Three nights somewhere only gives you two days to sightsee.
