we want to do tuscany by car for a few days after spending a few days down in amalfi coast. should we take a train to rome from amalfi and rent a car at rome train station ? or would it be better to rent one before we leave amalfi and drive from there?...note, we will eventually fly out of rome.
another qustion, could we take the train all the way to siena and then rent a car there? using siena as our home base to explore tuscany?
suggestions?
Amber, taking the train to Rome/Siena first will only cost more money for a train ticket, as the rental will be about the same cost. You'll pay more for gas and tolls on the Autostrada, but not as much as two train tickets.
When I did Tuscany I stayed in Siena and used the car to get around. It was fantastic, and the way that I recommend seeing Tuscany. Also, take the bus from Siena if you want to go to Florence. It's not worth dealing with a car in Florence unless you have to. The bus leaves from the middle of the old city in Siena and takes you right to the train station in Florence. When I went, that bus was 8 Euros one way.
Renting a car in Siena is the best idea and that's what I did using Avis. However since your are there just a few days you can also just bus (which I also did)it easily in most of Tuscany from Siena. ie San Gimi.., Montepulciano, Pienza etc. Car rentals can be very expensive if less than a weeks rental. Amalfi coast is also best done by bus due to hairpin narrow roads and little parking.
thanks for the suggestions so far! my husband and i have been to italy twice before but never together. since this will be our first time to explore it together i want to make the most of our travels and make it easy and non-stressful...
Amber-
We're doing a similar trip and found a small place outside of Cortona that seems user-friendly. It's called Il Girasole. The train from Rome stops at the Terontola-Cortona station and the agency is 50 meters from the station. Plus, a GPS is only 6,50 euro a day. Massimo is who I've dealt with and he has been a great to work with and is quite helpful.
PS- We loved Siena when we stayed there but if you are staying in the historic center be sure to check where you would park.
