Am I a total idiot to not reserve a rental car before we arrive in Italy?
May 20th, 2009, 04:58 PM
#21
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Wow. Glad I decided to check back as many more posts have occurred since yesterday!
Yes, thankfully I can drive a stick, so that's not an issue.
I have looked online (AutoEurope) at reserving a car when we leave Florence and returning it outside of Rome and the cost was about $350 for a week.
What i have to figure out now is which location to rent it from near Florence and which location to drop it off at before we get into Rome. There are about a dozen choices and I have no idea what is where!
Yes, thankfully I can drive a stick, so that's not an issue.
I have looked online (AutoEurope) at reserving a car when we leave Florence and returning it outside of Rome and the cost was about $350 for a week.
What i have to figure out now is which location to rent it from near Florence and which location to drop it off at before we get into Rome. There are about a dozen choices and I have no idea what is where!
May 20th, 2009, 06:40 PM
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I wouldn't pick up a car in Firenze if my next destination was a place I could get to by train and could pick up a car there.
Also, I wouldn't go south following Siena signs if it wasn't where I wanted to go. Do you know yet where you are going after Firenze? If it's Siena, I wouldn't drive there.
Lastly, where you drop off your car depends on where you will be when you no longer need it. Are you planning to go to the Mediterranean on your way to Rome? Or visit Etruscan sights or museums? I wouldn't drive to Orvieto to drop off a car (nice as Orvieto is) if there was a location more convenient to where I actually was.
Also, I wouldn't go south following Siena signs if it wasn't where I wanted to go. Do you know yet where you are going after Firenze? If it's Siena, I wouldn't drive there.
Lastly, where you drop off your car depends on where you will be when you no longer need it. Are you planning to go to the Mediterranean on your way to Rome? Or visit Etruscan sights or museums? I wouldn't drive to Orvieto to drop off a car (nice as Orvieto is) if there was a location more convenient to where I actually was.
May 20th, 2009, 07:18 PM
#26
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Bob - you are amazing. I will look at those locations but I think it makes perfect sense. We will drive out of Florence and into S.Gi for our stay of 4 nights. Where we will need our car to get around for sure! Then we will leave SG and make our way to Orvieto, explore a little (maybe stay the night) and then drop the car off and catch the train into Rome. Viola! Thanks a ton. xo
May 21st, 2009, 04:54 AM
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I often mix some reservations with some freewheeling time, however, I agree that no reservations in high season often wastes a lot of time and results in some less than satisfactory accommodation choices. In my opinion it creates unnecessary anxiety on the days that you are moving locations. The ease of access to the internet could mitigate this problem if you want to spend time the night ahead making arrangements. This would give you more flexibility to change where you want to travel to and how long you want to stay in each location, but you give up time that you could be relaxing instead.
I also find that spending time planning and researching in anticipation of a trip is a big part of the enjoyment of travel and so I feel that you are giving up something by not spending that time upfront.
I also find that spending time planning and researching in anticipation of a trip is a big part of the enjoyment of travel and so I feel that you are giving up something by not spending that time upfront.
May 21st, 2009, 05:49 AM
#29
I'm with sweteach don't rent a car at all. Use the trains, take the odd bus, if desperate use a taxi. Maybe even rent a bike but why do you need a car when you are basically going to places heaving with tourists and more to the point you will not have to share the risk of driving with Italians. Don't get me wrong I'm sure many Italians are very fine drivers.
Still my first vision on arriving at Milan Station was a man drving too fast around the roundabout at the front. Once on two wheels, and determined to beat the laws of Physics he accelerated and tried for an even tigher turn. The car could no longer grip on the bone dry, perfect tarmac and turned over. We trotted over to open the now upside down driver's door to be met by imprecations. The guy leapt out and insisted that we helped push the dam thing back on its wheels and then headed off hapily.
Still my first vision on arriving at Milan Station was a man drving too fast around the roundabout at the front. Once on two wheels, and determined to beat the laws of Physics he accelerated and tried for an even tigher turn. The car could no longer grip on the bone dry, perfect tarmac and turned over. We trotted over to open the now upside down driver's door to be met by imprecations. The guy leapt out and insisted that we helped push the dam thing back on its wheels and then headed off hapily.
May 21st, 2009, 06:20 AM
#30
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Perfect !
You will be following the signs for Siena as you meander out of Florence to the superstrada--not hard if you pay attention. Then exit POGGIBONSI NORD for San Gim. [Gee-mee-YAHNO] Get a good map for Tuscany---the TCI Toscana map is hard to beat.
You will be following the signs for Siena as you meander out of Florence to the superstrada--not hard if you pay attention. Then exit POGGIBONSI NORD for San Gim. [Gee-mee-YAHNO] Get a good map for Tuscany---the TCI Toscana map is hard to beat.
May 21st, 2009, 06:23 AM
#31
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This may help as well!
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 $15. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
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 $15. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
May 21st, 2009, 06:38 AM
#32
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yestravel, I only repeated what was told to me. The conversation came up b/c I changed my reservation several times and each time I had to get a credit and a new charge on my CC.
The agent was the one who mentioned it up when I commented on what a hassle it was to have all this CC activity. And I was renting an automatic in Foggia - not exactly the center of the universe.
In any event, having at least an unconfirmed reservation for a car at a particular price is better than nothing at all.
It also happened that in the two weeks before I left, the price for my car was $100 more than what I paid.
The agent was the one who mentioned it up when I commented on what a hassle it was to have all this CC activity. And I was renting an automatic in Foggia - not exactly the center of the universe.
In any event, having at least an unconfirmed reservation for a car at a particular price is better than nothing at all.
It also happened that in the two weeks before I left, the price for my car was $100 more than what I paid.
