krk

We are visiting Florence and then staying just outside Siena for 4 days before going to Rome. I am lost as to the best way to rent a car- Should we rent in Florence and drive to Siena and then back to Florence and then take the train to Rome? Or should we bus to Siena and rent the car there? Last- rent in Florence and then return it to Rome?<BR><BR>Also- does anyone know the easiest place to rent a car from? on autoeurope you have choices both in and outside of Florence. Is it really hard to drive in Florence? I drive in NYC also...but then again, I know my way around there....advice please...thanks!

ellen

If you rent in Florence, don't get the car in the city. Pick it up at the airport. I haven't driven in Florence, but after observing the drivers and the traffic, and hearing a few horror stories, I highly recommend against driving there.

elaine

Yes, don't pick it up within Florence<BR>I took a bus to Siena and it took us almost an hour just to leave the Florence city limits due to traffic

sara

my daughter &amp; I rented a car in florence &amp; had little trouble driving out of town &amp; the drive to Siena is too beautiful to miss - just don't take the highway - go through Chianti - it's slow but worth it - after all you're on vacation!!

Janet

Our family is headed to Italy in March, and we have a similar travel issue. We decided to rent the car in Florence, then return it in Chiusi, where we catch the train on its way to Rome. We have booked through Autoeurope, and there is not any penalty for returning the car to a different destination from where we pick it up.

Dayle

Hi Krk!<BR><BR>We picked up in Siena, drove all over Chianti &amp; Tuscan hilltowns. Then drove to Orvieto. Orvieto is a wonderful town and an easy drop location. Just make sure you know the rental office hours. Avis was closed on Sundays in Orvieto. From there it's a 1 hour train to Rome.

krk

thanks all! this has been very helpful.

Sherry

My daughter and I drove out of Florence my first trip. My husband and I did the same my second trip. I found taking the train from Rome and picking up a car in Florence a great solution to getting to Siena.<BR>The first return was in the Rome airport, which I found very easy. But I don't think I would have enough nerve to drive directly into Rome.<BR>Dayle has a great solution of Orvieto. Drive there, drop off the car and train into Rome.<BR>Both times we drove out of Florence, we were given maps by the rental offices and had no trouble following them to Siena.

Pam

Another vote not to deal with the car rental in Florence. Oh what a nightmare the return especially was. We thought we had figured out exactly how to return the car but kep coming upon the same one way street. Those round-abouts are mind boggling. I think Siena would be a much easier place to rent and navigate your way in and out of. Take the train from FLorence to Rome.