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Best connection Varenna to a car rental for Tuscany

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Hi. My trip this Fall will include several days in Varenna on Lake Como followed by 6 nights in Tuscany with car. Staying near San Gimignano. I'm looking for the best plan to train it out of Varenna and end up at a car rental place. I know there are car rentals in and near Milan's Centrale train station, but I don't want to overlook a better option if it exists. Other possibilities seem less attractive: Milano-Malpenza airport (train connection), other Milan downtown locations (traffic, confusion, congestion getting out), Como, etc. Any great ideas; or just use Centrale Station?

Also- car rental quotes seem really high this year. Six nights. Everyone wants over $300. And wants to add options I don't want. I chatted online with one company- the rep told me not to worry because I can always have the extras taken off at the counter when I pick the car up. Anyone ever try that- with the long line behind you, the language problem (funny how those rental counter people speak so very little English when you need it!) and the repeated, "there is nothing I can do about it", or the equally dreaded, "sure, I can change your agreement, but then the rate will go up". Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks. Randy

Posted by
16235 posts

For rates and stuff check with the following consolidators based in Maine. Most of us use them rather than going directly to the rental companies. It's usually cheaper this way:
www.autoeurope.com
www.kemwel.com
Both are part of the same corporate group, after a merger years ago.
They work with the major companies. Their Europcar or Hertz deals are usually cheaper.
Don't overlook the zero deductible ibpnsurance option, as that may be as high as 1000€. It's a bit more expensive but I always get it for peace of mind.
Most credit cards insurance don't cover Italy.

Posted by
16235 posts

The closest pick up location is Lecco. They have a Europcar office there for sure. Maybe Hertz as well.
Not sure automatic cars would be available outside of major locations like Milan airports or train station.
Malpensa would be too far and out of the way however.
Another option is to take the train all the way to Florence (via Milan) and rent in Florence, which is near San Gimignano.
Another possibility is stopping in Bologna and renting in Bologna. The rental offices are really close to the station, however you still have to deal with city traffic getting out of the city. Bologna is about 2 hr drive from San Gim.
I would rent it in Lecco, very close to Varenna, and be done with it. It's a longer drive (nearly all freeway), but take your time.

Posted by
16895 posts

If your other rentals were in other countries, then one difference is that Italy requires a certain amount of insurance coverage built into the price. MId-sized and automatic transmission cars cost more, but I'm seeing Auto Europe providing a Europcar quote closer to $150 for an economy car for 6 or 7 days.

Posted by
5 posts

Laura, Roberto- all good stuff. Great info to know. Thanks to both of you.

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