I did a lot of research before deciding on which car I would rent/lease while in Italy for 18 days. My considerations were probably similar to yours. Our group is four adults. Because of the mandatory insurance requirements in Italy (theft & collision)the best price I could get for an ALFA 156 was about $865.00 for 18 days, taxes included. The 156 is barely adequate for the luggage of four adults and the prior recommendation to use soft sided luggage is good advice. In searching for the right car the 156 had the largest trunk, in fact some larger more expensive cars had smaller trunks. Rental cars and their contents seem to be attractive prey in Italy. It's really important not to leave anything visible when the car is unattended. If you look carefully at a rental car agreement it states that they can substitute a similar car or better if the car you contracted for is not available. If the 156 is not available you could very well get a car with a smaller trunk. Being uncomfortable with the idea that some miscreant might steal from me or my companions made me uneasy. Even though I could get the 156 for $865 for the 18 days, I opted to "lease" a new Laguna II from Renault USA. It has a slightly larger trunk, however, it cost more than the 156. The cost was $1192.00 for 18 days. Renault guarantees that you get exactly the car stated in the contract. It's new. All the insurance and taxes are included and there is no deductible. 0 - zero deductible. My departure is 7:00am from Rome, I did not want to be jousting with a rental return agent in FCO at 5:30am over scratches and dings at that time of day. What's more Renault has an incredible service and customer care network throughout Europe. The accounts of customers who had problems were extraordinary. Renault went to great lengths to assure their satisfaction, sometimes including hotel rooms, food, money etc. This same car can be leased in France for $350.00 less for the same 18 days. That would be $846.00 in France. The minimum number of days for the lease is 17, but you can lease for 17 days and give the car up sooner. This Renault lease program revolves around how new and used cars are taxed in France. Once the car is returned from the lease it is considered to be used and it sells for considerably less in France. At the same time Renault makes more profit. The loser is the French tax-man. If you want more info on this program go to RENAULTUSA.COM.