The next 300 words on Italy car rentals can probably be succinctly summarized in six words or less, as follows: Do not take anything for granted.
Your decision for a European car hire when planning your dream vacation in Italy is a perfect way to see Italy.
Your itinerary is your own and ultimately flexible.
None of this hopping in and out of tour buses, looking as touristy as you possibly can, and watching Vita La Italiana from behind the sun screened windows of your speeding tour coach.
No, not you! You will freely choose your own style from the 1000s of car hires available - selecting as much flair or as much budget can as you desire.
Italy car rentals is a highly competitive aspect of the tourist sector, European style of course.
Your choice at this stage can be of more importance than you may think at first.
After all you do not want to strain your travel and shopping budget just to afford a car hire you really cannot afford.
Likewise you do not want to spend your vacation cramped up in a tiny white nondescript mini 4 cylinder car with no radio and air conditioning just to save $100 for an otherwise quite fat budget!! Be sure to check on local driving customs and learn about the taxes charged on vehicles entering Milan.
A good GPS is invaluable as you traverse the rolling hills, grape vineyards and back roads of Tuscany.
In Rome you will be better off parking your car and taking local bus transit as drivers in Italy are known to be rather free thinking.
Stop signs and stop lights may be a mere suggestion, so keep that in mind.
The train system in Italy is quite good and will work for going to the main tourist attractions, but if you want to see the real Italy a car hire is absolutely necessary.
Italy requires that you have an International Drivers Permit when driving anywhere in Italy.
These can be obtained from many automobile clubs in your home country.
Be sure to have your regular driver's license with you as well because an IDP is not legal in Italy without your official driver's license.
Actually, your more critical choices begin well before you choice of automobile.
What vendor will you choose for Italy car rentals? Do they have a a good tourist support capability or is it bare bones the minute you pull out of their parking lot? How many offices do they have and which one makes the most sense for you? Do they speak only Italian or your native tongue, and will you have an agency contact/alternate who does speak your language and can help, at all times, should you need assistance with respect to your vehicle.
Does the car hire package include road service and insurance? What are the limits of service and coverage? Is that sufficient? Do they take your credit card? Is anything not included? What if you are involved in an auto accident? What if the police get involved? Does your agency help? Remember, Italian authorities may not speak your language! Bon voyage my friend, and remember the 'devil is in the details'!