I am looking into a 14 day trip covering Rome-appox 3 days, Venice appox 2 days, Switzerland appox 2 days(not sure where), and Paris appox 3 days. I would like help with hotels in each of these places and transportation inbetween each location. I thought about taking a taxi from FCO to hotel near Colosseum. I was thinking about renting a car and driving to Venice maybe staying a night in Florence or Cinque Terra on the way to Venice. Any thoughts? Where would I pick up the rental car and drop it off? Any help would be great!
Posted by
Long Beach, CA, USA
359 posts
3 countries in 14 days is a bit much the Cinque Terre is not on the way to Venice you don't want a car in Florence or Venice or CT what time of year are you planning on travelling?
where will you be flying in and out of?
Posted by
OP
HOWELL, MI, USA
35 posts
I would like to go in May. Fly into Rome and out of Paris. I wanted to rent the car just to get from Rome to Venice and see the countryside. We would rent the car on the way out of town (Rome) and dropped it off upon arrival in Venice. Maybe stay the night in a small town on the way to Venice....
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
You will be whizzing through the places you want to visit with your schedule. You are looking at a lot of travel time. You plan to pick up a rental car out of Rome is very sound. I suggest Orvietto which is an hour north of Rome. Driving around Umbria and/or Tuscany is the best use of the rental car. Just don't drive around in Florence. Most of the historic areas are special zones and they get you with cameras. Dropping your car off in Venice will work well also. As nice as the Cinque Terre is, it's really a stretch for what you want to do. From Venice into Switzerland is a 7.0hr trip by train (i.e. Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, etc.). From that area of Switzerland to Paris, it's another 6.0hrs on the train.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Jennifer, With such a short time frame, it will be important to plan transportation carefully, and allow for adequate travel times between locations. "I wanted to rent the car just to get from Rome to Venice and see the countryside." You'll also see the countryside if you travel by train, and it will likely be more relaxing. A few points regarding car rental in Italy. 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 AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases are provided by 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. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy (especially Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! 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. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. Two suggestions for Switzerland. The Berner Oberland is a big favourite with many here. For a city stop, Lucerne is a good choice. Happy travels!