Renting a car in Florence

Old Jan 28th, 2005, 06:41 AM
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Renting a car in Florence

I'm taking a group of college students and faculty to Italy in February. Their ages range between 24 and 50. Four of them want to rent a car and drive from Florence to Siena for a day trip stopping along the way at a winery for a lunch/tour/tasting. Do you think this is a good idea, or would they be better off taking the train?

Also does anyone have a recommendation for a winery/lunch stop along the way?

Mary Beth
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Old Jan 28th, 2005, 07:10 AM
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ira
 
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Hi mb,

The RT bus fare from Florence to Siena is 13E. I think that this is less than the cost of a car for 4.

If they want to taste the regional wines, they can do so at the Enoteca Italiana at La Fortezza Medicea.


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Old Jan 28th, 2005, 07:15 AM
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And not only a better value on the bus (than the train) - - the train leaves you at the "base" of Siena, with a very big hill to climb to get up TO Siena - - the bus does not.

Getting a car to where you want to be is also very difficult for a day tripper to Siena. Not to menton that one-day car rentals typically cost the same as three-day car rentals.

Best wishes,

Rex
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Old Jan 28th, 2005, 07:19 AM
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That sounds like more hassle than it's worth to me. A one-day rental is usually expensive, getting out of Florence could be a real pain, and you can't do anything with the car in Siena except park outside the walls.

I'm sure the four of them could find a great place to have lunch and do a wine tasting right in Siena.

There are also buses running between the two cities. Theoretically, they could take a bus to some midway point, have lunch and a wine tasting, then continue on to Siena. I know years ago I took such a bus and stopped in a few beautiful small towns along the way.
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Old Jan 28th, 2005, 07:26 AM
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I have to agree with Ira on this one. I have rented cars out of Florence and driven the area many times including parking in Siena. While there would be a great adventure in the experience, cost and hassle with parking, driving and directions will severely limit their enjoyment. A one day car rental just isn't worth it over the convenience of a bus to a city like Siena. If the priority is a country winery experience, that is a different story--but still a challenge logistically.
Best advice is to keep it simple.
Ciao, Paul
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Old Jan 31st, 2005, 05:18 AM
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Thanks for all your suggestions. I will share this information with the students. I didn't think is was a good idea either.

Mary Beth
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Old Jan 31st, 2005, 07:38 AM
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Look at CAF tours.
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Old Feb 27th, 2005, 10:15 AM
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Thanks for all your help. They did take the train and it worked out perfectly.

MB
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Old Feb 27th, 2005, 10:17 AM
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Very good, MB.

So, how was the trip?

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