We're there next week. We'll be Rome for 5 nights, then in SG for 5 nights, then on to Florence where we'll drop off the car.
Should we drive from Rome to SG?
Or would it be better to take fast train from Rome to Florence and drive to SG. That means car pick up and drop off are both in Florence. Does that make any difference?
Posted by
United States
168 posts
GO FOR IT!
...Of course I don't know what SG stands for so this may not help you...and I highly doubt you mean Singapore ;-)
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19300 posts
First thing that comes to my mind is St. Goar, Germany, or St. Gallen, Switzerland, but there could be others.
Could it be somewhere in Tuscany, like San Gimignano?
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
With the four of you, I'd drive. Pick up your car next to Rome Tiburtina station. Easy access to the highway.
The drive will take a little over 3 hours without any stops for lunch.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
Thanks Gerri. Should I use a known US car rental company or is it better to book through an Italian company?
Do I need a special drivers license to drive there?
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Yes, you'll need an IDP (translation of your drivers license) available at AAA. Cost $24. For car rentals, use
Or their sister company Kemwel.com
Have used both Hertz and Europcar.
I prefer Europcar, but go with the best price.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
If you've never driven in Italy, read this and download their PDF. (Rules of the road). It could save you some surprise tickets up to a year after you return.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19300 posts
Normally, I would say train to Florence and rent a car to go to San Gimignano (it's a short trip). However, Florence is well noted for its ZTLs (traffic limited zones). I understand that only two people in the last ten years have gotten out of Florence without being fined for ZTL infractions.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
We would go to Florence by train only to rent the car there and drive to Tuscany. When we return to Florence to stay there, the car goes back first.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16203 posts
I would pick up the car in Rome in the morning and leisurely drive up. That way you can stop in places along the way that you will not visit again because too far to drive on a day trip from San Gimignano. For example Civita di Bagnoregio, one of Rick Steves’ favorites, could be a slight detour on the way up.