we rented the car in florence...easy to get out of the city with a GPS...stayed 3 nights inside the walls of Siena.... there were NO problems driving near or into the city walls. using siena as a base we went to volterra and san gimignano one day and south to pienza, montepulciano an montalcino the next....wanted to go to orvieto and return the car but they are all closed on sunday! drove to FCO and returned te car and headed for rome. you must get a GPS.......

alane,

They now definitely do not want to rent a car.

zoecat - i like the new plan.

Siena after hours when the crowds have gone is lovely and they will find plenty to do in the day.

I'm sending all your good suggestions to my daughter. She says "thanks" to each of you.

and "prego" back to her.

Check out Capri, Sorrento and the Almalfi Coast. From Sorrento, you can take a train to Pompeii etc.

I highly recommend exploring the Tuscan countryside, even if only for the day. The drive to Greve-in-Chianti is an easy one and I believe it to be very rewarding. Actually, because you commented that your daughter isn't keen on driving, I'd take the train to Roma.

Roma is a bustling city centre and the driving can be intense. I rented a car in Firenze from a Hertz rental. Just remember there is no driving in the city and parking can become a burden. Just rent the car for a days use and return it so it isn't a problem.

Buon Viaggio
lindahli