Hi. . . . I am writing another post!!!!

As mentioned, a friend and I are travelling on a tight budget through Italy. . . . We plan to travel from Rome to Venice and then back to Florence and then try to spend a few days in Tuscany. . . .

We are looking at train fares. . . . and trying to decide if it would be more fun and convenient and less expensive to simply rent a car for a week?

What are your experiences with driving Italy from Rome to Venice? Good? Does it offer more opportunity to travel faster and to visit charming towns along the way. . . . or is it a huge hassle?

Let me know!

Thank you!

Dee

Hi De,

Are you able to fly into Venice and out of Rome?

If so, rent a car in Venice, drive through Tuscany, drop it off in Florence and take the train to Rome.

If not, take the train.

Schedules and prices are at
www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

You can visit Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano by bus from Florence and Orvieto by train from Rome.

A car will be expensive on a budget. Gas is much more expensive and parking (if you can find it) is very expensive. You don't need a car for Rome/Florence/Venice and with your limited amount of time, you really don't have time for anywhere else. For Tuscany, do a bus or train day trip from Florence.

We usually do road trips - and love driving in europe - the style is so different than in the US. (Drivers take it muchmore seriously and mistakes ar enot easily forgiven.)

However, fo ryour itinerary a car doesn't make sense. And - with rental, insurance, gas and parking fees I'm sure will cost more than the train.

I have been using public transport in Italy for 14 years. Hire a car. it is easier, more flexible and frankly less stressful. Just stay away from Milan, Rome, Naples and Palermo city centres. the drivers there are not scared to push you if you go too slowly!