I need some advice. My husband and I are flying into Florence, would like to spend a few days exploring the city and then rent a car to travel down to Tuscany. Where and when should we rent a car? At the airport or in Florence. We fly out of Pisa at the end of the week.

Call Auto Europe, or any other car rental agency, and get a rate quote. My suggestion is to use the Avis on the outskirts of town, by the Arno River. It's very easy to find and easy to get out of the city. You won't have to drive through downtown at all. The Avis address is:128R via Borgognissanti. <BR> <BR>I'd also suggest you do a search on this forum about "car rental in Florence" or soemthing like that because this has been discussed many times and you can get other suggestions.

Kristin, you won't want to rent a care while there because the streets are very small and you don't need to hassle with a car. Everything is within walking distance. Get the car as you are leaving Florence.

We rentd our car through Auto Europe and took delivery in downtown Florence. We have done this in a number of European Cities after touring that city. We just wait for rush hour to be over, usually about nine o'clock. My wife stays in the room while I go get the car. I pull up, load the luggage and off we go. Works fine and we had no difficulty with Florence traffic even in July. Kept the car until the outskirts of Rome (an easy cab ride to our hotel) while we toured Umbria.

Kristin, <BR> <BR>It is exremely easy to pick up a car in town. The drive out of the city and through Tuscany is also no problem. The Italians are excellent drivers, though fast. No problem in returning the car in Pisa. The only problem is having a car in Florence. Absolutely no parking. I second the suggestion to get the car when you are leaving Florence and starting the Tuscany trip. <BR>Have a marvelous trip! <BR> <BR>Ada