Wife and I are traveling to Italy, first time. We want to see grandparents home towns of Cosenza in the south and Pollutri (Abruzzo region). We are going for two weeks and preliminary thoughts are to fly into Rome for a couple days, rent a car and then to Pollutri and that region (any must sees in this region?), then to Naples and Capri, then on to Cosenza, then maybe train back up to Rome at journey's end? I haven't even assigned timelines to these yet - so very rough itinerary at this point. I would appreciate any input you feel might help us in the right direction for planning. Timing this trip for last half of October this year. Thanks all!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Tony, I have a few comments..... That's a considerable distance to cover in a 2-week trip! Keep in mind that you'll lose a day at each end, so will only have 12-days for travel. Using a car is perhaps NOT the best method of travel, although you'll probably need it to visit Pollutri (Cosenza is about 3H by rail from Naples, so you could use train for that part). If this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend pre-reading Europe Through The Back Door, as it provides a lot of good information. One important point to note is 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 AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some case is offered at 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. 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. EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! 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. Good luck with your planing!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Tony, One additional comment..... I'm assuming your location is Shoreline in the north of Seattle? If that's the case, you may find it extremely helpful to take the short drive to Edmonds and speak with the experts at ETBD. While there you could also use the free Library, which has all of the current Guidebooks. There is parking in front of ETBD, but it may be a bit "limited" during the week. They're open 9-5 on Saturdays, so that's another option. Cheers!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Lisa, That's exactly why I usually just pay the charges for the CDW offered by the rental firm. There are usually numerous exclusions and "rules" with the insurance provided by premium credit cards (ie: both the reservation and rental MUST be made with one particular card, some countries are not covered, some protection such as glass or tire damage isn't covered, etc.). The situation is considerably different for car rentals in Canada and the U.S., since I can use my Roadside Plus so don't have to pay for any of the insurance packages offered by the rental firm. I used it on a trip last month to Seattle and Portland, and it was great (although I splurged on a Hybrid, so the cost wasn't as cheap as it might have been). Cheers!
Posted by
NY, USA
500 posts
"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. " We have a plan through American Express for CDW however Italy is one of the few countries that it does not cover. So be very cautious and be certain to check your coverage.