Back again with more info. Because of the 1 day rental... Can not drop off in Orvieto because there is only a 3 day rental for the location... Terni or Siena are my choices but, Rome is where we are headed next by train. Any suggestions? OH, this is through Auto Europe with a day price of $117.00 for Small car.
Have you considered taking the train from Florence to Orvieto? Pick up and drop off in Florence. It's not as bad as doing that in Rome, which I won't do.
And I have found Autoeurope by phone, with a live person to help, very accommodating for activities such as yours. Try that and see if they can't help you figure out something easy. I've not rented for just one day so don't know the story about Orvieto rentals, but I always pick up/drop off my cars there and it's quite easy being just across the street from the train station..
I just saw your other, earlier post and see that Pienza is your destination for the 1 day trip. I would think that Chiusi would be a good option for your dropoff.
Bill, I was told by AutoEurope that if I pick up in Florence for 1 day and drop off in Orvieto that they only have 3 day rental In Orvieto location. We are going from Florence to Pienza from June 3 to 4 and then on to Rome as our final destination. I guess they only have short term leasing at certain locations. They told me as a drop either siena or Terni, but I am going to see if Chiusi is possible. Would be easier to get to Rome by Train from there? Or as suggested take a train from Florence to Orvieto and rent a car to drive around the country to stay in Pienza that night.
LTexas, Bill has offered a good suggestion with Chiusi. It is a major stop on the rail line from Florence to Rome (as is Orvieto) and it is much closer to Pienza than Orvieto.
Thanks Bill and Chris. I recently posted another rental car question on a day trip from Rome to Avezzano and Capestrello. We are first timers to Rome and planning this Italy trip myself. So thanks for great advice all! Does anyone think it is wise to travel for a day in a rental from Rome to the Abruzzo area, or take a cab or hire a driver? Trying to decide.
On your last question, hiring a driver is considerably more expensive; you'd need to consider if it's worth it to leave the driving to them.
If Auto Europe has a problem as a broker booking a one-day rental, you might try directly with a rental company. For a Florence-Chiusi rental, Hertz is most convenient to the station in Chiusi, but Europcar is close.
How long do you have in Rome? There is so much to see there, especially for a first trip that I might think about just staying put. One day to Abruzzo seems like a big "push", too much car time. A cab or a driver will be costly. On the maps, Italy looks like the distances are much closer but with the two lane, winding roads it takes much longer in terms of time than it would seem.
I'm sorry if I missed something earlier about your trip, but from what I see on this and another post there's not enough info for me to give you more info..........i.e. your interests, length of trip, etc....
We will be in Rome on June 4th until 11th. I do think from the posts that we will rent a car to head up to Capistrello. I am working on my Rome visit and sites for Rome.
We will be in Rome on June 4th until 11th. I do think from the posts that we will rent a car
Are you aware of the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone)in the historic center of Rome? Play close attention to the hours of operation and where the boundaries are and don't drive into the ZTL while it is active (until 6:00pm weekdays and after 2 pm on Saturdays. Not active on Sunday) ~75 euro fines for violations.
This can affect where you pick up your car and what route you use to leave Rome and to return to Rome.
Bill is correct about the driving in Rome. Besides the fact that driving in that city is "insane"....Don't forget, too, that YOU WILL BE ON VACATION! That implies less stress, rather than more. If you try to do too many things on this one trip you may miss the whole point of going to Italy.
I realize it's always so tempting to fill up all the time you have with the wonderful sights and activities but you just might find yourselves planning another Italy trip before you even get home! Anyway, something to ponder.......sounds like you will have a terrific time, whatever you decide to see/do......ciao, Cheryl
If you're willing to take a long taxi drive to peripheral Rome to get a rental car, Via Tiburtina 905 is good; that gives you easy access to the A24 autostrada.
Also, I saw the story, but I don't think final confirmation has come out, that the U.S. president is planning to be in Rome on June 11. There would be restrictions on getting around then.
Is there a pick up and drop off that would eliminate the ZTL zones? Heading east of Rome
A convenient place, if you go only north or east from there, is the underground parking garage at the Borghese Gardens. (Via Galoppatoio location) You should plan to know exactly how to drive from there AWAY from the city center.
If you pick up your car on Sunday, you don't have to worry about the ZTL. Same for Saturday morning.
Thanks, Cheryl for suggestion to take train from Florence. Do you think it would be better to train from Florence to 1 of the towns mentioned and rent a car for the countryside drive to Pienza and around the area for June 3rd and that might give us more time for driving on the 4th since the car can be returned later on 4th to the same location. Then train to Rome.
Yes, Yes, you got it............that last bit you mentioned is the best plan, I think. The train is so easy on the stretch between Florence and Rome.
You might do well to get to Chiusi if that's on the route from Florence...Maybe someone else knows the best little town for stopping to get the rental. Orvieto is too far, I think, to then turn around to go to Pienza
If you plan to take the train from Florence, Chiusi is the place to get your rental car. I would be more inclined to drive from Florence but either way is fine.
Pienza is about 20 miles from Chiusi. ViaMichelin.com says allow about 45 minutes.
I guess the whole issue around where to rent a car is that we have morning of 3rd to pick-up car from Florence, and visit the area towards Pienza to spend the night. On the 4th, we just need to be in Rome that evening for our Apt. Is this enough time to see some of the countryside without rushing? I was thinking of changing Rome plans so not to be rushed, but more stress.
On the morning of the third, you will use most of the morning either: 1) getting your rental car and finding your way out of Florence or 2) getting to the train station, getting your tickets, waiting for your train and then getting on it. (You can improve on the times for the train if you get up very early but the the rental car office will not open early (9:00AM?)
Effectively you'll have the afternoon of the 3rd to drive to Pienza. You can drive through the countryside and see some beautiful areas but you really won't have much time to visit the towns unless you want to do it when most places are closed from ~1:00 to ~4:00 PM. I am very cautious about leaving all my luggage in a parked car. When I have my luggage, I try to find a lot that is attended. (Parcheggio Custodio) I doubt you'll have time to do much except enjoy your ride through Tuscany before you have to be in Pienza.
On the 4th, you will use the afternoon turning in the car and traveling to Rome. You can use the morning to tour on your way to Chiusi and perhaps have lunch before turning in your car.
You get a flavor of the countryside that will leave you wanting more.
Travel times will take longer than what you are accustomed to here in Texas. You probably are accustomed to covering 60 miles (100 km) or more in an hour. You will probably find that you'll cover about 40 miles or less (55-60KM) in an hour there.
