Have some ideas on our trip itinary, but would like some advice to see if we are on the right track or out of our minds. My husband and I are seasoned travelers, like a little adventure and flexibility. This is my husbands first trip to Germany/Italy, and my first in 25 years. Our flights are in/out of Frankfurt, arriving at 9:30 am.
We are planning on renting a car and spending a couple 2-3 nights along the romantic road, then drive to Italy possible stopping at Lake Como and maybe to Cinque Terre. The 2nd week of the trip we will rent a villa in Tuscany as home base, and do day trips either by train (florence) or car (small hill towns). We plan to stay away from big cities. We'll drop the car off in Florence and fly to Frankfurt the evening before our flight back to the states. Any thoughts?
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
"We'll d-r-o-p the car off in Florence....any thoughts?" You'll want to know about, and avoid, something in Florence called ZTL's. Go here for more info on Florence ZTL's
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?fuseaction=readtopic&topicID=28422&page=2
Posted by
OP
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1641 posts
Do we have to worry about the ZTL if returning car to the Florence airport?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
The ZTLs are in town, nowhere near the airport. What you need to worry about is the very large fee you'll pay for picking up the car in one country and dropping it in another. For me, it'd be so high that I'd cut the trip a day short, grit my teeth, and drive back to Frankfurt (twelve stinking hours, probably).
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
The others hit the two big issues the drop fee AND some rental company will not allow their cars to be taken into Italy. Check both points carefully.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I have rented in Frankfurt and done basically the same thing... and yes, driven back to Frankfurt. I always try to vary my route a bit and do more of a circle so I am not driving all the same roads. Don't remember what I did that trip, but there must be some possibilities. Drop fees can be expensive, but not always... just check all companies. And, if you do drop at the Florence airport you will not have to drive in the city.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Karen, In addition to the points mentioned by the others regarding drop-off fees, etc., a few additional items to mention regarding driving in Italy..... One important point to note 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. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy. EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! 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. Happy travels!