Help with Itinerary

Kerry, The train from Venice to Florence is an easy trip. Note that reservations will be required, as you'll be travelling on the EuroStar Italia / Alta Velocita trains. As you're planning to rent a Car, and especially as you'll be in Florence, a few "caveats" regarding driving in Italy. It's important to note that 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 CAA/AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases 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 on driving in Italy. You may also want to have a look at some of the other posts here concerning the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many Italian towns & cities ( especially Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! There's also the issue of parking tickets and the possibility of having "The Boot" applied, and high fuel costs, tolls, etc. 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 and theft insurance. In Italy, buying CDW from the rental firm is usually compulsory, so coverage provided by credit cards will not apply. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. You could also download the "Car Rental" PDF Guide from Gemut. Buon Viaggio!

LOVE LOVE LOVE Sienna! We spent a whole weekend there with plenty to do. You don't drive in the medeival town, just walk the maize and enjoy getting lost. The Duomo is sensational, like no other, and don't miss the Duomo Museum. Be sure to walk to the tower that was to be the end of a nave in a planned expansion that never happened. Climb up for a fabulous view of the duomo and the town. St. Catherine's Sanctuary was interesting, not grand, but some of the artifacts are unique. The main piazza is fun, especially in the evening. In Florence, be sure to reserve the Uffuzi and Accademia NOW, and confirm a few days before you go. You do not need a car in Florence, or Seinna. We took the bus from Florence to Sienna (with all our overpacked luggage!) and had no problems. The bus is about as fast as the train, but is cheaper and drops you at the Medeival part of town. Plus, we met a woman who was from Sienna, who gave us some good tips on what to see and eat! Happy Travels! Jan

What are your interests?

Last June I spent six days in Siena with two friends and we rented a car. If you don't already have a hotel reservation, I suggest Hotel Minerva. It's just outside one of the city gates, has garage parking for guests, and some rooms have views of the skyline of Siena. Includes breakfast and internet access. From Siena we went to a couple of other places for day trips. Should you decide to spend a couple of days in another city, we spent some time in Assisi (there's free parking at the foot of the Rocca Maggiore and then you walk down to into the main squares).

A second vote for Assisi, if the art and architecture are of interest to you. In my second visit, I spent a week there last fall and could have stayed longer. The town and the views are absolutely stunning in the evening (and the Eremo della Carcieri above issue offers a wonderfully quiet, reflective interlude, as well as enjoyable walks through the hills/woods).