Where to Pick Up Rental Car for 4 days in Tuscany?
Jul 7th, 2013, 12:42 PM
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Where to Pick Up Rental Car for 4 days in Tuscany?
Hello,
My fiance and I are traveling all over Italy during the month of August and are so excited! We are in our late 20s and very energetic.
During one part of the trip we will be leaving Sorrento and heading towards Tuscany, where we will be staying for the next few days. Our home base will be in Montepulciano, but we'd like to rent a car and explore the region. At this point, we aren't sure where we should pick up the car. Would it better to get the car in the South (e.g. Naples, Sorrento?) or take the train farther north and then pick up the car?
We'd really appreciate any advice and/or information
Thanks!
Tammy
My fiance and I are traveling all over Italy during the month of August and are so excited! We are in our late 20s and very energetic.
During one part of the trip we will be leaving Sorrento and heading towards Tuscany, where we will be staying for the next few days. Our home base will be in Montepulciano, but we'd like to rent a car and explore the region. At this point, we aren't sure where we should pick up the car. Would it better to get the car in the South (e.g. Naples, Sorrento?) or take the train farther north and then pick up the car?We'd really appreciate any advice and/or information
Thanks!
Tammy
Jul 7th, 2013, 01:12 PM
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If you come up from Sorrento you'll best take the fast train in Naples, and I trust you'll want to take a look at Florence, the jewel of the Toscana region, yes? As you arrive there, on the fast train from Naples, only 2:51 hours after leaving Naples, you'll be near the historic center of town, at the main station (there are a couple of others) called S.M.N. (Santa Maria Novella), with plenty of lodgings in walking distance.
Trains are at www.trenitalia.com - click on the Brit flag top right for english.
Then I suggest you rent a car on the outskirts of Florence, so that you don't have to deal with traffic inside Florence where it can be impossible, plus risky if you overlook a ZTL sign and enter a street that's forbidden for you non-local (you'll get a hefty charge on your credit card long after the trip if a camera zaps you...).
Bring up a map of Florence and patiently map out the locations of the auto rental companies you find if you look up www.europcar.com, www.autoeurope.com, www.sixt.com and any others that tickle your curiosity.
If there is something near the Porta Romana location for example, you'd be well on your way out of town in probably a good direction from what you mentioned.
Use Google maps and www.viamichelin.com.
Trains are at www.trenitalia.com - click on the Brit flag top right for english.
Then I suggest you rent a car on the outskirts of Florence, so that you don't have to deal with traffic inside Florence where it can be impossible, plus risky if you overlook a ZTL sign and enter a street that's forbidden for you non-local (you'll get a hefty charge on your credit card long after the trip if a camera zaps you...).
Bring up a map of Florence and patiently map out the locations of the auto rental companies you find if you look up www.europcar.com, www.autoeurope.com, www.sixt.com and any others that tickle your curiosity.
If there is something near the Porta Romana location for example, you'd be well on your way out of town in probably a good direction from what you mentioned.
Use Google maps and www.viamichelin.com.
Jul 7th, 2013, 01:19 PM
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Hey Michelhuebeli,
Thanks for your reply. We're actually spending a couple days in Florence later on during the trip, sorry I neglected to mention that in my first post. Either way, I'm not too worried about spending time in Florence on our way to Montepulciano. Regardless, do you still think it would be easier to take the train there and rent a car outside of Florence? It seems like there are lots of rental car options outside of Florence.
Thanks again,
Tammy
Thanks for your reply.
We're actually spending a couple days in Florence later on during the trip, sorry I neglected to mention that in my first post. Either way, I'm not too worried about spending time in Florence on our way to Montepulciano. Regardless, do you still think it would be easier to take the train there and rent a car outside of Florence? It seems like there are lots of rental car options outside of Florence.Thanks again,
Tammy
Jul 7th, 2013, 01:37 PM
#6
I would get the car in either Orvieto or Chiusi. Both are close to Montepulciano (Chiusi is closer). It will depend on day of week, time, etc. Rental locations in small towns are closed in the afternoons (12 or 1 until 3 or 4), closed Saturday after noon and closed Sunday. Florence is a lot further drive.
If you use a site like Autoeurope, when you are selecting pick-up/drop-off location addresses, you must select sites that are the same company. If you pick an address that is Hertz in Chiusi for pick up and a drop off in Siena that is Avis, it will say no cars available. You will also need an IDP (it's the law in Italy).
If you use a site like Autoeurope, when you are selecting pick-up/drop-off location addresses, you must select sites that are the same company. If you pick an address that is Hertz in Chiusi for pick up and a drop off in Siena that is Avis, it will say no cars available. You will also need an IDP (it's the law in Italy).
Jul 7th, 2013, 01:43 PM
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The fast train from Naples only stops at Roma Termini before going on to Florence. Going to Florence in a way is overshooting the target of Montepulciano, so it's your call.
What you could do is this: Research car rental opportunities in both Arezzo and Chiusi - www.europcar.com has an office in each for example, other may also.
If you're sure you can get a car in either of those, then get off the fast train in Roma Termini, switch to the Intercity train and get off in either Arezzo of Chiusi. Book the car so you can return it on the outskirts of Florence.
Go to the triple-A website and download the form for the IDP (International Driving Permit) that is required in Italy by law, alongside your regular license.
What you could do is this: Research car rental opportunities in both Arezzo and Chiusi - www.europcar.com has an office in each for example, other may also.
If you're sure you can get a car in either of those, then get off the fast train in Roma Termini, switch to the Intercity train and get off in either Arezzo of Chiusi. Book the car so you can return it on the outskirts of Florence.
Go to the triple-A website and download the form for the IDP (International Driving Permit) that is required in Italy by law, alongside your regular license.
Jul 7th, 2013, 02:00 PM
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Kybourbon, thanks for all the additional information. I was wondering why I kept receiving the results that no cars are available.
Michelhuebeli, we did hear about the IDP and are definitely going to take care of that before we leave. Thanks for the information though.
Also picking up the car in Arezzo or Chiusi and dropping it off outside of Florence sounds like a really good option.
Now if only 1 of us knew how do drink a manual car. This automatic rental care stuff is not cheap
Michelhuebeli, we did hear about the IDP and are definitely going to take care of that before we leave. Thanks for the information though.
Also picking up the car in Arezzo or Chiusi and dropping it off outside of Florence sounds like a really good option.
Now if only 1 of us knew how do drink a manual car. This automatic rental care stuff is not cheap
Jul 7th, 2013, 03:34 PM
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Heer is more advice about driving:
DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE
Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors
Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is www.autoeurope.com [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.
Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.
OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.
NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $15. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE
Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors
Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is www.autoeurope.com [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.
Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.
OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.
NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $15. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
