Drive from Siena to Venice

Bologna. It doesn't get much press, but I really like it.

You might also check to see if the car return place doesn't have a drop-box arrangement of some kind.

The car drop in Venice will probably be near the train station, if that makes any difference.

"The car drop in Venice will probably be near the train station, if that makes any difference."

Cars cannot get anywhere close to the Venice train station. The train station is on the main islands where no tourist cars are permitted. The rental car agencies are located in the large parking garage area as you approach Venice. There will be a large exit into this garage area as the roadway ends.

Your actual question seems to be 'where to stop along the way'. Do you also need info on where to drop-off the car in Venice, or do you have that covered?

If you're interested in Ravenna (very high-quality old mosaics, etc.) you might make a detour; it can be kind of tricky getting there easily by train on many itineraries...

Siena to Venice is an easy drive, and it makes sense to get to Venice by car.

If you want to stop on the way, I would also suggest Bologna, though it's a big enough city that it's a bit annoying to get in and out of. But it's a great untouristy, people-watching place with fantastic food. If you're willing to detour a bit, I would also agree that Ravenna is a good stop. It has amazing mosaics that you won't see quite similarly anywhere else. Saint Mark's, in Venice, has mosaics from the same time period, but you can't get quite as close up to them.

In terms of the car rental dropoff, you will drive up/over the causeway to Venice, next to the Venice (not Mestre) train station; they're all on Piazzale Roma (I think the big parking lot is there as well). Use google maps to see where you would drop off the rental car; I input "Europcar Venice," as that's the rental agency that we've used several times to pick up rental cars upon leaving Venice. From there, you can walk or take the vaporetto (water bus) to get to your lodging.

I echo the Bologna recommendations. It's one of the hidden gems of Italy, perfect for a day trip. Possibly the best food on the penninsula.