Train versus rental car in Italy

Looking at your itinerary, imho, all you will be doing is packing and unpacking. If you haven't already purchased your airline tickets, I would suggest flying open jaws to Venice and home through Pisa to save costly time back tracking. Secondly, you did not mention when you would be arriving and leaving. The first travel day is lost to travel and the second day you arrive you may have jetlag. I always go to the hotel and sleep. Also, the last day will be totally lost to return travel.

You should consider spending a few days in Venice. Next,you could base yourself in Florence and do day trips to Luca, Siena, Pisa, and Assisi. This is all possible using public transportation. I think your itinerary is too ambitious. Always assume that you will return to Italy because it will seduce you.

On our first trip years ago we used the trains because traveling in Italy was a new adventure for us. Now I rent a car and, sometimes, use the trains, as well. Since this is your first trip a train is a very efficient and excellent method to go between destinations without the hassle of what you mentioned again.

Buon viaggio,

RB

In cities, train, in country, car rental. How many nights are you planning for Sienna? A car might be useful for day trips from there if you plan to go to other hill towns. If you plan on staying put in the different towns you listed, I'd stick with trains.

Gary,

My suggestion would be to rent a car where required to get to locations not well served by train or bus. With a time frame of only a week, train will generally be a faster and more efficient travel method.

Note that for driving in Italy, each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which must be used in conjunction with your home D.L. Failure to produce an I.D.P. if requested can result in fines on the spot.

You already seem to be aware of the potential for ZTL tickets, so won't mention those further.

Using the EuroStar Italia / Alta Velocita where possible will be the quickest travel method, and you won't have any worries about tickets, tolls, parking, insurance or vandalism.

Good luck!

I agree with Ken 100%. Use the train whenever and wherever possible and really only use a car to get into those places not serviced well by public transport or to see the countryside. What Ken said is spot-on and very concise. I would add however, if you do rent a car, bring a good GPS with European maps and learn how to use it ahead of time. Also, do accept all the insurance and insurance upgrades that a car rental agency offers you. It will cost you more, but better safe than sorry. Only use your credit card "insurance" as a secondary policy.

Here's another vote in favor of train/bus instead of renting a car. Ask yourself how many conversations you'll strike up inside a rental car.

I love the trains because you get to meet all sorts of people. (And you don't have all the headaches you're already aware of.)

How long do you intend to be there overall? I have never rented a car there as I find ever place so far has been served by trains. (And I like the time to read a bit and primer for the next destination the train affords) One of my joys of traveling in Italy is simply looking out the train window and observing. Your passenger might get this in a car but the driver won't. If you are heavy packers, the train may not be quite as appealing. I like also the chance to meet people on the train. We have had several fun interactions on the trains (generally with kids) that you would not have in a car. Weigh the pros and cons... It will be a great experience either way.