Hi,
I know this has been discussed in the past but just want to get the latest thinking from all of you. We will be traveling to Italy in September. Combination of trains and a rental car while in Tuscany..Train from Milan to Florence, then Siena to Venice, then Venice to Lake Como.
Two main things: Is it best to rent the car before we go? And, is there any reason to purchase train tickets before we go, or just do it in-country?
Thanks so much!
Jo
Definitely rent a car before going; do it on the spot and you are likely to pay top dollar; doing it ahead you can comparison shop a bit.
And train tickets are MUCH cheaper bought several months out. I have paid about a third as much as last minute routinely and on occasion even less than that. This applies to longer hauls not commuter trains or short distance trains. We always buy the ticket from Termini to Florence on arrival because we don't want to worry about late planes etc but for anything else, when you know your dates, get your tickets.
For any travel legs on fast trains--and you have several--you'll save considerable money by buying non-refundable, non-changeable tickets if/when your itinerary is locked down.
I have no experience renting cars in Europe but have always heard that it's likely to be cheaper if arranged ahead of time. I suggest checking AutoEurope, Kemwel and Gemut.
On all of the train routes you mention you would save a lot of money by buying the train tickets a couple of months in advance than if you waited until you got there.
100% yes, and 100% yes.
There is no reason to wait to book the rental car, and every reason to do it ASAP. Shop around, and do it NOW.
For trains, it depends on whether you want to save money or have greater flexibility for the exact time you'll jump on the trains. As described above, by booking in advance (well in advance) you can save significantly. The downside of that though, is you will be locked in to a specific time.
