Where to rent a car, or even if I should

It is very easy to hit the famous spots using public transportation in Italy, as well as being inexpensive (especially if you purchase tickets in advance), safe and stress free. And, everyone can sit back and enjoy the views.

It depends where you want to go. If big cities, use the train. If you want to explore the countryside, a car is easier (but probably MUCH more expensive). So I would first figure out an itinerary. Then figure out if it makes sense to rent a car for just a few days, not the entire duration of the trip.

If you plan to rent the car in Italy and return it in another country, the one way fee to drop off in another country can be $1,000. You could rent in Florence, explore the countryside, and return in Milan to avoid that fee, then continue to Switzerland by train.

You'll be hard pressed to cover even just the more famous spots in 12 days, so make your must list before contemplating car travel. Car is bad for cities, good for rural villages. You may need some time on arrival depending on what time you arrive and where you want to go. You can look at train schedules on the Trenitalia and Italotren websites.
I'd work backward, too--determine where you want to end up so you can determine where to end in Italy.

Pastorash,
You’ve received great advice here.

When is your trip?

My 2 cents…

Years ago, I’d considered taking the ferry from Greece to Bari, but upon further research, we opted to fly. Consider flying to your desired destination in Italy, especially if this is your first visit, and that way you’ll have more time to enjoy “ some of the most famous spots”

Please let us know your itinerary and we’ll be able to give you more specific information regarding transportation options.

I'm with lisalu910, though we've made 13 trips that included Italy and did once rent a car - for four days to explore some of the smaller towns in Tuscany. I highly advise trains.