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Florence/Tuscany - Car/transportation options

During our upcoming vacation in Italy we will be in Tuscany, basing out of a friend’s in Florence for 3 days. I know, not enough time.

Day 1 we plan on staying in Florence, will get around using public transportation.
Day 2 we will go to Pisa and then to San Gimignano. Can we do these visits justice by train?
Day 3 I want to visit the countryside and get over to Siena and Montepulciano. Is this realistic, and should we rent a car to do this?
Then we plan to depart by train to Maranello to visit the Ferrari museum (any recommendations on that would be greatly appreciated).

So, questions are, should we look into booking a car to transport us (3) to the cities we are looking to visit?
Where should we plan to rent the car? Florence? I have seen recommendations on AutoEurope or the rental companies themselves.
What are the requirements for Americans driving in Italy?

Just so much to plan…

Thank you for your assistance.

Miam

Posted by
2419 posts

For day 2 and 3 I would pick one location, otherwise you're wasting too much time traveling between places.

Posted by
553 posts

To drive legally, you’ll need to get an International Driving Permit here in the States before you go to Europe. It’s based on your current state driver license and you can get one at any AAA office for a fee.

Posted by
20266 posts

You just need a hefty credit line available on your credit card. Don't really need to actually bring the cash.

Posted by
4 posts

Thank you all so much for your input.
I know I do not have NEAR enough time for this vacation. Guess I need to just make plans for my next vacation.
I will reduce this vacay and plan the car rental trip for next time.
I will rethink our time in Florence and the multiple side shows.
;.(. My attempt at tears.
Thank you again…

Miamm

Posted by
1539 posts

Just remember that anything south of Florence is "slow country": roads are winding and the few railways are slow. Your original program involves two destinations not served by railway (S. Gimignano and Montepulciano). But also having a car, it would not qualify as fast driving. You can visit Montepulciano from Florence, but as it it takes 1 hour 40 minutes in each direction, you could barely have time to stop in Siena.

Posted by
15867 posts

Will you already BE in Florence on Day 1 or is that the day you arrive? If arriving, where will you be coming from?