My husband wants to rent a car. I guess the place in Tuscany dosen't have much local infrastructure for getting around. We are staying at a villa with 20 other friends. They suggest we rent a vehicle. But I really need suggestions for places to stay in Florence and Venice as well as advice. If I rent a car when I leave Florence I would like to return it when I get to Venice. We would only rent the car for the week in Tuscany. Any suggestions?

Yes, check with AutoEurope. Plan on picking up the car in Florence (perhaps when you leave there) and return it on arrival in Venice at Piazza Roma.
I hope some of your other 20 friends are also renting cars and they aren't planning on you doing all the transporatation services!

As to places to stay in Venice and Florence, please answer the big question -- how much do you want to spend?

Hi
You didn't need to start another thread with essentially the same title and topic as the other one
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34682554

If you want to provide more information as to what you want or what your parameters are, just click here on Post My Reply and expand your inquiry. good luck

Thanks, this is my first time using this website. I thought I was replying to the original message.I will check out AutoEuope for the car. I'm thinking 2 seater- any idea about cost or driving conditions. As for hotels...medium range with a view?

HI Peaches! Hey, I'm staying in a villa with 20 friends as well! Maybe we should all rent a train!!!

Maybe we should rent a car for 4 since we will be leaving Florece and going to Venice around the same time?

Would it make sense to rent and return the car from the same location for the Tuscany portion of the trip only? Then go from Florence on to Venice by train instead.

Thanks,thats a good idea? Any place to sta y for around 150 in Florence or Venice?

As for driving conditions: expect easy rural highways in Tuscany. Some will be on the edges of high hills, but roads are in good condition. Inside a small town, expect narrow streets -- some towns ban cars in town center so you have to park outside and walk.

In Florence, expect chaos. You need three people: One person should drive with white knuckles while avoiding zippy little scooters and cars moving in and out of lanes; one person should call out street names and check for one-way signs; one person should read the map and constantly modify the directions. Expect to pass the destination several times before you find a parking spot.

In Venice, no cars are allowed. You drop the car off in the giant parking lot (Piazza Roma) on the edge of town.

For Venice check availability at www.lacalcina.com for Pensione La Calcina in the Doroduro area. Or venice-hotel.abbaziahotel.com for Abbazia Hotel near the train station.

The 1st is my personal favorite the 2nd recently recomended here on Fodors.