The Reality of a Rental Car

A perfect example of ZTL in the center of Siena!

We here at Italian Tours do everything possible to make your journey seamless, relaxing and stress-free. We always want you to travel from point to point in the most safe and efficient way possible...after all, you are on vacation!

Every so often, a client will request to rent a car as their preferred mode of transportation.  Driving in Europe is not the same as driving in the United States. The following are some reasons why we feel it is not ideal to rent a car:

-Driver misses out: It is difficult to see the beautiful countryside, elaborate architecture or other sights while you are focusing on the road.

-Finding Parking: Many cities have very limited parking spaces, in addition to high fees for parking.

-Language barrier: It is important to know if a sign says “one way” or “do not enter-” which can be difficult if you do not know the language. Additionally, the signage is different and symbols have important meanings that could be misinterpreted.

-Dealing with aggressive drivers: Ask anyone who has been to Rome in rush hour! All over Italy, scooters, small cars and other vehicles often weave through traffic, with little attention to the rules.

-Figuring out directions: Your journey will be more stressful as you figure out where to go on small country lanes, unmarked alleys or confusing highways. Even with GPS, Italy can still be difficult to navigate.

-ZTL: Many areas are “Limited Traffic Zones,” where cars are not allowed without special permits (issued only to taxis, city buses and career drivers). Secret cameras issue tickets constantly- at a high expense.

-Price of gas: Gasoline costs over $8.00 USD per gallon!

Most of our clients who insisted and thought renting was a good idea returned to the States regretting their decision. All in all, allow us to oversee the details of your once-in-a-lifetime journey.  You will have a safer, more efficient and less stressful experience abroad!

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