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Transfer by car around Italy

My mother and I are planning a trip to Italy in April. I'm anticipating booking a car with driver from Bologna airport to Ravenna, and then again from Ravenna to Assisi. I know this is going to be pricey but it seems worth it given her age and mobility issues. Does anyone have advice on booking this? The Ravenna to Assisi leg especially seems a bit atypical.

Posted by
849 posts

We started using cars and drivers a few years ago in Sicily and I'll never go back. My husband, too, has age and mobility issues and he is unable to drive. That puts everything on me. The convenience and peace of mind is worth having a car and driver to me and don't forget to factor in the parking challenges. Driving is so much more fun when you can actually see the sites rather than driving yourself. There are lots of options in that part of Italy. Try googling "car service northern italy", "car service bologna" and similar to get options. And, I would comparative shop. It's a competitive market and there can be huge price differences.

Posted by
3481 posts

In 2022, we used Day Trip to get from Salerno to Rome. I can't think of a single negative thing to say about the experience or the company.

Posted by
62 posts

You might plan your travel dates with some thought given to Carlo
Acutis’ canonization, taking place in Rome during the Church’s Jubilee of
Teenagers April 25–27, 2025. Considered the Catholic Church’s first
Millennial saint, Acutis’ embalmed body, dressed in jeans, trainers and
a blue tracksuit top, is already on view behind a glass-panelled case in
Assisi’s Santa Maria Maggiore church and drawing big crowds.

Assisi expects thousands (many on packaged tours that include Assisi)
to continue on from Rome to Acutis’ crypt after the ceremonies. The town
anticipates more than 5 million tourists/pilgrims this year, especially
during the months before and after his canonization. Independent travelers
such as yourselves, with age and mobility considerations, might find Assisi
in April 2025 a bit of a challenge.

Posted by
8037 posts

Not specifically Bologna, but I tend to ask my hotel to recommend their land-partner. I presume they have a big incentive to give good service. And in Sorrento, unexpectedly, this meant I could charge the fees to my hotel bill. The "simplest" trip cost, hotel to Naples rail station, was less than Rick's recommended taxi company.

You should be prepared for a cost shock, wages, return-empty time, gasoline, and tourism. You have to think about your daily excursion plans, too.

Posted by
17 posts

I did end up booking a car through our hotel in Ravenna for both legs. The prices seemed comparable to other services. We'll be in Assisi May 2 to 5, hopefully we avoid a few crowds. Some people said we shouldn't go to Rome at all in 2025 but we're just going to go for it. We are pilgrims as well so it's all good!