I’ve been quietly reading here for some time now and need some advice. We’re headed to Italy at the end of February for two weeks: Rome, Grosseto, Florence, Spello, and back to Rome. We want to take day trips to Vinci from Florence, as well as Assisi from Spello. My DH and I are great travelers (not tourists), so we feel comfortable using the buses and trains in Italy. We have never rented a car on our previous trips, but I have to ask: are we going to be missing out if we don’t? I appreciate any insight you might have.

If you are travelers you must be comfortable in any touring environment, so I suggest renting a car. It gives you more freedom, you are not dependent on schedules of public transportation, you can drive to out of way places and stop whenever you want. You will see that you can drive past and thumb your noses at mere tourists.

It's fun, try it (the driving part).

Hi
I have travelled in Italy a few times and the last time we hired a car which we found much better. Less time wasted on timetable issues, crowded trains etc. february maybe an issue with road conditions.

Hi H,

Train schedules are at www.trenitalia.com

Maps and driving directions are at www.viamichelin.com and www.mappy.com

see www.novarentacar.com, www.autoeurope.com for car rentals.

I would think in Rome and Florence your car will go unused, but you may have to pay for a parking place.

For the less crowded venues, a car might be useful, if you are too old for bicycles.

Yes, you do want a car for your rural venues---much better experience.