Reluctant to drive in Tuscany

Stress over driving may not be conducive to the relaxing vacation you envision. I have never hired a driver, (I use public transport on trips) but I know others on the forum have done so successfully. Perhaps they will have some suggestions on what has worked for them.

Given your itinerary, driving is really the ideal option. My husband and I drove in Italy in 2018 with six people (so a large minivan). The driving was relatively straightforward, although we did not drive to Montepulciano. The biggest challenge for us was parking. We rented through Auto Europe (which is our go-to-rental agency in Europe). They are super helpful and if you have issues they are there for you. You will need an International Drivers License which you can get at AAA. The one thing is to check on the age limits for rentals as at 70+ there is likely to be some restrictions.

Our trip in a few weeks, we are not staying in the Tuscan countryside, but we want to visit, so we are hiring a guide/driver for a day trip. You can contact your Agriturismo as they may have some suggestions for local drivers if you choose not to drive.

I drove in Tuscany several years ago. I was 70+ at that time but less than 75. I found driving in Tuscany no real problem. A few narrow roads here and there but no worse than in the rural US. The main thing to be aware of are the TZLs. Do a "Google" search or search on the Italy forum in the Q&A forum. To be safe I usually parked in lots on the edge of towns which did result in a bit of walking. Driving definitely added to the Tuscany experience.

This presumes the OP normally drives, which may not be the case. If you fear you're going to be anxious, remove that fear and arrange for transport. A hotel front desk (or the owners of the agriturismo) will have suggestions.

Assuming you can rent a car, I would not worry about driving in Tuscany. The roads are narrower Tha you might be used to at home with more turns, but traffic will generally be light. Parking can be a challenge at times, but the region is best explored with a car.

Have a great trip.

Where do you live and do most of your driving in the US? Rural, suburban, or urban areas? We have rented cars on at least four trips to Tuscany.
We compare driving in Tuscany to driving in Vermont.
You can rent a car and if a company turns you down, use another one! We always use AutoEurope, a broker in Portland, Maine as they stand behind you if there are any problems. We,ve used them for at least twenty years. No problems ever.

Chances are you won't find any car rental operation in Arezzo. They're mostly in the larger cities in Tuscany.

The road to Arrezzo is 4 lanes, and you won't have any problems driving down there. Tuscan roads are well paved and well marked. Getting off the beaten path you will find the roads to be a little hilly and crooked, but they're no problem to drive on if you're a decent driver.

Just make sure your rental car agency rents to 70 year olds. I'm in the same boat, and some limit ages to 70 and under. With a car, your Italian trip experience will be so much fuller.

How comfortable are you driving at home in the US? Are you a safe, defensive driver with a good driving record? Then you should be fine.

We were in our late '60s when we drove in Tuscany and have driven in France after turning 70. Read up on signage and rules of the road. ZTLs are well marked and easily avoided. A good rule of thumb is to assume anywhere within a city wall is ZTL.

We loved the ability to explore the countryside in a car and had no problems.

You didn't mention when in September you'll be there, but there are some festivals in Tuscany in September. It looks like it will be a good time to visit. Have a great trip!

Tuscany was not on our first three trips to Italy. Hitting the main cities avoids the question of a car at all. I don't "like" renting a car in Europe, but there are some places, and Tuscany is one of them, where you get huge value (as in, up to three towns a day) from the project. And it is a project: ZTL, IDP, insurance annoyances. And you chose an Agriturisomo. Is it rural, or not? Who is going to drive you around, and how much is it going to cost? It's even shoulder season, so I wouldn't depend on imaginary Ubers.

We split time a few years ago between 2 weeks in Florence and 2 weeks driving around the hilltop villages of Tuscany, and by far the highlight was the time we spent meandering around the rural countryside.
There is some homework to do in advance however - in particular studying the Italian rules of the road, learning how to identify and avoid the ZTL's, etc., but the driving itself is an absolute pleasure. Avoid the Autostradas and the cities and you'll do fine.

