Suggestions for a rental car in Florence, IT

"Also, would really appreciate feedback on parking situation and parking rates in and/or around Florence." Unfortunately, Florence may be one of the worst places in Europe for overnight parking. For the reasons why, you can read the Florence overnight parking discussion in Rick's book Florence & Tuscany, or you can browse prior discussions here (search instructions are at the stickie at the top of this page). What experienced travelers to Florence often try to do is stick to this rule of thumb: Don't try to sleep in the Florence historic center AND rent a car at the same time. You can do one or the other, but trying to do both in the same trip is asking for extra stress. Assuming you decide to go ahead and rent a car while you're in Florence, you'll probably want to pick a hotel that makes it clear that they provide overnight parking. To save yourself hundreds of bucks/euros, you'll also want to educate yourself on the Florence ZTL's.

You didn't mention whether you already have accommodations in Florence. We stayed on the outskirts of Florence at the Hilton Metropole. They provided free parking and a free shuttle into the city. It was also very close to the autostrada.

We to have stayed at the Hilton Metropole. There shuttle goes to the main train Florence train station about every 30 minutes. Do not drive a rental car around Florence. The entire historic area is in a restricted zone and they will get you with cameras taking pictures of your license plate. As for parking in the greater Florence area, forget it. I even have pictures of small inside parking lots where I was stunned at how close they can pack the cars inside. You don't park them - they do. Renting a car outside of Florence and driving through the hill towns is a great idea and will work fine.

Michelle, As Kent mentioned, it would be a really good idea to do some research on the ZTL areas, which are especially prevalent in Florence! EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket, which you'll receive several months after you return home. Another important point to mention is that 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 AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some case 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. 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. Cheers!

All of the above are right. We found parking using Rick's guide book and it worked well although it was a goodly walk into old Florence. The warning about the IDP is very good. I was not caught in one but they do random road stops in Italy and if you don't have an IDP, it can get ugly. Definitely take a GPS with a European map card. I think highway numbers in Italy are considered to be national secrets. After drriving about 18,000 mile on the continent Italy is the only palce where I found getting lost to be easier done than said. Have fun.

Thank you all so much for the great feedback! My husband picked up his IDP at AAA yesterday, and after reading a Graffiti Wall thread about GPS, I purchased a Garmin 275 this afternoon that has a European map card.

And if a hotel makes it clear they provide overnight parking, make sure you're clear on the price. Our hotel in Florence years ago had free parking; our hotel in Paris which said "parking available" had a parking garage down the street which cost 35euros/day! Make sure it says free, and print that information and take it with you!