My older (75 year old) parents are traveling with us for a week in Tuscany and then we will travel on to Germany and they will stay in Florence for a few days. They were unable to get a flight back to the states from Florence that worked for them price wise and so are flying out of Venice (but not planning to spend any time in Venice). I am looking for transportation options for them from Florence to Venice and would prefer for them not to have to navigate train travel by themselves. Any recommendation for a private car service or shuttle service between Florence and Venice. Private driver sounds better as it could accommodate any recommended viewing sights or a meal stop along the route. I understand it is about 3 hours by car, but they will have most of a day to make this trip (they have a hotel by the Venice airport for the night as their flight leaves early the next day). Appreciate any recommendations. Thanks!!
Posted by
381 posts
Last fall we used a car service called Simply Amalfi to pick us up in Naples and take us to Positano and then the reverse a week later. They were recommended to us by friends and we were extremely pleased. The primary contact is in Florence so I think it would be worth your while to contact her at this email: [email protected]. She is very efficient and very organized. She will get back to you immediately either by email or phone whichever is your preference. At the very least, I think she could send you to a comparable operation that would meet the needs of your parents even if this is not in their area of operation. Since she is based in Florence my guess is she could help your mom and dad.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32320 posts
kc,
You might contact Italian Limousine Network for a quote, as they're headquartered in Gallarate and operate in northern Italy. A private car service will not be inexpensive (especially if you're going to be making sightseeing stops) so you'll need to budget accordingly.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Would they be open to a bus ?
If so, this would be the least expensive option.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15838 posts
These are some of the top in Florence.
Expect to pay about €400-500 for up to 3 passengers, without touring anything in between.
http://www.benidriverservice.com/1/prenotazione_online_922617.html
http://www.effegiservicennc.com
http://www.nccfirenze.com
You could also put them on a FrecciaRossa train to Venezia Mestre. Then from there take a taxi to the airport hotel. Just as comfortable for less than 150€ all inclusive.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3250 posts
Reconsider the train. There are many direct trains to Venice (either Mestre or St. Lucia) and take only about 2 hours for the trip. Your parents would not have to change trains. If they are staying at a hotel at the airport, it's easy to get a bus from the Mestre station to VCE. I'm sure that it would be more comfortable than a car ride, much less expensive and quite a bit safer and faster. I'm 73 and have travelled by rail in Italy and found it stress free and convenient.
Posted by
Green Bay
20950 posts
Yes, but maybe take a taxi from Venezia Mestre station direct to their airport hotel. A bus might add a lot to the challenge factor, and a taxi should not be more than 20 EUR.
Posted by
New Orleans
1214 posts
The train is so comfortable and fast. How about combining both options? You could arrange a private, English-speaking guide in Florence to come to their hotel on the day that they leave Florence. That private guide could call a cab for them, accompany them and their luggage in the cab to the train station, guide them through the train station to their train, help them and their luggage onto the correct train car and settle into their assigned seats. There are lots of private guides in Florence (see that Advising website for suggestions, or google them) and it would likely be easy to arrange this. Just buy their train tickets on-line (trenitalia.com) well ahead, so that you can then arrange the time for the guide, etc.. On the Venice end, the Venezia Mestre station is small and easily navigated. A cab from their to their airport hotel would take just a few minutes. If they feel they would need help with their luggage from the train on that end, a private driver in Venice could likely meet them at the Mestre station and do so.
Posted by
NYC
490 posts
I recommend the train. It is comfortable and there is always a bathroom! Maybe not the greatest one, but it is there! :)
Posted by
Green Bay
20950 posts
And if you want them to be extra comfortable, get 1st class or business class tickets.