Hello,<BR><BR>Does anyone out there have any experience with renting automatic cars in Italy, specifically Pisa? <BR><BR>Are they available without advance reservations? <BR><BR>Can they be dropped off at locations different from the origin without astronomical surcharges?

I do not know about Pisa, specifically. But have rented a couple of times in Florence with no problem getting an automatic. I mention this because the two cities are very close and if you have trouble with Pisa you may want to consider Florence. I have always dropped at another city with no drop off fee.<BR>Check the major rental agencies and ask about automatics. They make make special arrangements for a car to be waiting for you if you make a special request.<BR>I personnally would not count on an automatic being available anywhere in Italy without an advanced reservation.

Any advanced reservation worth its salt will almost certainly be cheaper than "walk-up" rates. Moreover, they will generally be (should ALWAYS be?) non-binding and no cancellation policy.<BR><BR>They are with www.autoeurope.com<BR><BR>With terms like these, I don't know any reason NOT to have an advanced reservation.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

to the top<BR>

If you are Canadian...<BR><BR>Alba tours does decent all-inclusive rates in Italy, through Avis. No drop off charges within Italy. We had an auto Opal. Beautiful car.

you must--I repeat must reserve an automatic car before you go--it is more difficult than you can imagine!! automatics are the exception not the norm. also rememeber because of their scarcity if you do not return it to the predesignated location someone else might not get their rental. we had a terrible time last summer with avis so I would probably try autoeurope

Just a point of clarification to Wendy's last post. AutoEurope has no cars - - they are only a broker. they might well put you with Avis. I have never had a problem with AutoEurope, and about 40% of the time they HAVE put me with Avis.

Off I am to autoeurope.com. Thank you all for your help. Really we ought to take stick shift lessons, it is so limiting to be dependent on automatics in Europe. But who can concentrate on all those gears with so much to see there...

&lt;&lt;Really we ought to take stick shift lessons&gt;&gt;<BR><BR>SUCH a good idea!!<BR>