Heading to Florence in October. Current plan is to do 3 nights in Florence, 3 in Montepulciano area, 2 nights in Siena and last night back in Florence before flight. Originally was planning on renting a car after Florence and giving it up when we reach Siena. We really want to be able to see the hill towns at our leisure but getting concerned with all the warnings about driving in Italy. Looking for opinions.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
I like renting a car and having the freedom. As long as you pay attention and don't break the law, driving in Italy is no problem. I have driven to and from all the places you mention without a problem. I will not ever drive in Florence again, it is just too big a hassle for me and you don't need a car there. Parking can be a problem if you don't plan for it. Otherwise you are good to go.
Posted by
11679 posts
What warnings? It is not hard to drive in Italy and we have driven all over Italy on seven month long trips. It's a myth. Rent a car and keep it through your entire stay in Siena. Pick up car as you leave Florence, return car to Florence upon arrival back there.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
136 posts
We are currently in Italy and have done the reverse - we started in Orvieto and rented a car as we left to do the other towns in the area. We learned a lot from this forum and were vigilant about the ZTL signage and the speed limits. We won't know, however, if we were careful enough for several more months but we are pretty confident. Parking is always a challenge but it's doable. Our accommodation in Montepulciano gave us a residents parking pass and in Cortona we were able to find free street parking. Several planned day trips, including one to Siena were made challenging because parking was difficult. Montalcino - it took about 30 minutes to get parking; we gave up in Spoleto and in Siena. In fact we decided to do Siena as a day trip via bus from Florence and it was perfect. I agree - give up the car in Siena and take the bus to Florence. The bus is more frequent and more convenient to catch than the train and drops you off right beside the train station. I think your plan is doable - just be prepared with lots of coins for the parking lots and have the patience to wait for someone to leave as parking is at a premium.
Posted by
OP
Upstate NY
99 posts
Thanks for the help, I am feeling a little more comfortable with sticking to our original plan. I might still hire a driver for a day near Montepulciano so my husband can enjoy wine tasting responsibly. Any suggestions for wineries and drivers?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16211 posts
A car is needed for your trip except for Florence and Siena itself.
I would leave all your Florence nights at the end.
In other words I would rent a car upon landing and head straight to Montepulciano area. You can drive there in 90 min from the airport.
I would do:
Arrive FLR rent a car and go to Montepulciano
Montepulciano 3 nights
Siena area 2 nights
Florence 4 nights
You'd return the car when you arrive in Florence.
With 4 nights in Florence you also could travel to Lucca+Pisa by train for a day trip.
Posted by
OP
Upstate NY
99 posts
Thank you Roberto- the problem is that I am so excited about visiting Florence that I am afraid if I leave it for last I won't allow myself to enjoy the rest of the trip. I figured Florence will be the high energy part of the trip and then we can chill. Do you have recommendations for winery day trips based out of Montepulciano? Or other fun things to do in that area? Thanks.
Posted by
Folsom, California
542 posts
We took a bus to Siena from Florence and then rented a car in Siena for a day trip to Montepulciano and Montalcino. Driving was no problem at all.
Visiting wineries is more challenging in Italy. It's not like in the US, so we didn't get to see any. Tours are recommended. Here is someone that I heard about from a wine podcast. He sounds like a very interesting person: https://www.filippobartolotta.com/how-to-trot