I think this will be my last auto question.

My husband and I will arrive in Siena on Friday, May 20th - we'll pick up the car the next morning and spend Saturday and Sunday driving around Tuscany. We definitely want to do San Gimigagno and vineyards.

Here is the question - do we return the car in Siena and take the train to Florence (our next destination)? Or, do we keep the car and return in Florence?

My concerns are 1 - we'll get lost trying to return the car in Florence. 2 - If we do return to Florence, do we do Downtown or Airport. 3 - We want to see Pisa - is that a better day trip out of Siena or could we do that on our way to Florence if we have the car still?

Money wise - SIXT has a 4-door manual w/ air for about $125 for 2 nights (if we took train to Florence) or $165 if we kept it for another day and returned it in Florence.
I've tried AutoEurope and they can't really come close to the SIXT rates (I'm not sure why - this concerns me - it may have to do with the deductible).

Anyways, all help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Erica

Maybe this can help a bit - driving in Florence is very difficult. I have had only one experience driving there but it was pretty difficult for both the driver and the navigator. I have read that others here have had a similar experience. I would consider dropping it off at the airport and take the train to the city.

I might have some insight on the pricing AutoEurope gives inclusive prices up front and some other ones give you the non-inclusive price up front. You don't know the final cost until the end of the transaction. I've rented from AE several times and have been happy with them. I do compare prices each time, but AE usually is the lowest. I think in Italy you must have all of the insurance on the rental car, if I recall correctly. I'm sure there are lots of other opinions on this topic!

for car rental, try www.payonarrival.com
they offer comprehensive insurance, and you only pay on arrival. No deposit required. No additional costs.
I'm using them for my UK travel. They use companies such as europcar, Alamo.
If you do have an accident, there is an excess, but your travel insurance would cover that.
We are staying in the village of Lajatico (near Volterra) for a week in September. We are planning to visit Florence but will do it by train.
Why don't you drive from Sienna to Pisa, drop the car off the airport, store your luggage at Pisa train station, do Pisa..and then catch the train to Florence.
good luck.

To avoid hassles I would drop the car off back in Siena and either take the train or the bus from there to Florence (a 1.5 hour trip more or less by either mode of transport). You can easily take a train from Florence to Pisa which takes an hour or so.

how comfortable are you driving in very busy, hectic european cities? all cities you mention are quite stressful for driving.

Hi eric,

I suggest that you drop the car in Siena and take the SITA bus to Florence.
6.5E pp.

The bus station in Siena is in town, the train station is out of town.

Take the train from Florence to Pisa.

>I've tried AutoEurope and they can't really come close to the SIXT rates (I'm not sure why - this concerns me - it may have to do with the deductible).<

You are correct. Inclusive insurance is required in Italy. You will be charged for it.




The bus station in Florence is 1bt 1 blk from the train station.

It is easier to load your luggage on the bus.