Hilltowns of Tuscany
 

We will be staying in Florence for 4 days. we are undecided as to whether we should rent a car for A day and see the hilltowns of Tuscany or get a tour. Any thoughts on this? ( We will have already seen sienna before we get to Florence.)

Rent a car, and explore the Tuscan countryside with a good map - it will be the highlight of your trip. Driving in Tuscany is easy, provided you park outside the hilltowns and walk or take a bus in. You can visit wineries, castles,spas, etc. I personally would do two nights in Florence, and two nights in small hilltowns, or rural inns.

Forget about a car. First, you will have a tough time finding a car rental for under 3 days, which is the usual minumum. Second, if you find one, it will cost an astronomical amount. A Tour will be much easier, more relaxing and quite likely much cheaper, too. Or you can take a public bus.

Keep in mind that if you rent a car you'll have to keep you wine sampling to a minimum. :)

Hi bob,

>we are undecided as to whether we should rent a car for A day and see the hilltowns of Tuscany <

How many towns do you expect to see in one day?

I suggest that you

Take the no. 7 bus from the train station and visit Fiesole for 1/2 day.

Take the train to Lucca and Pisa for a day.

"Keep in mind that if you rent a car you'll have to keep you wine sampling to a minimum."

This may be said in jest, but it is a valid point. Most european countries take drunk driving VERY seriously.

Think of the possibility of a tour with Dario Castagno. e.mail - [email protected]
With a car is best if you make a small hilltown as a basis.
Enjoy your trip
Ismael

We rented a car for one day in Siena a few years ago, and had a blast touring south to Pienza, Montepulciano, & Montalcino. Fortunately, we shared it with two great guys we met at our pensione in Siena, as Hertz was very pricey. As we were doing a 'go with the flow' month long trip, we didn't book from home - ouch - but worth every lira to drive that beautiful countryside. If you are not going to be staying in Siena, I highly recommend you do a day trip there, as it's not to be missed. You could make a brief stop at San Gimignano as well, as having a car makes it very accessible. That way you can experience small, and medium sized Tuscan towns. Trust me with only 3 other days in Florence, it won't be your last time there. You need a few weeks to do it justice. Have a great time!!