Make sure when you're reserving a car (if you go that route) that you get stick shift or automatic, whichever is your preference. You'll pay more for automatic.

I would echo Bob's point that parking can be a challenge. Since the area within the walls are generally ZTL, you will park outside of the walls. And since they are hill towns you will be walking uphill, sometimes a significant distance with a gain in elevation. Arriving in the town of your choice early morning maximizes your chance of a better parking situation. Driving itself is like any hilly rural area.

Once out of the large cities in Italy, driving is pretty much the same as in the US. Rent a compact size car. It will have enough power and not be too large( some of the roads are NARROW). A mini (the little Fiat 500, not the 500L or X)might be a bit underpowered in the hilly areas. Most rentals will be manuals unless you specify. I concur with the recommendation of AutoEurope.

“the driving itself is an absolute pleasure.”

I agree with Robert. Driving in Tuscany is super easy and extremely enjoyable.

Thank you all for your replies. I appreciate your help!

Also, the Autostrada is a toll highway. I recommend watching some you tube videos on how to navigate the booths. It is not difficult, but being in a foreign country, fatigue from the journey, and unfamiliarity with the process can be stressful.

https://mominitaly.com/how-to-pay-tolls-in-italy-autostrada/

https://vimeo.com/180237052

Hint: Make a copy of European traffic signs and tape it to your dashboard. They are in the back section of Rick Steve’s’ guide books.

We have visited Italy several times and never rented a car. So, if it’s going to be stressful, there are other options.

When I was at Arezzo, I took the train & bus over to Montepulciano. Train from Arezzo to Chiusi & bus from there to Montepulciano. I did stay in the town of Montepulciano and took the bus over to Pienza for a day.

You might want to check options with Roberto. His day tours are highly recommended:
https://www.toursbyroberto.com/

Have a great time!

The worst part of my first trip to Italy was trying to drive and navigate between Florence and the Montepulciano, Volterra, Sienna and La Spezia where we parked and took a train to Cinque Terre. I LOVED seeing the towns but really it was so stressful it made my husband physically sick at times. He is an highly experienced driver but we did not know road signs, went the wrong way on a one way and other blunders. We were not prepared. Now I find train routes, taxis or drivers.

Do you live in an urban or more rural setting? Tuscany is no different than driving in the US in a semi-rural area. You do need a car to explore Tuscany and there is no need to be reluctant about driving there. Before you go study a chart of European road signs. They are in the back section of Rick Steves’ guidebooks.
Print a copy and tape it to the Italian rental car’s dashboard. You’re good to go!

Thanks all; it seems the consensus is that to get the most out of the Tuscany part of the trip, its compelling that we get a car. And yes, i have reserved a car in Chiusi, and feel pretty good about it. I only intend to drive on the small, back roads in the countryside. Home base just outside Montepulciano and day trips to see the sights. I appreciate all the feedback from you guys!

What is a ZTL?

What is a ZTL?

a restricted area where if you don't have the correct permission you are on a short road to a big ticket = stay out.

I stayed in Arezzo last September, and rented a car from here: https://www.locautorent.com/en/car-rental/locations/tuscany/arezzo/
It's a small operation 2km west of the city walls. They also offer automatic transmission if you're stick-shift-challenged. I found them responsive and reliable. You can also book through the biggies and reserve your pickup here (Avis, Hertz, etc). Driving in Italy is one of the best ways to see the country - by getting lost you find some real gems.

For your intended plan you don't have much of a choice.

In Arezzo you don't need a car, but if you plan to go to an agriturismo, you need a car.

ZTL = Zona Traffico Limitato (limited traffic zone). Basically a pedestrianized area within the historical core of a town.

Only residents with permit (plus transit, emergency vehicles, as well as delivery trucks during certain hours) can enter a ZTL with a car. You cannot, so stay out. Unauthorized entry is enforced by camera. Park outside of it at one of the lots, and walk into the center on foot.

Arezzo has a ZTL, as well Montepulciano. They are all well signaled by the 'No Motor Vehicle Allowed' sign