742 Renting a car at Tuscany - Le Marche

Hi, everybody,

My small family and friends - 4 adults total - are planning to spend about 10 days, first at Tuscany and then - Le Marche. We like to walk as much as we can but still need the car. We'll be arriving to Florence in October and want to rent a car there. Unfortunately, I've read quite a few stories about the problems with the rental cars at that area.

Does anybody has an advice what rental company to use, what type of a car to rent ? We are of a medium to large size, so a small Beetle won't work. And I'm not too familiar with the Italian models. Do we need a 4-wheel for this trip ? Is a manual transmission the must (I'd prefer automatic) ?

Thanks
Mike

Category
General chat about Italy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/06/2005 - 02:51

We have always used [url]www.AutoEurope.it[/url] as the prices are the best around. We have also found that their vehicle range is superb. Which one to go for is a matter I can only leave to personal taste. We have found that when travelling anywhere that there's no substitue for size; you can't get enough!

If you want to try a 'real' Italian experience, go for a Fiat Multipla! Surely the ugliest car in the world!....but, having said that when we were given one by a rental firm, I loved it. It had masses of space, an excellent driving position & got more than it's fair share of looks (some even complementary)

With regards choice of transmission, it is possible to 'request' an auto; we always 'request' diesel.........and sometimes even get it!

Enjoy....

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/06/2005 - 05:57

If you are renting a car for 10 days - it will probably pay to take out annual car hire insurance, then you don't need to pay extra to reduce the excess if you have a claim on the hire car.

Look at

[url]http://www.insurance4carhire.com/index.asp?addU=&sessionID=&refID=145&langID=1&curID=1[/url]

for details.

Whe I took it out last year it cost £49 for a year [still the same now] and saved me 11 Euro a day on the 'excess payment'

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/06/2005 - 07:17

Hi Mike,

we have rented in Italy lots of times with no probs whatsoever. Haven't really found driving too stressful either - after a short period of acclimatisation (perhaps an hour or so). Excess payment insurance is a good idea though.

We have always picked up and dropped off at airports and sometimes there can be a queue, particularly with Hertz. As for model, personal choice, but I would have thought that for four medium sized adults a Ford Focus type size and upwards is where you should start to look. You will not need a four wheel drive for Tuscany and Le Marche, though all routes will eventually take you over/through the Appenines, but the roads are good and during October ( a truly beautiful time in Italy) and perhaps mid week you should have no problems. The route I would suggest from Florence to Le Marche would be Florence to Arezzo E35, Arezzo to Sansepolcro S73. Sansepolcro - Borgo Pace S73b - Borgo Pace - St. Angelo in Vado - Urbania - Urbino( absolutely stunning) - Fano E78.

This is a great trip easily completed in a relaxed day, there is a new road/ tunnel being built between Sansepolcro and St. Angelo in Vado but I'm uncertain if its open yet. If its not then you do have a mountain pass to contend with - but not too daunting.

Buy a good map (Michelin ITALY Tourist and Motoring Atlas is very good).

If you ever wondered what inspired John Keats to write in 'Ode to Autumn' Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosomed friend of the maturing sun....' then you are about to find out. Take your time and have a wonderful trip.

Best wishes

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/06/2005 - 10:01

Kim & David, Alan, Ian and Sandra - thank you all !!!

I'm sure your advices will save me lot of frustration and money too ! Very helpful and friendly responses - looks like Italy attracts this kind of people.

Thanks again
Mike