Italy

[Wayne Bevis]

Hi Wayne - no question is silly if you don't have an answer to it.

Is this the farm :
http://www.fattoriadicorsano.com/index.html

If it is, then I have another tip for you : when all else fails, read the instructions :


If not, give me a more exact location.

About booking in advance - Ian has given you sound advice.
Objective matters aside (free time for planning, ability to sift through the wealth of information available today), keep in mind that this matter is somewhat dependent on your travel style - everyone has their preferences, and the subject is often discussed on travel forums : how long ahead do you like to plan? Are you the type who wants the peace of mind knowing that all has been taken care of much in advance? Do you have the patience to wait for "bargains" or new opportunities that might arise during the months/weeks/days before the trip? Do you know exactly what you expect from the trip, or do you want to leave a lot unplanned and adapt to developments?

Good on you Joe - thanks for the info mate - very much appreciated.

 

[Wayne Bevis]

Auto Europe and Kemwel are brokers for the major companies, and their sites are good in quoting inclusive rates, which need to be prepaid. Fuel is expensive, and most rentals are fuel-efficient diesels. With these brokers you can generally do one-way rentals without surcharges.

Gday Andrew - thanks for the info mate - appreciate it

 

[Karen Frerichs]

One tip from my recent trip to Tuscany: get an International Drivers License! They are easy to get here in the U.S. through AAA, and are not very expensive (about $15). It is always a suggestion for renting cars in Europe, and Italy especially; but this last trip, Budget rentals would not let anyone w/o one be put on as an extra driver. This may only apply to U,S. citizens, since DLs are issued state by state and Italian sources say that is too much for police to have to deal with... Australia may be different, but do check with rental agency and/or do a google search to be sure... we had a hard time with just one legal driver for our whole trip, but the rental agency was adamant.
Otherwise, I have always enjoyed driving in Italy... good luck!

 

[Wayne Bevis]

One tip from my recent trip to Tuscany: get an International Drivers License! They are easy to get here in the U.S. through AAA, and are not very expensive (about $15). It is always a suggestion for renting cars in Europe, and Italy especially; but this last trip, Budget rentals would not let anyone w/o one be put on as an extra driver. This may only apply to U,S. citizens, since DLs are issued state by state and Italian sources say that is too much for police to have to deal with... Australia may be different, but do check with rental agency and/or do a google search to be sure... we had a hard time with just one legal driver for our whole trip, but the rental agency was adamant.
Otherwise, I have always enjoyed driving in Italy... good luck!

Gday Karen - Yep, was going to grab an International License (we are from Western Australia and I spent some time in the Police Force here so pretty well across the licensing side of things) but I do appreciate you mentioning that. How did you find the cost of the rentals? Any info on that side of things and if I could intrude did you take any particular route? Thanks again

 

[Karen Frerichs]

Hi Wayne,

I was with a group renting a villa near Siena... so all decisions were group ones, not always easiest thing to do. So the car rental was determined by most likely drivers and their needs (automatic transmissions, etc)
so the cost was higher than I would have opted for, but at least it was shared. Sorry, don't remember specifics.
When I rent on my own, I use the AutoEurope link from this website, and compare prices, etc. That has worked well,
As to routes: we were based in one villa and took day trips from there... also subject to group decisions and unlikely to be of use to your trip along coasts. I do agree with other comments here about internal routes... they are also beautiful.
I'd advise deciding on which places are must-sees, then connecting the dots with the most obvious routes... even the autostrada will take you through vineyards, fields of sunflowers, with views of
hilltop villages in the distance. You will have chances to get lost on smaller roads when exploring the places you choose to stop, stay, visit. Italy is much more compact than the States or Australia, so easy to get around. You'll have a great time.

 

[Wayne Bevis]

Hi Wayne,

I was with a group renting a villa near Siena... so all decisions were group ones, not always easiest thing to do. So the car rental was determined by most likely drivers and their needs (automatic transmissions, etc)
so the cost was higher than I would have opted for, but at least it was shared. Sorry, don't remember specifics.
When I rent on my own, I use the AutoEurope link from this website, and compare prices, etc. That has worked well,
As to routes: we were based in one villa and took day trips from there... also subject to group decisions and unlikely to be of use to your trip along coasts. I do agree with other comments here about internal routes... they are also beautiful.
I'd advise deciding on which places are must-sees, then connecting the dots with the most obvious routes... even the autostrada will take you through vineyards, fields of sunflowers, with views of
hilltop villages in the distance. You will have chances to get lost on smaller roads when exploring the places you choose to stop, stay, visit. Italy is much more compact than the States or Australia, so easy to get around. You'll have a great time.

Hi there Karen - really appreciate the info. Have a great day and thanks again