Our Trip to HGVC Borgo alle Vigne

[ocdb8r]

usually European rental car agencies ask to see it. We always get an updated one before we leave.

This has not been my experience and only a handful of European countries require an international driver's license/permit, so long as your home country Driver's License is issued in Roman Characters (e.g. no Arabic, Cyrillic....etc).

European countries that officially require it, include: Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Spain. However, I have rented in Austria, Greece, Italy and Spain with my US license and not been asked for an international driver's license. As always, your experience may vary, but outside the above list I would not bother getting one.

 

[geist1223]

We have rented in Great Britain, Ireland, and France and have never been asked for an International Driver's License.

 

[rdw95]

Thanks for all the feedback. When we lived in Italy when stationed there in the Navy we had one. But, in the many times returning it wasnot required. It was NOT on the list of required documents in the Europcar rental agreement we received. We were told it was a now (4 months old) law in Italy, so we will have it for all future trips.

But, that was no excuse for the arrogant way we were treated(as were several of the others at that desk) by the lady at Europcar desk, especially in light that we called 24 times with no answer, and sent 2 emails(both with confirmation back from Europcar) when our flight was delayed. After going back and looking at the reviews on the Florence Europcar desk, unfortunately this treatment seems to be the norm for that office.

Just wanted to inform other TUG members of the International DL requirement, and recommendation to steer clear of the Europcar office in Florence.

 

[ocdb8r]

I think it's super helpful to report this. I will say, my experience with Italian car rental agencies has been generally poor. Staff are often quite apathetic, rental desk hours seem to be shorter than I find in other big European cities and while I haven't encountered an issue with the international DL, I consistently have loooooong conversations about the different types of insurance required. Another potential note for others to consider is that if you intend on relying on insurance provided by your credit card: 1) read the policy to understand in what jurisdictions in might not apply and 2) print out a copy of the policy as some agencies will insist on seeing it before allowing you to waive "required" insurance.

 

[letsgobobby]

I think it's super helpful to report this. I will say, my experience with Italian car rental agencies has been generally poor. Staff are often quite apathetic, rental desk hours seem to be shorter than I find in other big European cities and while I haven't encountered an issue with the international DL, I consistently have loooooong conversations about the different types of insurance required.

i think this might be an "Italy" thing generally and not just an Italy rental car agency thing. I don't think Italy is known for fast, efficient employees.

 

[letsgobobby]

This has not been my experience and only a handful of European countries require an international driver's license/permit, so long as your home country Driver's License is issued in Roman Characters (e.g. no Arabic, Cyrillic....etc).

European countries that officially require it, include: Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Spain. However, I have rented in Austria, Greece, Italy and Spain with my US license and not been asked for an international driver's license. As always, your experience may vary, but outside the above list I would not bother getting one.

"You may drive with a valid U.S. driver’s license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit."

Driving in France

If you are on a short visit or short business trip (less than 90 days) You may drive with a valid U.S. driver's license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit. You must be 18 years of age or older to...

franceintheus.org

 

[PcflEZFlng]

"You may drive with a valid U.S. driver’s license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit."

I got an IDP before going to France this summer. It only cost $20 plus the time it took for the quick trip to AAA. Although I had it with me, the rental agency didn't ask for it. But...peace of mind.

 

[fillde]

If staying at Borgo and they offer a tour to Villa Cosmiana we recommend it highly. It’s an estate that has been restored by two gentlemen who will give you a tour of their home as well as the winery. Two of their wines received gold and silver medals in wine tastings. The tour was supposed to last 3 hours but we wound up staying 4 and a half hours. And a delicious lunch was served.

 

[PigsDad]

If staying at Borgo and they offer a tour to Villa Cosmiana we recommend it highly. It’s an estate that has been restored by two gentlemen who will give you a tour of their home as well as the winery. Two of their wines received gold and silver medals in wine tastings. The tour was supposed to last 3 hours but we wound up staying 4 and a half hours. And a delicious lunch was served.

We did this tour when we were they two years ago. I highly recommend it as well. It was very informative, the hosts were great, and the 4-course, wine paired lunch was fantastic!

