We are landing in Munich on August 25th and need to rent a car to then drve into Italy (Bolzano)..does anyone have suggestions regarding companies to use and /or routes to take?

These three brokers have served us well over the years:
www.novarentacar.com
www.autoeurope.com
www.gemut.com

We've used all of them within the past 4 years--depending on which one could get us the best deal for a particular trip.

You don't tell us anything about your itinerary - but there are normally HUGE charges when you pick a car up in one country and drop it off in another.

Taking a train or flying between countries might be better.

(if you are returing the car back in Munich ignore what I just said)

I wouldn't use Hertz in Italy, we had a real lousy experience recently in May 06!

Do you want a rental car just to get to Bolzano/Bozen, or are you going to meander around as you go? In the first case it does not make sense to rent a car, there are frequent trains. In the second case, it is surely possible, but as the previous posters said it will COST.

We are arriving and departing from Munich..we will be travelling into Italy for 3 weeks with the car..therfore the car will be returned to Munich...any hidden fees to watch out for???

Hi Z,

It usually cost more to pick up a car at the airport or train station than in town.

We want the convenience of oicking it up at the airport

If you're renting in Germany and returning there - but driving in other countries you must tell them when you rent - and there may be extra/different insurance coverage required. (You can;t take a car out of the country in which you rented it without the permission of the company - technically it is theft.)

zeza--if you use any of the brokers I listed, they make all charges, taxes, and fees clear on their websites. Don't know if you will need insurance, but read the descriptions of what's provided carefully as it varies by country and by company. They also have toll free numbers so you can ask questions.

thank you ...I will look inot it today!

If you are renting for 17 days or more, you should consider leasing a car. We lease directly from Renaultusa. Leasing is more economical, no hidden fees, all insurance included, no fee for extra driver. Brand new car, exactly as you ordered it (no bait and switch). And Yes, they have a pick up/drop off in Munich.

They ask for reservations more than 30 days out, but for a small fee will take the "late" reservation"--they do have to order your car, after all, and have it at your chosen location. They are most helpful. We just finished finalizing our lease for an Aug. 29th pick-up...it was a breeze. We've never been disappointed by Renault (we like the Kangoo, but many people like the Megane) Good Luck!

We used Avis in Germany and they were very good. Though part of our conditions was that we couldn't drive in Italy - don't really know why - other European countries were OK. So I don't know if perhaps it costs more? Anyway, just a note that we found that because we wanted an automatic it was harder to get than a manual one.

hi
try having a look here so you can compare prices and see what kind of a deal you can get for yourself:
http://destinia.com/car/en