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Cinque Terre/Tuscany driving trip-help!

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I am planning a trip to Cinque Terre and Tuscany for the first of May. We love Italy, have been to Siena(3x), San G and Lucca for one day, Rome, and Florence(5 days last year). We are looking forward to driving in the Tuscan countryside for the first time-plan to do RS driving tour-vineyards, and tasting wine, etc.

I know a home base is a good idea -we enjoyed staying in one place in Florence for 5 nights but want to experience Tuscany. I am planning on staying at Airbnbs but am open to other suggestions - I know I need to hurry up and figure this out.

Fly into Rome-train to Florence 2 nights(get over jet lag, etc, re-visit Florence), train to Cinque Terra (3 nights but not sure which town to stay in), train back to Florence, rent car by train station, maybe 2 nights either in Volterra or San G., on to Montalcino and Montepulciano (in one place for 4 nights or split them?) then to Orvieto (someone on another post said I could leave rental car in Orvieto and catch train back to Rome. Stay at Rome Airport Hilton to leave early flight next day.

Any suggestions or thoughts are appreciated!

Posted by
4105 posts

Rent your car in La Spezia as you leave the Cinque Terre. There's no need to backtrack to Florence if you want to visit Volterra and San Gimignano. I see no real reason to split your time between Montalcino and Montepulciano because they're such a short distance apart.
If you have an idea of what you want to see, we might be able to narrow your choice.

Edit. Your car can be dropped in Orvieto only if you rent from Hertz.

If you've never in Italy, please read this and download their e book for further info on driving here. You will also need an IDP ( translation of your license). Available at AAA.

Posted by
4363 posts

Agree with gerri on all aspects of car issue.
As for where to stay in CT, the villages are all linked by frequent train, so just pick the accommodation you like.

How early is the outbound flight?

Posted by
98 posts

I had no idea I could rent a car in La Spezia-that would really save us so much time not to back track to Florence!

Does La Spezia have a Hertz rental so we can drop off in Orvieto? We will be ending our trip in Montalcino or Montpulciano so we can drive anywhere (does not have to be Orvieto) to drop off the car and catch a train to Rome.

We have an early flight but have reservations at the Rome Airport Hilton so we can just walk to the airport-thanks for asking!
We wanted to rent a car last year when we were in Florence but had not researched where to rent and drop off to make the most of our time, so we just stayed in Florence, which was nice. I am excited to see Tuscany but want to be secure in where to rent and drop off car, etc.
Thanks so much for your help!!!

Posted by
4363 posts

I was wondering if you could eek out one more day by driving down the coast instead of dropping ca at Orvieto and all that. Maybe just drop at airport the evening before? Somewhere like Pitigliano might make a nice stop.

Posted by
98 posts

Driving down the coast sounds very intriguing!
The only problem is that I don't think we are up to the challenge of driving in Rome to return the car. Maybe we could fit in Pitigliano anyway...looks amazing!

It sounds like, (I could be wrong) that renting a car in La Spezia might be easier than in Florence as well-(smaller town?) not sure. I think, if I remember correctly, in La Spezia we take a train or boat to whatever Cinque Terre town.
Thanks!

Posted by
4363 posts

Driving down the coast sounds very intriguing! The only problem is
that I don't think we are up to the challenge of driving in Rome to
return the car. Maybe we could fit in Pitigliano anyway...looks
amazing!

It sounds like, (I could be wrong) that renting a car in La Spezia
might be easier than in Florence as well-(smaller town?) not sure. I
think, if I remember correctly, in La Spezia we take a train or boat
to whatever Cinque Terre town.

OH NO--not dropping in Rome, at the airport! I might not have your timeline down exactly, but I thought you might be able to squeeze in a stop between Montalcino and Rome airport, dropping the car the evening before and still staying at the airport hotel. But, thereby possibly eliminating the need to deal with train stations and such.

After CT, you can take a train to La Spezia to pick up the car. It is sure to be easier than driving out of Florence.

Posted by
8 posts

The nicest place we have stayed in Tuscany is Baccana, a hilltop village in Luciciana Nardi maybe 45 minutes from La Spezia. Also a marvelous place to dine is a restored monestary in the same general area, Via Apella 1. Very reasonable, many course meal with house wines. We will be staying in Monterosso, Cinque Terre, catch the train to La Spezia, rent a car and drive for lunch.

Posted by
1232 posts

Does La Spezia have a Hertz rental so we can drop off in Orvieto?

Yes, We just used it last year. Book through AutoEurope. We actually had to do it via phone because the websites weren't showing the correct info.

Posted by
11156 posts

Drop your rental car off at FCO, rental agencies are a short walk to Hilton FCO. We always do this. Why drag bags on and off a train when you already have a car which is so much easier.. The Autostrada is not difficult driving to FCO, like an interstate in US..

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