Rick Steves Says Its Best To Rent A Car While Visiting Just One Popular Destination In Italy

Italy is a country that has it all: The incredible culture filled with Italian traditions, the hospitality and warmth of its people, and the beautiful, diverse scenery, including phenomenal Gothic architecture, open art museums in Rome, incredible water cities in Venice, and breathtaking landscapes in Tuscany. If you're considering visiting Tuscany, this is your sign to go ahead — you definitely won't regret it. The endless rolling hills are a sight for sore eyes, offering the tranquility and peace of mind that is sought on a vacation. Combined with mouth-watering Italian cuisine, specifically the Tuscan dishes, it's hard not to be excited when visiting Tuscany. 

If you're considering coming to this fabulous side of Italy, renowned travel expert Rick Steves has some advice. "This is one part of Italy where I recommend traveling by car," Steves writes on his blog, because renting a car gives travelers a better chance of exploring the incredible rural areas that would otherwise be missed. "Although driving in Italy isn't for the faint of heart," Steves said, "in Tuscany it's a joy on super-scenic small roads — and [it's] the best way to lace together the views, villages, and vineyards." 

If Tuscany is on your list, renting a car will be an easy way to get around, stop for picturesque photos, and get exposed to the hill towns where public transportation is limited. This experience is not to be missed, but just remember that driving in Italy might not be as easy it seems.

If the thought of hill towns makes your heart skip a beat, then renting a car to access the must-visit spots in Tuscany is an absolute must. This will give you a better chance of visiting towns like Siena, Orvieto, and Montepulciano, which offer an unforgettable experience. "The biggest dilemma facing a first-timer in Tuscany is how in Dante's name to choose from the many hill towns vying for your attention," Steve writes.

Renting a car in Italy gives you the freedom to explore those cities without worrying about setting a plan. No having to cut your day short to run for the final train, or worry about the bus schedule — or whether it will actually arrive. You can go on day trips in neighboring areas, visiting multiple small towns in less time, and you can even stop on the way if there's a scene you fancy. When a city speaks to your heart, you have the freedom to stay longer, or even get recommendations from locals and explore hidden gems. Vineyards, farm houses, and off-the-beaten-path villages are now endless opportunities. 

Just keep in mind that some mountainous roads are difficult to drive. Roads can be quite narrow, with no guardrails, lots of steep curves, and cars coming at you at full speed despite the small space. "I normally rent the smallest, least-expensive model with a stick shift," Steves recommends on his website, "not just to save money, but because larger cars are not as maneuverable on Europe's narrow, winding roads." You will need to be extra alert while driving in Italy, and some routes will not be for the faint of heart. But oh, the places you'll go!