Getting around by Mini-Van in southern Italy
 

I'm looking at the logistics of a trip for five adults to southern Italy, i.e. Naples and south, with a focus on rural areas for day hikes that might be difficult to do by buses and trains alone. We were thinking of renting a mini-van, but the prices are pretty staggering. The best I've seen for a week in mid-May is USD1,500, wih Sixt.

So I'm hoping people might have suggestions: is there a better / cheaper way to get a mini-van? Maybe a better alternative than a mini-van? Will driving a mini-van be really painful on some of the roads down there?

Thanks!
-- Ethan

That sounds very high for a week--are you quoting an automatic? Have you looked at Kemwel?

I plugged in just random dates in mid-May on Kemwel and got a Ducato (which is a big 9 passenger van) for $940; a Fiat Ulysse for $804; a Fiat Chroma wagon for $541.

All would work depending on how light everyone packs.

You certainly can do this and if you look at the National Park system for Italy, it will advise you on some great hiking trails that are serviced by decent roads. These are accessible by mini-van, though some of the roads are challenging and you are better off to really know your maps/GPS and don't try to do too much in one day. We did a lot of hiking when we lived in Italy and hiked Puglia and found that a really early start was our best tactic.

You might also find more info on hiking/walking trails in Lonely Planet guide books and at Thorntree.

I tried out Kemwel, and as you say they are cheaper. My previous rates were for a manual. The standard rates seem to be quite high, so Kemwel it is.

LJ -- thanks for the confirmation that the roads are good enough for mini-van. I'll try the sources you mention.

Thanks!
-- Ethan