We are wanting to rent a car in Florence to drive to Lucca, Cinque Terre and then to Venice. Where is the best place to pick up a rental in Florence and drop off in Venice?
Is there a reason you just don't take the train to Lucca, then on to Venice?
We took the train from Florence to Lucca, and stayed in Lucca for a few nights. From Lucca we took the train for a day to Cinque Terre then back home to Lucca that evening. From Lucca we took the train to Venice.
The trains are plentiful and I don't think I would even want to drive any where near Cinque Terre.
Have to agree that I can think of no good reason to rent a car if you're only going to those places. The train would be much easier.
Are you aware that there is little to no parking in the Cinque Terre? You'd need to park in LaSpezia, then take the train to the villages.
A car is not needed at any of those locations. I would recommend to take the train.
If you are staying in a countryside villa near Lucca (not in the city of Lucca itself) then a car may be necessary. In that case the easiest pick up would be at the Florence airport (which is at the entrance of the freeway to Lucca). But you should return the car in La Spezia, near the Cinque Terre, and proceed the rest of your trip by train.
Yes, driving a very bad idea. Towns have limited traffic zones you are barred from entering, and CT really difficult.