We are traveling to Italy in late September, basic itinerary is fly to Rome (3 nights), take train from Rome to Cinque Terra (3 nights), go to Tuscany (5 nights), go to Venice (3 nights), fly home from Venice. I would like to rent a car in CT, drive it to Tuscany, use it in Tuscany, and drop it off in Venice. Thoughts or suggestions? How easy is it to rent cars, particularly for drop off at a different location? Thanks in advance for any replies.

I don't think you will be able to rent a car in any of the villages of the Cinque Terre. They are quite small. I visited the area four times and have never seen anything resembling a car rental agency. I'm sure you can likely rent in La Spezia or Levanto, two nearby larger towns accessible by train.

TA is right on. It shouldn't be difficult to do what you want to do. Many Fodorites have had good experiences with AutoEurope at www.autoeurope.com

Check their website and phone their 800 number to make the reservation. In addition, they have a toll-free number available 24/7 that connects you to their Maine office should any problems arise while you're in Italy. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather discuss a problem in English than in Italian!

As far as I know, the rental you are describing will not incur drop-off fees.

Make all the arrangements in the US before you go. Call or e-mail Andy Bestor at www.gemut.com. for info and the best price.

Good idea, Tuck. Andy Bestor uses AutoEurope. Get a quote from Andy and also an independent quote from AutoEurope. We used Andy to book a German rental and were pleased with his service.

Be sure to get neverlost or a similar navigation system! We just rented from hertz in florence for a few days in tuscany and it was invaluable!

That is all very doable---get the car in La Spezia.