Harry973

Six adults in mid 60's looking to rent a car for six weeks to travel from Milan to Palermo. I have found it very hard to find a vehicle that seats six available for rent. I do see some large 10+ vans but that is too big and too expensive.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

StCirq

There are 7-person vans to rent almost anywhere in Europe. For a six-week period, though, you are almost certainly better doing a lease, not a rental. And a lease would allow you to avoid the significant cross-country extra fee (though I'm not certain Italy to Sicily would be considered that, just assuming it would be).

You don't want anything bigger than a 7-person van, anyway, unless you have a LOT of experience driving large vehicles on narrow streets in Europe. Two cars could be a much better alternative.

greg

Same recommendation. For that long period, irrespective of the number of people, you would lease, not rent.

janisj

Yes -- definitely lease

>>Two cars could be a much better alternative.<<

Two compact or mid-sized cars (or one of each) would give you much more flexibility, and very likely would be cheaper.

a 7-passenger van won't really have enough space for 6 adults + their luggage.

sundriedtopepo

Agree with janisj to consider 2 cars. Although friends of ours did do a month trip with 6 adults in a 7 passenger van, they had to severely limit their luggage.

Another thing is that having 2 cars would give you freedom to go your separate ways on some days. Not everyone is interested in the same things all the time.

StCirq

<<a 7-passenger van won't really have enough space for 6 adults + their luggage.>>

Very true. When I did culinary tours in France, 6 people would show up at the train station with steamer trunks of luggage that they had to hold on their laps until we got to my house, despite plenty of advance warning that they had to pack LIGHT. There's minimal space in the 7-person van for luggage.

Lease two cars - mid-size if you can't control the size of the luggage.

Harry973

Thanks to all that have replied, I think two cars may be the best way to go. I did look at the seven seat vans and they were very expensive. I will look int the two separate vehicles thanks again.

kybourbon

Did you look at leasing not renting? One problem with leasing, you are usually limited to airport locations.

Sassafrass

Sometimes people say we should not offer unsolicited opinions, but I will offer my experience and pose this question anyway for your consideration.
Have you traveled with this group before and for such a long time? If so, great! If not, six weeks traveling together, especially by car may be trying. The only person I can stand for that long is DH, and the truth is, when we travel, I get to do exactly as I please about 99% of the time. We have traveled with very dear friends and family and find after a week or two, we are ready for a break from each other, even when we do a lot of things separately.

Do you really need cars for the whole time? If you are spending most time in country areas, you might. You really will want a car (or two cars) in Sicily. However, if you are spending much time in cities like Venice or Rome, the cars might be a costly liability. Is everyone in the group prepared for the long trip through Italy, across to Sicily and on to Palermo? If all of you love long road trips, it may be wonderful. If even one person does not enjoy it, it might not be fun.

Unless you all plan to stick together and do everything together, the choice to have two cars is better.

Sassafrass

BTW, when is your trip?

Harry973

We plan to go right after Easter. April 20th and return May 31st. I have traveled with the other two couples many times. We have never been longer then two weeks.
One couple will leave us for four days while visiting family.
We have all thought our two week trips were too short.

Perhaps two cars makes sense for sanity reasons.

janisj

>>Perhaps two cars makes sense for sanity reasons.<<

That

nytraveler

While a 7 passenger van wold hold 6 people I'm not at all sure it would hold the luggage for 6 people. If you decide to do this make sure that everyone s limited to one small wheelie bag and a small soft carry-on. If even two people bring large suitcases you will have to tie a bunch of it to the roof - and make a complete nonsense of safety of your belongings.

nytraveler

Sorry - I would agree that 2 regular vehicles would be a better choice for 3 couples.