Tuscany by car or train?

Driving is definitely the way to see Tuscany. You can do it by trains and buses, but Italy's notorious late trains sometimes require you to miss connections. Besides, you can be much less rushed and will take in much more of the countryside driving. Just make sure that each driver has an International Driver's Permit. GPS makes a huge difference navigating, as well. I bring mine from home preloaded with euro maps.

Just spent 3 weeks in Italy, including 2 weeks in and around Tuscany. Rented a car, and drove everywhere. Never a problem. Signs are easy to follow, and the drivers are not as bad as their reputations. Go for it !!!

Elizabeth, I drove in Italy and loved it. I felt safe and had not problems. also, its the best way to see the hill towns. Have fun.

Elizabeth, A few points regarding driving in Italy.... For driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any CAA/AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases is offered at the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information on driving in Italy. You may also want to have a look at some of the other posts here concerning the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many Italian towns & cities ( especially Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. I tend to use well planned train or Bus transportation most of the time, but cars are useful for getting to towns in Tuscany that aren't well served by public transit. While trains can be late sometimes, I haven't found that this happens frequently. Most of the time, they're on time and things work well. Happy travels!

I too often suggest that Tuscany is the only place in Italy (well, unless you are in the far regoins) to drive. But realistically, you really do not have much time to "explore" and unless you are planning on spending you time at an Agritouriso or other place off the main rails, then a car really is not necessary. One option would be to head to Siena after the CT, spend a couple nights, then stop at Orvieto for a couple nights, using one or both as a base to visit other towns. It may work to rent a car for a day or so at one of those stops to do some exploring, but not the entire time.

Car by far! hee hee - don't be afraid, but make sure you have GPS and some good road music. You will have a blast! Hard to see some of the great hill towns without switching from train to bus and that is a hassle.

I'm going to be in Tuscany 3/30-4/11/2012. We've been to Venice five times, and will be bypassing it this time. I want to see Cinque Terre at its best, which will be another trip. It's also very far out of the way of where we're going. Our Florence stay will be for 3 nights taking in incredible art museums and sculptures. It's a premier city for many reasons. We'll move 15 miles south for 4 nights, staying at a bed and breakfast that has a fabulous restaurant. We'll be taking day trips by car to Siena, San Gim and Volterra and other unknown places Through the Back Door. We may lay around one day, drink a bunch of wine and take a nap. The rental car will be dropped 120 miles south in Orvieto, where we'll spend the night. The train trip into Rome is 1 hr. 15 minutes for Easter weekend. We'll be touring Rome for 3 days, and will again spend one day doing nothing at a B&B winery 20 miles south. I assume you're looking at U.S. Airways for the trip from Charlotte. After looking at their customer satisfaction ratings, I really should have booked my trip on Delta through Atlanta for $20 more. Have a great trip!