I am using miles to fly to Europe to visit Tuscany in Italy. The closest that I can get is Zurich. After researching many options, I have decided to pick up a car in Zurich, as we want one for Tuscany anyway and the cost is about 1/2. Anyway, has anyone traveled the road between Zurich and Florence or Pisa? How long does it take and what is the road like...any passes, etc. We are going to stay at a couple of different agristourismos, one in the Pisa area and one between Sienna and Cortona. Does this seem like to much distance to cover in 8 days? Would anyone recommend a certain town to concentrate in to see the most with the least car time. I want to drive and see the countryside, but I don't wish to spend hours a day in the car. A long drive down and back...which I am hoping is around 6 hours...is fine. Thank you in advance.

You can fly Alitalia round-trip between ZRH and MXP (Milan) for about $160. Two tickets is $320. I suspect this is would be well worth the time you save in Italy (at least two days driving, not doing the things you want to do), the driving you don't have to do, the gasoline you won't have to buy, and the frustrations you won't have to endure trying to follow a map.

You can fly Alitalia round-trip between ZRH and MXP (Milan) for about $160. Two tickets would be $320. I suspect this is would be well worth the time you save in Italy (at least two days driving, not doing the things you want to do), the driving you don't have to do, the gasoline you won't have to buy, and the frustrations you won't have to endure trying to follow a map.

After a long flight (supposedly), perhaps you might like to consider another option as traveling by train, it takes only around 4 hours from Zurich to Milan Central, and pick up rental car.

Have you visited Tucany before? Will you be spending time in Florence? With only 6 days ( 2 days off to and from Zurich), it seems not enough to cover the major towns. It is a good ideal to have two bases, but perhaps you could pick one base closer to Florence.

You might check out whichbudget.com for good deals on flights into Florence or Pisa.

I must agree on the train. I've driven in Europe and it's stressful and you can't see the scenery as you can on the train. I too am going to Italy soon, and I plan on cheap flights and train. Anyone know a cheap airline between southern Italy and Santorini? Thanks