Trying to figure out a trip, acknowledging our desires, physical limitations, etc. Neither of us love driving ourselves. Considering Florence/Sienna...then to a rural villa in Chianti region. I know we want to see vineyards and "hill" towns. I'm just not sure I want to navigate and drive there ourselves. AM I CRAZY for thinking it would be possible and not ridiculously expensive (ha) to hire a driver a day or 2? What do people think? Am I barking up a crazy tree?

Have a look at Luca Garrapa's site - www.hillsandroads.com - for an idea of prices. I've only seen excellent revies for him.

Make that "reviews"; the W on my keyboard sticks.

No, you're not crazy but it'll cost you. Last year we and another couple needed to go from Siena to Portovenere. We decided we didn't want to go through the train/ bus changes with the lugagge, so we hired a driver/guide to take us. She also specilizes in private wine tours so prior to driving to Portovenere she took us to a winery for a tour and tasting. On a per hour basis it worked out to around 40-50 euros per hour. I think that from cities like Siena or Florence there might be group tours that take you to wineries or hill towns.

That was the best thing we did when we visited Tuscany--hired a private driver. Through our hotel we booked Chianti Drivers. The vehicle was clean, our driver was prompt, spoke English well and was knowledgable about the area. We were able to enjoy the towns, back roads, and have a glass of wine - or two - without the worry of driving on strange, winding roads. He also drove us to Florence Airport on a rainy, foggy morning which we would never have done comfortably on our own. For four days the cost was comparable to renting a car but that depends on how often and how far you use the driver. I have mentioned this company before on previous posts www.chiantidrivers.it Our driver's name was Simone.

Hiring a driver is a good idea if you have the $$$.
There are many in Tuscany and they will average about 35E/hours for up to 4 people in your group. A car rental is closer to 100E/day--much less expensive.

I can personally recommend Luca. We have booked him now for a half dozen day trips to the wineries in Tuscany over the past years (he picks us up in Florence) and it is always a highlight.

I have driven in Italy several times and it is not for me - especially when drinking wine - and my husband is not at all interested in trying. Hiring a private driver for our visits to the wine areas of the region is our big splurge when we visit Italy.

Hello, I actually found an amazing tour/driver guide, suggested by a friend of mine. I absolutely recommend him to everyone going to Tuscany and want to have a lifetime experience in Italy; he knows all the best places to visit and the wineries for wine tasting; his English is just perfect (he used to live in the States); his rates are half of the regular tour companies and he drives a luxury car. Cannot get better than this!! (he can also get large Van) Write him at: [email protected]
ask him about your special request; he always find the best solution for you; he knows a lot of people and the best thing about him, it is that he loves what he does and he is not just about business but he loves people and he try to do the best for his clients.
He can also provide service from the Airport to your Hotel and he is so kind that he will also help you to plan your trip in Italy! Oh, I forgot...he is also an amazing photographer and he took great pictures for my wife and I. Contact him; he is the best! (He is also very knowledgeable and funny!).

You are not crazy but it could be a bit pricey. This past May, we did 2 day trips with KM Zero Tours. KM Zero is run by a young couple who are super nice. We were so pleased we are looking into doing a week long experience with them next year. What you describe wanting to do is very similiar to the tour/experience we are considering. Take a look at their website and if you like what you see then email them.

I hope you enjoy your time in Italy!

http://www.kmzerotours.com/

Bookmarking

100 Euros a day for car rental?

What are you renting, vintage Ferraris?