My husband and I are spending two weeks in Italy this May. We are starting in Rome, then going to a villa located between Siena and Florence, then going to Lugano, and finally flying home out of Milano.

We're thinking it makes sense to rent a car when we leave Rome and keep it until we return it in Milan. But we've driven in and out of Rome before and would prefer not to rent the car there. Any suggestions about a less congested car rental place, which we could access via bus or train out of Rome?

Also, any good restaurant recommendations while we're in Rome?

Gina - Chiusi, Orvieto, Siena or Florence would all be options for a car pick-up - all accessible by train from Rome.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Thanks, Steve. Another question -- Should we turn our car in before we go to Lugano, or will we be glad to have it in Lugano for three days? We're big hikers, and we were thinking we could get to "trailheads" without benefit of a car.

Gina - I've only ever day-tripped to Lugano (from Lake Como), so I suggest you post a new Q - then others who have hiked around Lugano and know public tranport options can help you.

Good luck!

Steve

Gina, I would keep the car if you can, but remember the drop charge if you leave it in CH.