Kurt

 

[fillde]

We did this tour when we were they two years ago. I highly recommend it as well. It was very informative, the hosts were great, and the 4-course, wine paired lunch was fantastic!

Kurt

in two years it’s aged well.

 

[letsgobobby]

@rdw95 @GT75 @JIMinNC
@jehb2
and others

really appreciate this thread with all the detailed logistics

we are going to Italy and France next summer and hope you all can comment on our itinerary:

flights into FLR

3 nights in FLR including day trip to Bologna

train Florence to Pisa, ?taxi to Pisa airport, rent car in Pisa

4 nights at Borgo and see Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, Lucca

return car to Pisa, rent one way car in Pisa, drive to France

We have 6 nights staying with friends near Nice. We could make it 5 and stay an extra day at Borgo, however we love France and have never been to this part of France. Course while we've been to Florence we've never been to the rest of Tuscany either. Our kids are coming with and they've never been to Italy at all.

 

[GT75]

train Florence to Pisa, ?taxi to Pisa airport, rent car in Pisa

I would suggest taking the train (Pisamover) from the Pisa train station to the Pisa airport.

return car to Pisa, rent one way car in Pisa, drive to France

Need to ensure that this is possible (rent car in Italy and drop the car off in a different country, France).

4 nights at Borgo and see Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, Lucca

Those are all great but you are missing Cinque Terre. You could combine Pisa and Lucca into one day, IMO. That is if you just want to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa including that area around the Leaning Tower. My least favorite was Lucca but our friends loved it. I certainly feel that Siena and San Gimignano are worth visiting.

Those are my thoughts.

 

[Eric B]

?taxi to Pisa airport, rent car in Pisa

It might be cheaper to rent the car with pick up away from the airport to avoid the airport fees.

Those are all great but you are missing Cinque Terre. You could combine Pisa and Lucca into one day, IMO. That is if you just want to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa including that area around the Leaning Tower. My least favorite was Lucca but our friends loved it. I certainly feel that Siena and San Gimignano are worth visiting.

IMHO, the better option would be to just keep going back to Italy to see other stuff. There's way more than just Cinque Terre that would be missed. Aside from all of the things to see in the country are all the different cuisines to sample in the different regions, so we take our time and stop for a leisurely lunch or dinner wherever we are in Italy rather than trying to cram too many things into each day.

 

[fillde]

Just to add to all suggestions. We did 4 nights in Venice. Which I believe is a must do. Took train to Rome for 4 nights. It allowed us to see the Vatican, tour the Sistine Chapel, Coliseum and other points of interest.
After Rome a 4 hour train took us to Florence. A beautiful city but felt 2 days were enough. A must do, if you’re in good climbing shape is a tour of the Duomo. You will climb to the top and see spectacular views of the city while also learning about the building of the Duomo. It’s not a religious tour.
In Florence we rented a car through Avis. Budget and Avis are at the same counter close to the center of town and train station. Auto slash works in Italy.
The ride from Florence to Borgo was an hour and half. Routine drive and no hiccups with scenic countryside. During our stay at Borgo we have done a wine tour, Lucca and Pisa on same day, San Gimignano full day and Cinque Terre full day. Cinque Terre is a must see. But it must be sunny. We had cloud cover in the morning and it wasn’t as spectacular as our sunny afternoon.
Like others have said Borge is a great base.

 

[letsgobobby]

thanks everyone

we spent 3 days in Florence and 7 in Rome 17 years ago but that was our only trip to Italy. We certainly hope to have more in the future and don't feel the need to see everything, but we want to hit Tuscany's highlights. we'll save Venice, Cinque Terre, etc for another time. We also will see the Alps on a separate trip possibly as part of a TMB

We love both lovely cities and cute small towns and all four of us enjoy eating. Don't drink enough wine to make wine tasting a priority even though my 18 yo daughter would probably love it...

What seems unique to Tuscany is the countryside. Other than wine tasting are there other activities good for teens? They would love things food focused so bread, cheese, pasta tastings or makings, etc. We definitely want to do an outdoor supper like upthread.