Two years ago, I rented a cars in Italy. But both times, i returned it to the original place of rental. This time, I am thinking of renting in Florence for a week or two, travel thru areas in Tuscany and/or Umbria, then drive down to Civitavecchia to catch a ship. Just looking for feedback is anyone has had experience with this type of open ended rental. Wondering if it would be easier (if duller) to return car to Florence & take train to Civitavecchia.
thanks...I realize my question is rather vague, just sending it out there.
As long as you return it in the same country, you shouldn't have any problems or extra fees. You only run into a fee issue when renting in one country and dropping off in another.
I rented thru AutoEurope.com in April, and picked the car up at Hertz (53 Via del Sansovino) in Florence, which is 2 miles north of the train station. I dropped the car off 5 days later at Hertz in Orvieto without any drop off fees. Before you attempt to make your reservations, check Hertz' website to see if they have a location in Civitavecchia to drop it at.
Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Maggiore (National/Alamo partner) all have offices in both Florence and Civitavecchia. All of the above rental companies have locations in Florence City Center at the same intersection of via Borgo Ognissanti or via Maso Finiguerra (near the Vespucci bridge). Those streets are accessible streets within the Limited Traffic Zone of Florence (ZTL). No fees for within-country drop off.
Felicia, I'm doing something similar...renting a car in Tuscany and driving it to Civitavecchia to catch a cruise. What day of the week does your cruise leave? If it is a Sunday, like mine is, then take note that ALL of the car rental offices are closed on Sundays. I booked with Hertz as they will allow me to drop the car and return the key in the key box on a Sunday (you'll need to call their 800# to make they know you are doing this). Whichever day you leave on the cruise, make sure to check the rental offices' open hours. If you don't drive but train it instead, you'll have to travel down to Rome to catch a connection to Civitavecchia. The driving route there is so much shorter and will save you time.
Thank you all so very much. very useful info! and Pam...especial thanks as I forgot all about the Sunday closing! Fortunately, we sail on saturday.