car rental

[kimgoose]

Hi! We are cruising with RCC on 10-6 and were thinking of renting a car in florence. Hertz rental was a name given to us. Any advice about renting a car and some must see sites. We will see Pisa, I know for sure.

[euro cruiser]

Before you drive into any cities in Italy (including Pisa and Florence), learn about ZTLs and how to avoid them.

 

Plan ahead for parking and learn about how to pay for it (there are different systems in different places).

 

Get an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is available for about $20 from AAA. Although most rental agencies don't mention it or ask to see it when they rent to you, it is required that you have one if driving in Italy.

 

If you use a mapping system to estimate driving times, pad your results as it nearly always takes longer than estimated.

 

It's a good idea to pay for a GPS system but it's also a good idea to have a traditional map. To be useful your map needs to be at least 1:200000 or better. Touring Club Italiano makes good ones that you can easily find on line.

 

Look for a rental agency that will deliver the car right to the ship (they do this in Livorno, the port for Florence).

 

See if you have a driver in your group who can drive a standard transmission car, as automatics cost up to twice as much to rent in Italy.

[euro cruiser]

Here is a good primer on ZTLs, especially Pisa: http://www.athomeintuscany.org/2011/10/15/pisa-ztl-limited-traffic-zone/

[LondonTowner]

Personally, I think you will find having a car in Pisa/Florence more of a hindrance than a help. It is very difficult to find anywhere to park in any Italian city and as already mentioned there ar restricted zones.

 

In addition, IMHO Italian drivers are some of the most erratic in Europe and have zero patience.