Car Rentals in Italy

What site are you using, Steve? I tried autoeurope.com and came up with a range of US$634 - $1700 depending on what size car you want. I also didn't know where you wanted to pickup and drop it so I just used Siena for both and that will make a difference. I believe Rick as a few sites listed under "Favorite Links" above.

Steve,

For driving in Italy, be sure to have a look at the posts here regarding "ZTL zones" and traffic tickets. Also, you'll need an International Driver's Permit for driving there, which must be used in conjunction with your normal D.L. (I believe you can be fined on the spot for not producing an IDP when requested by a peace officer).

Cheers!

Here is my itinerary, if it helps. I fly into Milan then train it over to Vernazza for 5 days. From there, I need to get to Campiglia Marittima where I will stay for about 2 1/2 - 3 weeks. That's where I will need a car. So, I thought I would train it from Vernazza to Pisa to pick up the car, then drop it off there when I was done with it.

I would like an auto transmission car, too.

I checked Autoeurope as well, picking up and dropping off in Florence. You could get a Fiat Punto for $644. That's a reasonable deal for 16 days rental.

I would recommend watching their rates for the next month. They often offer a discount during the winter. Autoeurope also guarantees to match any better rates you find on the web.

It's also very easy to call their 800 number and talk to an agent in their office in Maine. They're very good about helping you get their best deal.

OK. I just did a query on AutoEurope, pick up May 25, drop off June 10. Here is the cheapest quote:

Nissan Micra with ac
Automatic
Economy (ECAR)
2 Doors, A/C Car Photo
Zoom

1,466.77 USD Inclusive
Available on request.

You must be searching for an automatic only. I found much cheaper ($700 or so) deals for manuals. Automatics aren't all that common in Europe.

Can you drive a stick?

Yes. The cheapest automatic is $1,362. I can find a stick for about $650. I haven't driven a stick in years and I'm just a little bit concerned about all the hills in Tuscany.

Driving a stick is like riding a bike - you will get it after a few popped clutches and a grinding here or there. Hey, its not your transmission! The stick makes more sense - saves rental $ and usually gets better mileage too.

How bady do you realy want that auto transmission? Enough to pay double for the cost of the car? Sounds to me like a good opportunuty to re-aquaint yourself with the stickshift...

I really don't have a problem with a stick-shift. My only issue is that I grew up on flat Long Island driving my stick and I'm a bit concerned how I'll adapt to the hills of Tuscany. LOL!

Steve
www.travelingprofessor.com

It'll come back quickly. Really, a stick is better for the kinds of roads you'll encounter in Italy. Just remember to stay out of the old town centers (you don't want to go in there in a car with any kind of transmission!).

This reminds me of something a guy I used to work with said:

Why be gentle? It's a rental!

Check out a lease from Milan through your trip. I expect you will save a lot (even with the pick up and drop off charges outside of France).

You can drive from Milan to Genoa and train into CT or risk finding parking at your CT town.

Take a GPS with you. It's a big plus in Italy.

Yes, then there is the GPS issue. I have a Tom-Tom configured for North America. Do I need to do anything so it will work in Europe?

Steve
www.travelingprofessor.com

Steve: Tom-Toms are a European product and many/most/all of them come with a Europe map, but you have to go into setup (whatever it's called on your model) and select the Europe map.

Stick vs. Automatic. I hadn't driven a stick in 30 years and it really does come back to you like riding a bike. I did some practice driving on the flat, then found some slight hills in quiet areas, then steeper hills. Practice using the emergency brake, easing it off as you ease off the clutch going up a steep hill from a start. Check around at home to see if you can rent a stick shift and then practice in a place you are familiar with (like the parking lot). If you can get a one day rental (or beg a friend who has a stick car/truck) for just a bit of practice before you go I think you'll feel much relieved.