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-   -   Florence / Private Driver for a day (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/florence-private-driver-for-a-day-911178/)

deedeedee Nov 3rd, 2011 10:41 PM

Florence / Private Driver for a day
 
I know this question has been asked before, but I would like a resent opinion.
We are looking for a driver for the day to take us through Tuscany from Florence.
Maybe San Gimignano, Sienna etc. Grazie

annakend Nov 4th, 2011 12:09 AM

Most of the small towns in Tuscany, like San Gimignano or Siena, are hard to access by car. Additionally, roads in Tuscany aren't exactly rural one-ways that let you admire the scenary, but rather 6-lane highways that are commonly congested.

I would recommend you to contact a tour company based in Florence and let them arrange it all for you instead of trying to find a private driver. This companies usually have more experience dealing with tourists that want a Tuscany-in-one-day-including-lunch-and-tips experience.

The following companies came up after a quick google http://www.excursionsintuscany.com/fullday_tours.htm
http://www.city-discovery.com/floren...f-florence.php

As of recommending one of these companies to you, I am unable to do that since I would rather buy myself a one-day train ticket and just hop around towns, staying in them as long as I feel like doing so, even if I have to pay extra for lunch and tips.

Best wishes on your trip!

qwovadis Nov 4th, 2011 02:12 AM

www.viator.com/florence or your hotel concierge for

good private driver/guide best done boots on the

ground careful many on line scammers always pay

with CC NEVER wire money.

Like Anna prefer regional train like a local to save

seat61.com/italy

ellenem Nov 4th, 2011 04:09 AM

Many on Fodors have enjoyed a day driving through Tuscany with driver/guide Luca Garappa of hillsandroads.com

kybourbon Nov 4th, 2011 06:07 AM

Some friends have stayed at Le Torri (near Florence) several times and they have used some of the drivers listed on their website (one is Hills and Roads). You might try one of them.
http://www.letorri.com/index.php?activities

The website also suggests CAF tours if you decide you want a tour.
http://www.caftours.com/excursion-to...andscapes.html

constant Nov 4th, 2011 10:48 AM

Here are three highly recommended, reliable driver guides for Tuscany:

Sergio Ceccherelli http://www.scenicwinetoursintuscany.com/
Angela Saltafuori http://www.tuscanwinetours.net/
Giovanni Sirabella http://www.sunflower-tours.com/

At least two of those put their prices up front on their websites.

deedeedee Nov 5th, 2011 04:02 AM

Thank you for all your replys ... Very helpful

Sher Nov 5th, 2011 06:39 AM

We just used Luca from Hills and Roads in August for a day travel all around Tuscany. We loved it.

latedaytraveler Nov 5th, 2011 06:52 AM

deedeedee, we used COUNTRY TOURS out of nearby Siena for a tour of the hill towns several years back. They are reliable and will customize your excursion. Enjoy Tuscany...

Sher Nov 5th, 2011 06:59 AM

deedeedee. I should have added that not only was he top notch but very reasonable, too.
Have a great vacation.

TDudette Nov 5th, 2011 07:23 AM

Stefano is very good, and when hub and I used him in Umbria to drive to several hill towns with awkward bus schedules, he said he drives all over Italy:

http://stefanomogini.com/

This was in 2008 or 2009. At the time, his English was not great but it was sufficient. We had a few words of Italian to fill in the gaps. Please tell him the Rhodys sent you if you do work with him.

deedeedee Nov 5th, 2011 02:00 PM

Thanks again ... You guys are the BEST !!!

Flame123 Nov 5th, 2011 11:17 PM

Another vote for Luca Garrapa. Wonderful guide, excellent driver and a great personality to spend the day with. He can tailor your day trip to suit your needs, capabilities and desires. He also has other trips that are already set agendas. His prices are very reasonable and we found it worth every Euro. Have a great time !!!

Luv2travel15 Nov 6th, 2011 04:53 AM

My friend just used Sunflower Tours a week ago and said he was fabulous!

http://www.sunflower-tours.com/


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