My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy flying into Milan, traveling to the small town of Cuggiono (20 miles southwest of Milan) to do some family research and then on to Cinque de Terre. We also plan to tour the Lake Como area and then on to Trieste and then into Croatia, along the coast and then near Zagreb to do some more family research. What would you recommend as far as the sequence and driving a car versus taking the trains. This is our first trip to Italy/Croatia and we plan to spend about 14 days.
Posted by
Green Bay
20262 posts
Depends. Are you flying round trip to Milan or open jaw? You just might be able to get a deal on a 2 week rental. Definately need a car to get into more remote villages. I would get plenty of insurance and be upfront with rental agency that you will be driving in Slovenia and Croatia. Usual warnings about ZTL's & IDP's.
Posted by
OP
Indianapolis, IN, USA
3 posts
We are flying roundtip to Milan.
Posted by
Green Bay
20262 posts
I just checked Orbitz for 2 week rentals at the airport, and they look pretty decent. I don't know if you've rented in Europe before. Remember, the smaller the car, the easier it is to navigate narrow roads and park. It will help if you can drive a stick, as the budget cars are all manual. Not only is the rental less money, but the first time you have to fill up, well, you'll never put up with listening to someone back home gripe about gas prices anymore.
Posted by
OP
Indianapolis, IN, USA
3 posts
Thanks Sam. I will check it out.
Posted by
Green Bay
20262 posts
I also understand the autoeurope.com is a good place to check out.
Posted by
Beverly Hills, MI
803 posts
To get to the small towns and do the sight seeing in rural areas you definitely want a car. It not only gives you time flexibility it takes you door to door which is especially nice on rainy days. As Sam said don't forget the ZTLs and an IDP. Also you should have a GPS with a European map card as well as some good maps as a back up. Our experience in 2006 was that highway numbers in Italy seem to be a state secret so you need all the help you can get.