I am renting an apartment in Florence for 3 weeks in May and June and want to rent a car for a few days based on "good" weather to explore. So what are my options for a reasonably priced rental "on the fly"? without a reservation from the USA?

Hi Judie, and welcome

When I was in Florence last May, I arranged in advance to get a car through AutoEurope for three days, although I wasn't sure I would use it. My thought was that the money was completely refundable, whereas renting a car after I got there would be much more expensive.

As it turned out, I was a much "slower" traveler than I had expected, and only got out of Florence once. (I'd been there several times before, and have also seen a lot of Tuscany and Umbria.) For that, I took a bus to Lucca: I meant to take the train but the bus was there when I got to SMN. I cancelled my car reservation the day before I was due to pick it up, and my money was refunded to my credit card immediately.

BTW: I'm also renting an apartment in Florence for three weeks this May. I may or may not book a car in advance. For two weeks, I'll be studying Italian every morning. My apartment is in the Oltr'arno. Where will you be staying?

Judie-

There are 4 or 5 car rental offices on Borgo Ognisanti, and in the past I've made last minute rentals from a few of them. Once, possibly over a "ponte" (a long weekend) I was unable to get a car at the last minute.

In Dec. I rented from AutoEurope while I was in Florence; the transaction can be entirely done on the computer. You'll need to print out the voucher. The time difference makes it easy to plan for next day.

If you're staying on the Oltrarno, the Avis office on via Ponte Sospeso is a great location.

Maureen

You can call AutoEurope toll free from anywhere in Europe at 00-800-223-5555-5 and make the last min. arrangements.

Passionate for Olive Oil & Italy
www.casadecase.com

Judie,
We were in Florence for 3 weeks last Fall & did exactly what you're suggesting, just rented a car when needed, by the day. We used maxirent on Borgo Ognisanti. Mark, the owner is American and very helpful. We paid about 60 Euro for a day.