Renting a Car
 

Since we will be in Florence for a few days, we would like to rent a car to drive around tuscany. Do we need to reserve one before arriving in Italy? Or is it pretty easy to rent one while in town? What agencies do you recommend?

I WOULD reserve one to be assured of the price. I normally check about 5 places plus Expedia before signing up.

My general experience has been that if you walk in cold off the street you will not get the best rate.

I have not had actual experience renting a car in Italy, but in Interlaken I was signing my papers when a young man walked in and wanted to rent a car of the same size as the one I was getting.

The price he was quoted was double mine.

Usualr rental rates are:

1. Advance 3 day rate often the same as advance one day rate.

2. Advance one day rate usually much cheaper than walk-up one day rate.

3. for many people, autoeurope.com is the only name you need to know. Not that they are brokers; they do not rent cars. Search "autoeurope" here on fodors for more info.

Best wishes,

Rex

Florence doesn't make a good base for daytrips by car. Parking in the center is strictly controlled. Does your hotel offer parking? Plus driving in and out of Florence isn't easy.

If you want to drive for more than 1 day, consider a base outside Florence.

I second the recommendation for Auto Europe. Very dependable and usually the best rate. If you find a cheaper rate, they'll check to see if it's valid and match it. I used to be a travel agent and booked them all the time. I'm using them for an upcoming trip to France. You can book a car, and then cancel it with no penalties if your plans change. They're very flexible. Also, they offer a great cell phone deal with some car rentals.

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions! Autoeurope offers many pick up locations, where is the closest location in Florence near the S.M. train station?

128r Via Borgo Ognissanti (Avis) or 53-55r Via Borgognissanti (Europcar)
are closest to SMH (it's still a moderately good little walk - - 3-4 blocks? 6-7? not entirely certain).