markwill12

We have a 2 1/2 week trip planned in September, visiting Paris, Rome and Tuscany then back to Paris (and very excited!). A part of that is 6 days in Rome, followed by 5 days at a place near Siena, finishing with a day in Florence before flying back to Paris.

Although suspect I'd figure out driving in Rome just fine, it doesn't seem like there's much point. So, I plan to rent the car after we check out of the hotel in Rome (which isn't too far from the Trevi Fountain). But, again, it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to rent from central Rome and battle our way out of a city that is new to us.

We are traveling light (one backpack each) so have no problem hoping on trains or subway or whatever. So we have plenty of options. I am considering catching the train from Rome to Orvieto, rent the car and drop it off at Florence airport .

Does that sound like a reasonable plan. FWIW, we'd like to the countryside as much we can on the driving part of our journey, rather than freeways.

Thanks.

Mark

Bokhara2

Yes, I've rented from Fiumicino & dropped off at Orvietto. And rented in Milan & dropped off in Orvietto.

Just make sure there isn't a fee for different pick-up & drop off locations - or if there is that you know what it is. There wasn't when I rented through Kemwell/Europcar

bvlenci

Orvieto rental agencies have more limited hours than those in larger cities; for example, I believe they're not open on Sundays at all, and may also close for several hours at lunch time. They may also have a more limited selection of cars. If there's something you absolutely need (such as automatic transmission) make sure they assure you that it will be available, and be sure you know the opening hours.

Bokhara2

I found it pretty easy to get out of FCO & onto the road up to Florence, so you might consider just taking the train out to the airport to give you more options.

bobthenavigator

Yes, Orvieto is a good opiton. The Hertz outlet is near the station.

dorkforcemom

Another option to consider is Chiusi - we've rented from both Orvieto and Chiusi successfully several times. Your trip sounds marvelous!

Mimar

Re: renting a car in Orvieto

<< If there's something you absolutely need (such as automatic transmission) make sure they assure you that it will be available, and be sure you know the opening hours. >>

They may promise faithfully and schedule an automatic for you, but not be able to produce it when you arrive. Things happen in the car rental business. If you really need an automatic, Fiumicino is your best bet and the car rental offices are open all hours.

markwill12

Thanks everyone for the replies - very helpful. The mention of Chiusi has me wondering about other options. I guess my primary goal is to be able to get a train from Rome Termini (our hotels looks to be about a 15 walk) and then simply grab a train that gets us closer to Siena. But we are not too worried where that is providing a) it's easy to rent a car and b) we are within, say, a couple of hours drive to Siena. With those simple requirements, plus a desire to see beautiful Tuscany that opens up all sorts of options beyond Orvieto.

Does anyone have any additional suggestions? I'm now starting to wonder if this might be a good opportunity to see some of the coast.

Thoughts?

Mark