amadone

Hi everyone. We are traveling with two kids, aged 9 and 13 and would like to drive around the southern coast of France to Italy, starting in Barcelnoa. What is the best car rental agency to use, and what are the things we should be aware of regarding insurance, permits, etc in Spain, France and Italy.

Thank you for all your insights!!!

bobthenavigator

I would check first to see how much for the surcharge to drop it in Italy---I suspect about 500E. Call Autoeurope---800-223-5555

Mimar

How much time do you have? Unless you zoom through, rarely stopping, this would take a long time. And then what's the point? There are so many interesting places en route.

hetismij2

All the above and also make sure you have an IDP for Italy. Look at the price of fuel too.

There are probably more interesting road trips to make in Europe.

nytraveler

Agree that you need to contact the various agencies and ask about this. And do realize that the drop off fees for Italy are esp steep due to the high rte of car theft. And that the drop-off fee often depends on what car you have - the higher grade/more expensive the car the higher the drop off fee.

As for the trip - I'm sure you have specific reasons for this itinerary - which I would think not the most interesting you can do - and I hope you have 3 weeks to do it.

kybourbon

Assuming you have the three weeks mentioned as needed for this route, I would look at the lease buy-back programs. It might be cheaper. Minimum rental is 17 days.

StCirq

A lease is the only way to avoid the incredibly steep fees for renting in one country and dropping off in another. You'll need an IDP for Spain and Italy, which you can get at AAA. Also make sure that your rental/lease outfit is familiar with the requirements for breatholyzers in France and road safety kits and extra prescription glasses, etc., in Spain.

Via Venice? That's a bit of a crazy route.

rhkkmk

lease buy-back programs are fab, but also have delivery/drop[off charges outside of france...

for instance my delivery charge to rome is going to be $350.

amadone

Wow! Thanks everyone!! Really appreciate the advice. Maybe we were a bit too ambitious in our itinerary. Will rethink it, but still find all the advice useful!!

Michael

<i>A lease is the only way to avoid the incredibly steep fees for renting in one country and dropping off in another. </i>


If the car is picked up in a country other than France, there is a $150+ extra fee, and a similar drop-off fee for a country other than France. Not much of a savings. Moreover, unless the car is leased for more than 50 days, it is unlikely to be cheaper than a rental (assuming a standard shift and declining the CDW), even with a pick-up and drop-off in France.

kybourbon

The Renault drop off fee (pick up in Barcelona, drop in Rome) is $240. You can price it on their website and select the type of car.

http://www.renaultusa.com/SelectRe.asp

Michael

And the pick-up fee in Barcelona is $180.