Florence museum pass and rental car

If you want the rental car just for the trip from Florence to Cinque Terre, I would suggest considering the train instead. There aren't many accommodations that provide parking and it's difficult to drive along the coast. The streets are very narrow, mopeds are dodging in and around you and large trucks are going past you with just inches to spare. If you want the car to drive around Tuscany, check AutoEurope or Kemwel rates online or call them. They are auto brokers and will arrange for a car with agencies such as Avis, Hertz and Europcar. To use AutoEurope and get their rates, you have to arrange for your car in the States. You will also need an International Driver's Permit which you can obtain at a AAA office. No test is required, just $15 and two passport type photos which they can take at AAA. There are ZTL areas in Florence and many cities in Italy. You have to have a special permit to drive in these zones. Otherwise, you will get a ticket later in the States. To be completely safe from entering this zone, rent your car at the airport. From there it's an easy transition to the autostrada. Have a great trip!

The Florence Card gets you into the Accademia and Uffizi without reservations, as well as Palazzo Vecchio, Bargello, Medici Chapels, Museum of San Marco, Pitti Palace, and a bunch of other sights. It's good for 72 hours.

The 2012 Rick Steves Italy has info re the "Florence Card" (50 euros) which gives you admission to many top sites (Uffizi and Academia) without needing a reservation, though there could be delays at some top sites if they are at maximum capacity. The card also allows entry for many lesser sites and free use of Florence city buses. It is valid for 72 hours. You do not need to wait in ticket buying lines. As the card is pricey, you need to determine yourself if it is worthwhile for you, based on what sites you want to see and whether you plan to make reservations for the museums. I have not yet been to Florence myself. I booked a B&B for an upcoming trip and asked the owner to reserve the Uffizi and Academia for me, so I likely won't get the Florence card.

megan, As denise mentioned, there are some "caveats" to be aware of when driving in Italy. Be sure that you're up to speed on those. If you need further information, post another note. Were you planning to travel to the Cinque Terre as a "day trip". If so, I most definitely agree that travel by train would be much better. In any case, that will be a LONG day, and you won't actually be able to see much in the C.T. Happy travels!

Rather than getting a museum pass, I joined the Friends of the Uffizi (Amici degli Uffizi, not its US counterpart). That allowed me priority access to the Uffizi, with no reservation and skipping the line, so I was able to drop in several times, whenever I wanted. It also gave me free access to other state museums in Florence, skipping the line/reservations. I think it cost about 60 Euro for one person in 2011. I'll definitely take that same approach this year.

There are two different museum passes available: 1) Firenze Card. 50€/person. Good for 72 hours and includes use of buses and admission to many museums. One European Union Citizen child under 18 is admitted free (or rides free) with each adult. 2) Friends of the Uffizi. 60€/individual 100€/couple or family with up to two children under age 18. There is a discount available for students under age 25. Good for the rest of 2012, does not include buses and covers fewer museums than Firenze card. American children are included in this one.