We are a family of 6 adults traveling to Italy for a wedding. We need to travel from Florence to a wedding location outside of Siena with no access except by car. The plan was to rent a van either in Florence or Siena, but I have read that might be a bad idea because a van is so big and hard to park. The other option is renting 2 cars. We will be in the area 3 days and will want to get out and explore the area. We will be staying at Borgo Argenina. How would the drive from Florence to Siena be in an 8 person passenger van? 6 people but all our luggage. Or are we better off going by bus from Florence to Siena then renting 2 smaller cars?
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8478 posts
If you can get the cars you need in Siena then taking the train is better
Bus drops you up in town but the rental agencies are near train station
2 cars would be easier-luggage space for 3 will still be a tight fit so pack light!
All drivers must have an IDP -required by law
I believe you would need special license for a large van
Regardless you won’t be driving IN to any towns in the area but parking in lots outside the walls
Not clear where you are staying? Where is Borgo Argenina??
ETA I see it is in Gaoile in Chianti which is before you reach Siena so you could rent in Florence
There are threads here that give specific directions for exiting Florence safely
( renting cars in Siena also works but availability will be limited-do you need automatic transmission?)
We always book our cars thru AutoEurope.com
Posted by
OP
Melbourne, Florida
3 posts
Borgo Argenina is in Tuscany, about half hour outside of Siena.
We are aware of the International Drivers license requirement, didn't know the van might require something additional though. Price wise 2 cars is about the same as one van anyway. I am more concerned about driving a van on the roads. We have never been to Italy before and all the warnings about the small curvy roads has been concerned lol. We plan to rent the cars only while in the Siena area, not in Florence or Rome.
We have 3 free nights at the beginning of the trip and 2 at the end. We may end up going to Rome first then Florence at the end since there is so much more to do in Rome. I wasn't really sure if the car rentals were at the train station or the bus station, or both.
Thanks for the reply and information! We are still at the planning stage and just trying to figure out the flights and transportation first! The only thing set right now is the accommodations for the wedding.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8478 posts
Rome or Florence at beginning or end-either works but be sure you are booking “multi-city” flights
In to Rome, out of Florence or vice versa
You will need to be in your departure city night before departure flight no matter which departure airport
Departures to US from FLR (won’t be direct) leave very early morning-so keep that in mind-you would likely need to stay in Florence night before
Let us know once you decide on itinerary and we can give more specific transportation and car rental/drop off advice
Long story but on our first rental in Italy we ended up with a van-it wasn’t 8 passenger- but it was big lol kind of like a panel van
Driving the roads was no problem but parking was a huge problem and driving in/ out of towns like Siena and Assisi to get to our hotel /parking was a bit dicey to say the least. We survived and still laugh about that experience-my husband brags about getting that van in and out of the underground parking in Assisi without a scratch.
We couldn’t wait to be rid of it!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8478 posts
Roberto always has best advice for driving/car rental options
He usually posts in the evening-see if he responds and has different ideas
Posted by
OP
Melbourne, Florida
3 posts
We won't have to worry about parking at hotels since we are staying at places outside of the city, just need to park to go to into Siena, and any day trips we take in that area. Your story though sounds like what I am trying to avoid lol! We want a relaxing enjoyable trip!
I think we will flip the trip and go Rome, Siena then fly home out of Florence. I plan on trains and buses at all times except the time we are at the wedding venue for 3 days driving around Siena and Tuscany area.