Does anyone have experience or advice regarding renting a van for 6 adults in Italy? Or would two cars be better? I usually rent from Sixt in Europe.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16238 posts
Check the prices with Autoeurope.com (a US based consolidator with a presence in Italy).
It is very likely that 2 economy cars will be cheaper than a van large enough for 6 people (and their luggage, don't forget the luggage).
Also Italian streets in ancient cities and towns are narrow and don't lend themselves to large vehicles.
Another advantage of having two cars is flexibility. Sometimes some of you might decide to do something different, and with two cars you can split into two groups.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Car rental recommendations might also be affected by your itinerary...
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA
206 posts
We usually rent vans when we travel in Europe, but not so much in Italy. We have found two cars work better, and we use walkie talkies. Easier than cell phones and some have more than a two-mile radius. Just set to a higher number, less likely to be used by anyone else.
Devra
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
Are you bringing walkie talkies from the US and have you checked their legality in each country you visit in Europe?
I just did some research on this subject. The gist of it was that US walkie talkies are illegal in Europe. This was previously discussed on the Helpline at: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/walkie-talkies-v-cell-phones-in-Italy.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8371 posts
Most vans in Europe are what we'd consider mini-vans, and the full size vans are very, very expensive in every way. Remember you've also got to have room for luggage.
I usually rent the next to smallest cars, which will handle 3 people and their luggage. The smallest rental cars would be comparable to a Smartcar, and I wouldn't wish that off on anyone.