May 21st, 2009, 07:46 AM
#34
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I would rent a car before you go if at all possible. I have used www.economycarrentals.com several times in Italy and they have easily beaten everyone else's prices. Have never dropped off at a different airport so not sure what drop charge would be.
Sorry, if you already know this, but check with your credit card company about insurance. Italy requires some and it is in the price, but they offer also excess which is expensive and if u take it, your credit card might not cover any damage.
A GPS will also make your life simpler and save your marriage. We have our own portable one and it has truly saved me from getting killed by my wife.
We flew into Milan 4/22 and out 5/2. Had a National car booked through economy car for about $300 less than going direct with National. Just checked and can get an intermediate diesel for $384 from Ecomony, $557 from Autoeurope, and $776 from National for a week. Car types vary slightly but are in same class.
Have a good trip.
Sorry, if you already know this, but check with your credit card company about insurance. Italy requires some and it is in the price, but they offer also excess which is expensive and if u take it, your credit card might not cover any damage.
A GPS will also make your life simpler and save your marriage. We have our own portable one and it has truly saved me from getting killed by my wife.
We flew into Milan 4/22 and out 5/2. Had a National car booked through economy car for about $300 less than going direct with National. Just checked and can get an intermediate diesel for $384 from Ecomony, $557 from Autoeurope, and $776 from National for a week. Car types vary slightly but are in same class.
Have a good trip.
May 21st, 2009, 08:15 AM
#36
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danasgirl,
Driving in the Italian countryside is wonderful! Especially if you can drive a stick. Zoom,zoom!
Just be prepared to get lost a little in Poggibonsi - seems everyone does!
Do try to stay overnight is Orvieto. It's a lovely, very real town.
Buon viaggio
Driving in the Italian countryside is wonderful! Especially if you can drive a stick. Zoom,zoom!
Just be prepared to get lost a little in Poggibonsi - seems everyone does!
Do try to stay overnight is Orvieto. It's a lovely, very real town.
Buon viaggio
May 21st, 2009, 03:56 PM
#37
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ST Cirq,
I rented a small FIAT, probably the next size above a 550? For a day the rate was 85 euros, including all insurance, unlimited miles, and no other costs.
As for needing an International Drivers license, In 30 years of driving in Europe, I have never needed one, in fact last trip I forgot my license at home, and drove thru Italy without one- not recommended, but no other choice.
I rented a small FIAT, probably the next size above a 550? For a day the rate was 85 euros, including all insurance, unlimited miles, and no other costs.
As for needing an International Drivers license, In 30 years of driving in Europe, I have never needed one, in fact last trip I forgot my license at home, and drove thru Italy without one- not recommended, but no other choice.
May 21st, 2009, 04:21 PM
#38
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Hi, Intex.
To me, 85 euros for a one-day rental isn't cheap, but I guess if you really only want a car for a day, worth it.
As for the IDP, whether or not anyone ever asked you for it is irrelevant. It's the law in Italy and Austria and probably some other countries too. There have been countless threads on this issue here on Fodors. You're just lucky that you haven't been stopped and asked for it, or gotten into an accident. Had you been, you would have had to pay a hefty fine. It's like insurance - no one asks you if you have it until you need to produce it in an emergency. I won't even address driving through Italy with no license at all!
To me, 85 euros for a one-day rental isn't cheap, but I guess if you really only want a car for a day, worth it.
As for the IDP, whether or not anyone ever asked you for it is irrelevant. It's the law in Italy and Austria and probably some other countries too. There have been countless threads on this issue here on Fodors. You're just lucky that you haven't been stopped and asked for it, or gotten into an accident. Had you been, you would have had to pay a hefty fine. It's like insurance - no one asks you if you have it until you need to produce it in an emergency. I won't even address driving through Italy with no license at all!
May 21st, 2009, 04:57 PM
#39
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In response to renting a car in Italy. Be very very careful as to how you drive and where you drive. The gift from Italy that keeps on giving are the traffic violations that show up on your credit card and in the mail for up to a year after you come home. There are cameras allll over the place. You will most likely not be stopped by police and will have no idea you have done something wrong. Be sure to ask at the rental car company (we also used AutoEurope/Europecar, and I didn't know they would have these maps) to provide you with maps of the RESTRICTED areas AND times of day that are in many of the towns. The signage will not be noticeable. DO NOT RELAY on a GPS to get you thru towns because GPS's are not capable of telling you about restricted areas and times. Google this subject and you will find tons of visitors that this has happened to. AND IT IS EXPENSIVE. Also google Italian signage for restricted areas so that you may be lucky enough to see one in time and know what it means. This means also watch your speed.
Other than that the country is fabulous and the food and wine....well, you know. I hope to go back someday but I will not rent a car. Someone suggested that it is about the same amount of money to just hire a driver in certain areas and let him deal with it while you enjoy the sights. Also plan on about an extra $1000 for an automatic.
Have a great time. You will love the country just be careful with the driving.
Other than that the country is fabulous and the food and wine....well, you know. I hope to go back someday but I will not rent a car. Someone suggested that it is about the same amount of money to just hire a driver in certain areas and let him deal with it while you enjoy the sights. Also plan on about an extra $1000 for an automatic.
Have a great time. You will love the country just be careful with the driving.
May 21st, 2009, 05:03 PM
#40
panecott, glad it worked out 4 u.
By comparison on rates, we booked in advance and we used auto europe and paid about 410 euros for 2 weeks in Italy. On top of this there was a road tax of about $2.00 euros per day. We had the small Fiat -- Panda I think.
By comparison on rates, we booked in advance and we used auto europe and paid about 410 euros for 2 weeks in Italy. On top of this there was a road tax of about $2.00 euros per day. We had the small Fiat -- Panda I think.
