I've been banging my head against a wall trying to decide whether to rent a car or take a train for me and my husband's upcoming trip to France and Italy. I'd love to hear some advice from those who have some experience.

The trip is in early November, 17 days total. We are going to fly into Paris spend a few days there and we are going to end the trip in Rome a few days there. That is all taken care of, it is the route in between that needs to be determined.

We want to go from Paris to the Loire Valley (probably Amboise or Tours) for one night. Then from Loire Valley to Burgundy, staying in Beaune for one night. Then from Beaune to Lyon to stay for two nights, one of which will be the Nouveau Beaujolais festival in Beaujeau. Then from Lyon to Venice, which I cannot find a decent train route between. Stay in Venice a few nights (I know we'd have to park our car outside the city the whole time). Then from Venice to Florence for two nights. Then a night somewhere in the Chianti region, probably Sienna. Then off to Rome.

I'm pretty set on renting a car in Tuscany no matter what. I feel like it is the only way to explore the vineyards and small towns the way they are meant to be explored. But should I just rent the car for the full 11 days between Paris and Rome, or try and get some Rail 'n' Drive pass?

The cost is close when you take into account parking and gas. It's about $1K for the rail 'n' drive, and $1.3K for the driving plus associated expenses.

So all cost aside... I just want to know what is the more pleasurable, enjoyable experience. Will taking the train cut into my trip time? Is the drive an enjoyable scenic experience on its own, or are the highways as ugly as they are here in the MidWest?

I need help!!

We will taking a similar trip this Sept.
We are driving,but will not go to Venice. Instead we will hit CT and head to Florence and Tuscany. We will be gone for 3 weeks,but (regretfully) don't feel that we can visit Rome again this time.
If you want Venice,spend a night in Piedmont on your way.
Note:We will turn our first car in before we reach Italy,train to Florence and then rent again when we are planning on staying in Tuscany.
It cost too much to keep the original car.
You might fly from Lyon or take the TGV to Torino then train to Venice.
Another option is Nice to Milan to Venice.
Without flying,none are all that great.

for us, doing trips like that one have always been experienced with a rental car. I love train travel, but we love to "hop around" and keep our own schedule.
I would definitely drive it.
Use www.viamichelin.com for routes, distances, etc

Hi T,

>Stay in Venice a few nights ... Then from Venice to Florence for two nights. Then a night somewhere in the Chianti region, probably Sienna. Then off to Rome.

I'm pretty set on renting a car in Tuscany no matter what.<

A car will be almost worthless for what you have planned here.

You can see Siena by bus from Florence.

Have you looked up train fares at www.voyage-sncf.com and www.trenitalia.com?

I think it's going to a lot less than $1000.

Have done both. Infinitely prefer train. Chacun a son gout!

Take the train-save your rental for the Tuscany area.