We'll be in Italy for the first time this April, and have air and hotel reservations, but not yet car. We are spending two nights in Florence, 4 nights in Tuscany, and 2 nights in Venice. <BR><BR>I gather the best plan will be to pick up a car on the way out of Florence, use it to explore Tuscany, and turn it in when we get to Venice. Here are my questions:<BR>What is a good car rental agency?<BR>Is there a specific location that is best for pick-up in Florence (we're headed south from there) and drop off in Venice? What else should we know? One other random question: we will be first arriving in Italy in the morning (10 am) - do hotels typically allow early check-in?<BR><BR>Thanks in advance for your responses.

The company www.autoeurope.com is often the only name you need to know for car rental in Europe. They will find you the best deals; they don't actually have any cars - - they are a broker for all the majors (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget), and they will get you a rate through their bulk contracts whic wil most likely be better than you can get on your own.<BR><BR>Still, I usually spot-check each of the following also:<BR><BR>www.its-cars-hotels.com<BR>www.kemwel.com<BR>www.travelocity.co m<BR><BR>Of these, I have also had good experience with ITS-cars-hotels.<BR><BR>You should not count on being able to get into your hotel at 10 in the morning - - any more than you would expect that a hotel would kick you out at 9 in the morning!<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

In Florence, there are many car agencies just a couple of blocks away from the main train station. As you come out of the station make a right, got two blocks, both this street and the next have several agencies. Just make a left on either street.<BR><BR>As for companies, Auto Europe has received mixed reviews on Fodors. I've never used them, but just check the forums. They can get good rates, but they are not guaranteed to be the lowest since you do also have to factor in the commission, etc.<BR><BR>Best to check out lots of different options.<BR><BR>Definitely you would be extraordinarily lucky if you could get into a hotel room earlier than noon. What they do often do though, is have a place where you can place your bags safely until a room is ready later.

Commission? from AutoEurope? Never - - in at least a dozen rentals with them.<BR>

Although many rental agencies in Florence are located near the railroad station, I did not find it difficult to find my way out of town.<BR> I have rented cars several times in Europe and I have found that you must check ALL the companies. I have rented twice in Italy. Italy has its own special rules.

My husband and I have used AutoEurope (www.autoeurope.com) at least three times in Europe. We always cross-check pricing with Avis and Hertz, and AutoEurope has consistently been less expensive. There is a toll-free number to phone in the US 24/7 if you run into any problems with the rental, you can extend your rental or terminate it early without penalty, and there are no drop-off fees in Italy for dropping off at a different location. I think it's a great company; I have no financial interest in it.<BR><BR>We've rented in Florence twice and found it easy to get out of town headed south: turn right out of the Avis (one of AE's vendors in Florence) garage, then two quick left turns and a quick right take you over the Arno. Go straight for a few miles and you're at the autostrada. They'll provide a map. We haven't dropped off in Venice, so can't help you there. <BR><BR>Buon viaggio <BR><BR>

Have rented thru Autoeurope several times and have never had a problem.