Good idea? Bad idea? Thinking of picking up a car at the Florence airport and using it for about 4 days to travel thru Tuscany, then dropping it back off at the airport before continuing on my journey. I want to travel to Siena and use it as a base for about 4 days. I've traveled to Italy solo in the last year but didn't rent a car.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
17 posts
It really depends on how comfortable YOU would be behind the wheel. I've traveled solo to Italy several times, always renting a car, and have never had a problem. I bring a Garmin GPS and know that if I make a wrong turn, it'll get me back on track. I stay away from Florence and make sure I know where to park in Siena and other towns that may have a ZTL. I also look for places to pull over if speed demons are on my bumper and I find that having a car gives me more control over where I visit and how long I stay. Having full insurance coverage and renting from major companies also eases worries!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32406 posts
maggie,
Note that you'll also require the compulsory International Driver's Permit for driving in Italy, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. The previous suggestion to pack along a GPS unit (or at least a good Map) is also something to think about. Siena can be "challenging" to find parking, so booking a hotel that provides that would be prudent.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Renting. Car for tuscany is a gd idea. I have done it. But u my also enjoy just bussing around. I have driven and bused as a combo. I picked up an avis rental in siena to see Assissi, Cortona, Orvieto and etruscan caves. Driving in tuscany is easy itis the parking that can be iffy in peak season.
But i also traveled by bus verywell to Pienza, San Gimignano, And Montepulciano from Siena. And very reasonable just be very sure of bus schedule.
I guess u know parking is very limited in siena espec.if you stay in old siena which i recom highly.
Hope this helps.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16270 posts
When I read the title of your post I was overwhelmed by a sudden feeling of panic because I thought ISIS had taken over by homeland and renamed my region Saudi Toscana.
I immediately turned on my RAI italia channel fearing I would see my country of birth ruled by former Mayor of Florence and now Prime Minister Al-Matteo Abu Al FloRenzi wearing a traditional Arab head scarf issuing an edict banning women to drive.
But I was wrong. For the first time in years I was relieved to see Berlusconi once again making the news with his crazy ideas accompanied by his women less than half his age.
I think you are still fine driving in Tuscany on your own. I'll keep up with the Italian news for you to make sure nothing happens while you are there.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32406 posts
Roberto,
Very creative! LOL!