We will be taking the train from Genoa to Manarola in the CT, staying 2 nights, and then heading to Lucca for 3 nights before heading to Chianti for 4 nights. I'm on the fence about whether to pick up a car in La Spezia and driving to Lucca -- or taking the train to Lucca and getting a car right before heading to Chianti. Thoughts? Also, what car rental agencies in Italy have you had good results with? Thanks.
Posted by
Florence
362 posts
I think it sort of depends on how much stuff you have, etc. You may have to change trains going from La Spezia to Lucca. The drive is not that bad (there can be traffic depending on what time of the year - you don't say), but then you have a car in Lucca, where you won't need it at all (unless you plan to day trip from there). I have used Europcar several times from Florence with no complaints: http://bit.ly/5WkL22
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11785 posts
Martin:
We rented through www.gemut.com and received a better rate than Autoeurope or Hertz quoted, although the car was from Hertz and through Autoeurope even though Gemut made the arrangements! Although the site might make you think they only "do" Germany, they indeed can serve you all over Europe. I also found this publication useful as I was very nervous about renting in Europe: http://gemut.com/europe-travel-tips-features-379/3687-newsflash-master-template.html. Loved the trains in Italy and would only rent a car to see the places you cannot see easily by train: hilltowns, wine country. Take the train to Lucca and rent your car when you are leaving for Chianti. Laurel
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga
211 posts
If easier with luggage to drive, I would drive. That way you can make a brief stop on the way and see the Tower and Duomo in Pisa if you want to (the advantage of car is those short side trips). We have used various agenciesSixt, Europacar, Avis, etc. Just used Avis in Sept from La Spezia with dropoff at Rome airport. Had a Spanish car I never heard ofLeonwhich turned out to be amazingly nice with lots of trunk space.
The taxi stand is about 100 yds to the left as you leave the La Spezia train station next to two hotels and it is a very short ride, less than 5 minutes to AVis, and then essentially about 2 turns to get out of town and on to the autostrada.