Montalcino without a car?
May 10th, 2010, 01:31 PM
#22
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Considering the area, I recommend you use some kind of car hire service. There are several that can take you between cities with few problems and the rates vary depending on your needs. Trains and buses can be helpful, but some routes require walking as they do not pick up or drop off directly at your destination. So remember if you're going to have luggage or if moderate walking will be an issue for any reason, you may want to look at a more private means of transportation.
I understand why you'd want to use public transportation. Personally, I enjoy my trips a little more when I do things to blend in more with the locals. However, it can have its cumbersome points, especially if you don't know the area you're traveling to all that well. What you may want to do is hire a private car for trips between cities and then use what public transit you can or walk within the cities.
Hope that helps!
I understand why you'd want to use public transportation. Personally, I enjoy my trips a little more when I do things to blend in more with the locals. However, it can have its cumbersome points, especially if you don't know the area you're traveling to all that well. What you may want to do is hire a private car for trips between cities and then use what public transit you can or walk within the cities.
Hope that helps!
May 10th, 2010, 01:42 PM
#24
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It is hard to judge the driving confidence of others. That is a personal thing. But, I would not let the expense deter you nor the naviagating. If you want to see the best of the Val D' Orcia then the only way is by car--with you driving or someone else. I will run a car quote for you when I get this done. If you are planning 3 days in Montalcino then one option is to train to Siena--spend the nite in Siena--then take the bus to Montalcino for your next 2 nites. One of those days you can hire Alex[ I have used him before and he is both local and good[ see link above]. He will cost you about 30 to 35E per hour--you will want a full day with him. That is 3 good days in Tuscany--one in Siena, one in Montalcino, and one with Alex seeing the other hill towns. The car quote will depend on manual or automatic--I will run both for you--stay tuned.
May 10th, 2010, 01:49 PM
#26
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Ok--here it is. Using Kemwel as the broker, heer are 2 cars for 3 day rentals with pickup and drop in Siena--not far from the train station:
Manual---Alfa Romeo 147=$237
Auto---Mercedes A-180= $387
Yes, that is $$$ not Euros--hope this helps.
Manual---Alfa Romeo 147=$237
Auto---Mercedes A-180= $387
Yes, that is $$$ not Euros--hope this helps.
May 10th, 2010, 02:27 PM
#30
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dtph,
There are taxi at the Siena train station. The cost to Hertz, Avis, or europcar should be under 10 euro. You could walk to Hertz, it is less that a half kilometer but it is uphill and across two busy streets.
Bob,
Why Chiusi? because there is a direct train from Venice, it is only about 6 miles further away from Montalcino than Siena, and I think the driving on SS146 is easier than on SS2, especially around Siena. I was trying to make it as easy as possible for dtph.
There are taxi at the Siena train station. The cost to Hertz, Avis, or europcar should be under 10 euro. You could walk to Hertz, it is less that a half kilometer but it is uphill and across two busy streets.
Bob,
Why Chiusi? because there is a direct train from Venice, it is only about 6 miles further away from Montalcino than Siena, and I think the driving on SS146 is easier than on SS2, especially around Siena. I was trying to make it as easy as possible for dtph.
May 10th, 2010, 03:23 PM
#32
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Hmmm ! You make a good point Henry. It is only an 8 minute difference--I thought it would be more. But, the drive out from Chiusi Scalo is a bit confusing and the open hours will be tighter--as will model choices, especially for automatics.
dtph---Kemwel is Autoeurope--same parent company and same customer service--either will match prices. You could walk to the rental office but would probably taxi--about a 5 minte ride.
dtph---Kemwel is Autoeurope--same parent company and same customer service--either will match prices. You could walk to the rental office but would probably taxi--about a 5 minte ride.
May 10th, 2010, 03:28 PM
#33
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oh that's good to know b/c i thought i read on kemwel's site that they have a 2day cancellation policy but auto europe you can cancel anytime before pick up without a fee. i like having that option in case plans change last minute for some reason. maybe i'll contact auto europe and ask them for a price match.
you're also right about open hours siena's hours are much better than chiusi's and the car choice is better there as well. in siena i get the option for the smallest size car but i didnt get that option in chiusi.
you're also right about open hours siena's hours are much better than chiusi's and the car choice is better there as well. in siena i get the option for the smallest size car but i didnt get that option in chiusi.
May 10th, 2010, 05:37 PM
#34
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thanks to everyone's help........I just reserved a Mercedes A180 Diesel with ac Automatic Compact (CDAR) 4 Doors, A/C for $409 for 3 days! I booked through Auto Europe - Kemwel was cheaper by about $20, but they require 48hours for cancellation and Auto Europe doesn't. Auto Europe couldn't match Kemwel's price either b/c they are sister companies. Oh well - not a big deal. Thanks again everyone =) I feel like I have some piece of mind knowing that I now have transportation in Tuscany! And even more piece of mind knowing that I can always change my mind and forego the car last minute if I want to 
Most likely I'll stick with the car tho b/c we got a good rate for an automatic, GPS is only 8 euros a day which eases my tension of getting lost, and the car gives us more flexibility with our schedule and itinerary.
Most likely I'll stick with the car tho b/c we got a good rate for an automatic, GPS is only 8 euros a day which eases my tension of getting lost, and the car gives us more flexibility with our schedule and itinerary.
May 10th, 2010, 05:40 PM
#35
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Also - I chose Siena as the pick up AND drop off location. Pick and drop off in Chiusi wasnt available. But pick up in Siena and drop off in Chiusi is available. Is it better to go from Siena to Florence or Chiusi to Florence?
May 10th, 2010, 08:02 PM
#36
I don't think it makes too much difference. Most people bus between Siena and Florence (about 70 minutes) and train between Chiusi and Florence (about 1 1/2-2 hours). The bus from Siena drops you by the train station in Florence so both end up at the same location. Just make sure the train you book from Chiusi goes to Florence SMN.
