Here is some background: In April we will travel from Cinque Terra (CT) to our next destination, Pienza (near Montepulciano). We are planning to travel from CT by train, and then rent a car for three days in the last biggest city on the way to Tuscany (to end up in Pienza). We will be staying in Pienza three nights and using the car to tour around since public transportation is limited. On our last day in Tuscany we will visit Orvieto (that is where we will return the rental car), before proceeding to Rome by train.
Here is the question: Where do you suggest we rent a car? Pisa, Florence or another city, as well as where is better downtown or airport. We want to keep it simple (avoid traffic when possible), time efficient, and least expensive (taking inconsideration road toll, gas, special intercity driving permits etc.
Also, if we are looking for a scenic route should we take S222, which later turns into S 2 to get to Pienza or other…. ?
We are planning to pick up the car at noon and be in Pienza at our B&B before dark. Is that realistic?
Posted by
Marin, CA
532 posts
We returned ours in Chiusi, Europcar at Via Cassia Aurelia, and booked through Autoeurope then took an easy train to Orvieto.
Posted by
San Carlos, CA, USA
393 posts
Well, if you find yourself in Florence before leaving for Pienza, I suggest you pick up the car at the Europcar office on Via Gelsomino. It is on the outskirts of Florence and it is an easy shot out of town without going through a lot of traffic. You will have to take a taxi to the Europcar office. This is what we did and were glad we did. When you reserve your car online just make sure that you check the Via Gelsomino office as the location of pickup. Have a great time in Tuscany!
Posted by
auckland, New Zealand
4 posts
We trained to Chiusi from Florence and had prebooked a car from Avis.We had a good little car at a reasonable price, and the guy we dealt with was very helpful and friendly.The only hassle was the location of the carhire depot-some distance from the station-but when we phoned they were happy to meet us .We drove to Pienza-from memory about 40minutes-1 hour?Driving on the "wrong" side of the road was a little hair-raising at first, but truthfully it was very very easy to manage the Tuscan secondary roads.Pienza was a wonderful base for drives-I envy you!
Posted by
Florence
362 posts
Definitely the S222 for the scenery. If you rent the car in Florence, you do have to navigate out of town -
Posted by
montepulciano, SIENA
21 posts
Hi Lora!!
definitely CHIUSI! Take the train from 5 terre and get the right connections to get to Chiusi (the website for italian railways is www.trenitalia.com. You will find info and schedules).
In Chiusi there is a local car rental called www.autonoleggiocaroti.it (I guess they are a hertz branch) and if you book the car in advance they can bring it right in front of the train station upon your arrival so that you do not have to do anything else but getting in the car!! Don't worry too much about traffic and routes... everything here is so beautiful that it is worth anyway!! And April is a perfect time full of colours and flowers. I live in Montepulciano, so for any other info pls fell free to contact me. I will be pleased to help you.
Ciao
Serena www.lamiasiena.it