We have just over 3 weeks in October. We're flying into Rome and then take the train to Florence or Siena to rent a car. We plan to spend a week in an agritourismo in Tuscany, stay 2 or 3 nights in Levanto or other small, less touristy villages in Cinque Terre and then go east to see/hike the Dolomites, a day or two in Venice and then back to Rome to fly home. A few questions: Can we book a car in one city & return at a different city (or the airport)? Where should we stay to see the Dolomites & Venice in daytrips? (we have been considering Verona). Thanks for your insight & advice :-)
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
Sure, you can drop a car in a different location. However, double check to see if there is an extra drop fee for doing that. We have encountered both fees and no fees. If you have not booked your plane ticket you should consider coming home from Milan. Probably would be cheaper in total.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1147 posts
Hello cftrozzo,
Yes picking up and dropping off in different spots is allowed - for a fee. But it will limit your choice of companies because they need to operate in both locations so think carefully about where you want to pick up and drop off. Larger locations on both ends will give you more options over a small town that has only one rental agency. If this is your schedule I would consider picking up at the Florence airport and dropping off in Venice or a large city near Venice with good train service (Bologna, Verona maybe) but just keep it in mind if the rental place isn't letting you choose a city as a drop-off point it is probably that restriction.
If you only have a day or two in Venice I would plan to stay in Venice and if you want to day trip see the islands in the lagoon, but I love Venice and will happily spend several days there just enjoying the city. Verona - especially the old town - is a very charming and pretty city with tons of cafes, shopping and piazza life. It's a great day trip or overnight with lots of walking and charm but few "sights" beyond the Roman Arena, theater and a couple of churches. (Ignoring the fake tourist trap Romeo and Juliet attractions.)
If you want to experience CT like settings without the tourists look into the southern side of La Spezia bay. It has San Terezano, the resorty Lerici (connected by a long bayside walkway) and the tiny TC like Tellaro but only Italian tourists because it has no train. Also Sarzana is over the hill for old city shopping and restaurants.
Get an International drivers license, park at the parking lot outside hilltowns, watch for ZTLs and enjoy.
Sounds awesome, have a great trip,
=Tod