Originally Posted by Red Scorpion

I've rented many times in Italy and never had any problems......... but you are not going to get the same sort of experience as you would as a Gold member at a large US airport.

Where are you going to collect the car from?

All the usual caveats apply - almost all cars smaller than a BMW 3 series will be manual gearbox, some of them will be quite basic trim. Diesel fuel is much cheaper than petrol in Italy, so I'd recommend a diesel if you get the choice. A large car is quite a challenge in the very narrow streets of the old villages and towns, so don't be tempted by something the size that you might prefer in the US............ I have scooted around Fiat 500s, Pandas, Puntos and Lancia Ypsilons, all of which are small cars, and fun to drive. Sadly, Italy has also discovered the speed camera - they are generally signed about 500 meters in advance, but be careful.......

Tuscany is beautiful. One of my favourite places in Europe........... and the food is divine and the gelato is irresistible!