Hi Everyone,

I'm taking the train down from Lake Garda (Descenzano) to the Tuscany area, staying in San Gim. I want to rent a car prior to arriving at my hotel.

What train station should I go to which is closest to a rental car company?
Will there be rental car companies at/near the train station? If so where?

Thanks in advance,
Natalie

Natalie, It may be easier if you just email me directly---you sure have a ton of questions.
From Desenzano, I suspect that you must return to Verona for a straight shot into Florence. You can see details at trenitalia.com
In Florence, you will wnat to taxi to the airport---about 15E---to get the car. You will not want to pick up in town---too complex. The air[port is just NW of town and on a major autostrada---A-11. You drive a short distance to connect with A-1 and the loop around Florence---follow it towards Siena and exit at the CERTOSA exit with signs for Siena---then exit again in about :30 at Poggibonsi Nord. You will turn 3 times getting thru town but all well marked. Ask the hotel for specific directions. You can do the entire trip in less thn 4 hours with any luck. Holler if you hit a snag.

Here are the details:
R train--2091--Desenzano to Verona 09:39---arrives 10:07
ES train[that is good] 10:41 # 9311 to Florence--arrives 13:10
Taxi to airport--get car---an hour to San Gim. from there.

Buona fortuna !

Bob,

THANK YOU, sincerely! This is very helpful. I appreciate you taking the time to look up the schedules. I've been on trenitalia's site which is quite easy to navigate.

If I can pick my sits in advance, which side of the train is preferable for views? I imagine both will be beautiful. But thought I'd ask =)

Thanks again!
Natalie
[email protected]

Hi N,

>If I can pick my sits in advance, which side of the train is preferable for views?<

You can pick Window or Aisle. You can't pick Port or Starboard.

Hi Natalie - Be aware that some rental companies apply a surcharge for an airport pick-up.

If you want to avoid this - and don't want to pick up in Florence - an alternative would be Prato - or Empoli.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Thanks Ira and steve!