We are traveling to Italy for the first time. We are thinking of renting an automobile. We like the freedom a car would give us along with the convenience of transporting our luggage. However, I know that there are negative aspects of renting a car in Italy. <BR> <BR>Is renting a car a good or bad idea?

I've done both, but it really depends upon the areas that you're going to. If you want a completely flexible itinerary or want to concentrate on the countryside, you should rent a car. Driving in Italy didn't pose a problem either time I rented a car ... we did it through the Tuscany, Trentino-Alto Adige and Lombardy regions and had no problems. The tolls are a bit pricey but are convenient and speedy. Make sure you have all of the supplement insurance (CDW, etc.). Otherwise, if you're hitting major locations and day-tripping to the countryside, trains/busses are easy and plentiful.

Tom, the advice I always give for people who ask this questions is, IMO it might be best for you to do both. Having done it both ways, I think it is best to do a combination of the two. For example, you can take a train from Rome, to say, Florence or Venice or Milan that is to say, in between the big cities, which are kind of stressful to drive in and out of, parking can be difficult and gas expensive. The train gives you a wonderful opportunity to relax, and watch the scenery roll past your window, while you share a glass of wine, you are not worried about directions, inadequate maps, accidents etc. You arrive in a new city, pop off the train, you are refreshed and ready to go. However if you ONLY do trains, there is the potential to miss some of the great out of the way, little towns that are not typical train stops. Places around Tuscany for example. It's great to have the freedom to take your car and drive through the wonderful countryside and stop at any place along the way that catches your fancy. A lot of the rail companies now offer rail/drive packages and after having done it both ways, and combined, I found the above to be the best solution. Regardless, have a terrific trip.

Tom - <BR> <BR>My two cents worth on a car in Italy. The big negative is that they are expensive - to the rate add theft and CDW insurance, which are mandatory, then 20% VAT plus an airport tax of 12% if you pick up at an airport, plus a few other piddly fees and taxes. Then gas is $4/gal. That being said a car is the best way to see the countryside and areas such as Tuscany. They are a hinderance in the big cities. The suggestion to combine the two modes is very good if your itinerary includes both big cities and countryside, or you can also just drop the car at a big city stop, and pick another one up when you leave, the drop charge for us in Rome was only $25. If you're just seeing big cites trains are best. <BR> <BR>Ciao! <BR> <BR>Dan

Having rented cars and done the bus/train thing is several countries, I would say it depends on how much time you plan to spend in cities vs. the country side. If it's mostly urban, skip the car. If it is mostly small towns and villages, a car is nice, but anticipate expense. <BR> <BR>Dave

One advantage of train travel is that you actually spend alot of time in the presence of Europeans. Driving around in a car is really very isolating. Of course, trains will never give you the total flexibility that driving allows, but having the opportunity to talk to people (many people speak English throughout Europe) while being whisked from one place to the next is often a real treat! <BR>