Car rental problem

Francesco, you might try autoeurope. I put in hypothetical dates but with 6 passengers and several vans were offered for pickup at the Venice airport and return in Palermo. (Very expensive but available!)

You can check AutoEurope prices online. They are car brokers who arrange for a rental car with companies such as Avis, Hertz and Europcar. They will also meet/beat other companies prices. Call them to negotiate. Before you leave, make sure the drivers for your trip obtain an International Drivers Permit at your local AAA office. All that is required is a passport size picture and $15. You do not take a test. Make sure to purchase a Michelin, or similar, map of Italy. You can find them at Barnes & Noble or in gas stations in Italy. You might also want to consider a GPS. Have fun driving in Italy!

Francesco, Given the distance you'll be covering, you might consider travelling by train part of the way, as it will be quicker, more efficient and less stressful (especially at that time of year). It is NOT a good idea to drive in Rome and Naples! A few "caveats" regarding driving in Italy.... It's important to note that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any CAA/AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases are provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information on driving in Italy. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy (especially Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! In some locations, parking tickets or having "The Boot" applied will also be a concern. A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. Buon Viaggio!

Hello Francesco, I have been dealing with Gemut, an U.S. vehicle rental broker for Europe. We also wanted to take a car from mainland Italy to Sicily. We were informed that Hertz doesn't allow their vehicles to be taken from the mainland over to Sicily so we are renting another car (Hertz) when we get to SIcily instead. Maybe try a different rental brand. Hope that you can get it worked out. Ciao, Sherry

^^ Gemut gave you wrong information then. This comes straight from Hertz website: É consentito trasportare il veicolo noleggiato su un traghetto nel rispetto delle seguenti condizioni e restrizioni: (...) É consentito il transito su traghetti purché sia per il paese di destinazione che per il veicolo noleggiato non siano previste limitazioni nelle restrizioni di guida. (...) Translation: It is allowed to take the rental vehicle in a ferry according to the following conditions: - it is allowed the use of a ferry as long as there aren't specific restrictions concerning the car or the destination (country). Some rental companies forbid taking cars into Sardegna, but in Sicilia it is usually no problem! What you can't do is rent on the island and return in the continent - usually.

try holidayautos.com - a rental broker who have some good rates into Italy. Just made a search and they're coming in cheaper than auto europe, and it's allowing the return to palermo

Francesco; 1. Rental agency= Autoeurope. If you have any questions call them at their headquarters in Maine and ask. 2. Six people and luggage in a van available in the EU; probably NOT going to happen. Or a van that can drive down the narrow town streets of Sicily.......oh...oh. Do some research on the suggested models.......and make sure that the cubic space will accomodate your group! and luggage!!!!!!!!! 3. Let your finger do the walking and make sure that it is cheaper to take a van across on the ferry. It might make a lot more sense to pick up a new on in Sicily. Much cheaper! Again, go to the AE website and fiddle with this.