We plan on renting a car to tour Tuscany in September. The plan is to leave Florence and Spend 3 days in Val d'Orcia (Staying in Montepulciano) and then head to Venice/Südtirol from there. Is it better to train to Chiusi and rent/return down there or rent/return in Florence? Has anyone ever done an open jaw rental (pick up in Florence and drop off in Chiusi). Also when renting in Florence is it better/more convenient to rent at the airport or at the car rental places towards Santa Croce (we'll be staying in Florence for a few days before we get the car.
Posted by
Portland
3601 posts
There are a few things to consider. Chiusi is small and off the tourist track; therefore, it's easy to manage. You aren't likely to get caught in the maze of Florence's ZTL's, and you won't incur the extra charge levied when you pick up at an airport. We often do open jaw rentals. As long as you're not crossing borders, most companies don't charge extra. We stayed near Chiusi several years ago, and my recollection is that it was very easy to get to the Val d'Orcia. Incidentally, there's a very good Etruscan museum in Chiusi. Very worth a couple of hours stop.
Posted by
Albert Lea
67 posts
I wouldn't rent in Florence. We rented our car in Chiusi, and dropped it off in Florence. You wouldn't be able to drive in the city center anyway. We took the bus everywhere in Florence. In Chiusi we got off the train and took a short jaunt to the Ford dealership. That is where our Autoeurope car rental was. It had just moved to inside the Ford dealership last May. You just get off the train, walk under the train overpass, and head towards the Ford dealership. Very easy. There might be another rental place in Chiusi also. We had backpack suitcases so we walked to the dealership. If you have several pieces of luggage you will need to take a taxi the 1/2 mile jaunt.
Posted by
montepulciano, SIENA
21 posts
Hi Marcus,
the other place in Chiusi where you can rent a car is at this web site www.autonoleggiocaroti.it. If you call them in advance they can also bring the car right in front of the train station in Chiusi. Chiusi is easily reachable from Florence by train (there's a train every hour..). I think the best for you is to take the train from and to Florence and get the car only when in Chiusi (20 km from Montepulciano passing through Chianciano). The same for the way back: go back to Flr by train and catch the bus to the apt right in front of the train arrivals in Santa Maria Novella station (SMN main station). For the drop off you are always charged some euros. Pls feel free to ask any further information about the town where I live. I will be pleased to help you in planning your holydays.
Ciao
Serena
local tour guide Siena Montepulciano
www.lamiasiena.it