Tuscany without a car

You won't be able to go anywhere from the Agriturismo without a car. We took 2 great day trips out of Florence into Tuscany and they were perfect. We used WalkAboutFlorence and did their BEST OF TUSCANY TOUR and their CHIANTI FOOD & WINE SAFARI. We felt those were good enough for us to see the area - esp without a car. Florence itself will need 3-4 days.

Can you not drive, or do you have some concerns about driving that can be assuaged?
You can try to find a place that is on the edge of a village and trek to town and supplement with private drivers, but that is so much harder than just driving—it’s a very rural area.

Either hire a driver or drive yourselves in a rental car. Tuscany requires a car!! We have been there four times and always rented cars.
And for an agriturismo, you need to have your own transportation.

I'm nervous about renting and being responsible for a car in Italy. I have read that you do not want to attempt to drive in Florence. If so, where would I rent a car? Is there a location on the edge of Florence? I believe you now need an International Driving Permit. Also, I'm not sure how to get insurance in Italy.

Has anyone hired a driver? What was the cost?

You can stay in Florence and take day trips to smaller cities and towns by bus or maybe hire a private small group tour (there are many companies offering that in Florence), but you can't stay at an agriturismo without a car.

Possible day trips:

Smaller cities:
SIENA (by bus or train)
AREZZO (by train)
PISTOIA (by train)
LUCCA & PISA (by train)

Smaller towns/villages:
FIESOLE (by city bus, very close to Florence)
SAN GIMIGNANO (by bus or by train to Poggibonsi+bus) - You might be able to add MONTERIGGIONI
CERTALDO (by train) - you might be able to add San Gimignano. Proceed on the same train to Poggibonsi then take the bus to S.G.
SCARPERIA (by train+bus)

For everything else you need a car or a private small tour

www.autoeurope.com

to get a car.
Insurance is also part of the deal but you may want to add extra coverage like zero deductible and also windshield and undercarriage coverage (usually not covered). Both are available in the same website (for some extra bucks per day)
International Driving Permit has always been mandatory in Italy. Takes less than 10 min to get one at your local AAA.
If you don't feel comfortable driving inside the city to leave to the countryside, you can always rent from the airport (probably for more money). But there is no danger exiting the city, just be careful not to drive on Bus Only lanes.

First, you should understand that you will be in Tuscany when you are in Florence, its capital. I spent about 10 days in Tuscany without a car many years ago, although I did not stay at an Agriturismo. I used Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano as my bases for exploring. I got around using trains, buses and walking.

From Siena you can take public transportation to several hill towns including San Gimignano, San Miniato, Monteriggioni, Buonconvento or Montalcino, known for Brunello wine. You could also book a day tour to get out to the countryside. And there is plenty to discover in town.

While driving will make a short visit easier, it's not required.

What about basing yourselves in Siena, which is charming, and use small group day tours into Tuscany? There are several options, using nine passenger vans, and they pick you up in Sienna. RS recommends Tours by Roberto, who is seen in the Tuscany RS video. Roberto has a website. We used Roberto this past spring, 2025. The tour that finished with lunch at his farm was excellent. It was a long day, but we saw the hill towns.
I believe there are also day tours from Florence, but Siena may be less crowded. When is this trip?
Have a wonderful adventure.

....... Roberto da Firenz .......... is absolutely correct. Believe every word. It is a terrific rural area but you need a car or at least a driver. It is worth it. We spent a week visiting three wineries a day. Wonderful trip.