Hi there! We are staying in Montepulciano for a couple nights and are wanting to rent a car. We are planning on picking one up in Florence and then once we are done our stay in Montepulciano, driving and dropping off the car in Siena. Has anyone done a similar trip that would have any tips? Or any better recommendations to get from Florence -> Montepulciano -> Siena? Thanks!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
906 posts
Do it. Rent at airport if you can, easier egress.
All the towns are easily accessed by car. Be sure you have parking at your hotel. Parking in MP can be challenging.
You can see everything between Orveto and Florence. Consider Siena, San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino, even Volterra
Posted by
Seattel, Washington, USA
113 posts
Have use Sixt in Europe with great success (Italy, France and Germany) and have not had a problem with them. I have found their prices to be competitive. We have picked up the car up at the Florence Airport and then hopped on the Autostrada to Montepulciano, about 2 hours. That saves your the hassle and stress of driving in the city center which can be challenging. You can take a cab to the airport and have them take you to the car rental lot (right "at" the airport but not "in" the airport).
I can't strongly recommend enough that you DO NOT use Avis at the Florence Airport. They did not honor the type car I reserved and then gave me a car two classes below what I reserved and charged me for the higher level car (+40% over charge). Got a credit on the charges then appeared a charge for a 100 euros for a traffic violation in the city center of Florence where we never drove the car. Avoid at all costs!!!!!!!
Be sure to stop at the Autogrill on the drive from Florence to Montepulciano for a leg stretch and something to eat. Part of the fun of driving on the freeways in Italy. Be brave because the Italians have no concept of death when they drive!
If you haven't figured out a place to stay in Montepulciano my wife and I have stayed at Villa Poggiano multiple times on our trips to there. Outside of town with EXCELLENT service and a beautiful setting. here is the link to their property: http://www.villapoggiano.com/en/#
Enjoy your trip.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15198 posts
If before going to Montepulciano you are staying in Florence, then yes, it's definitely a good idea to rent in Florence.
Use www.autoeurope.com or www.kemwel.com (two consolidators part of the same corporate group) to rent one. They work with the major rental companies in Europe, such as Hertz, Europcar, Avis-Budget, etc.
Picking up from the airport carries higher rental costs due to airport fees. Unless you are renting upon landing at the airport, if you are staying in Florence a few days before, it is best to rent from a city location.
If you don't feel comfortable driving in the city center you can choose the following out of city center locations for easy access to the freeways:
HERTZ: 53 Via del Sansovino
EUROPCAR: 2 Via Forlanini
Since Europcar and Hertz often have the best prices with the consolidators mentioned above, those are the only 2 locations you need to know.
You should return the car wherever you go after Montepulciano. If you go back to Florence, you should return it to the locations above where you picked it up. If you intend to go to Rome, then you should return it in Rome. If you plan to stay in Siena a couple of days, then yes, it will make sense to return it in Siena.