Well, I definately recommend against driving a car in Florence. Tourists can't drive in the center of the city other than drop off bags and what not without a permit anyway. And it's just not worth the frustration it's going to cause you.
It really is a walking city. And if you want to go outside of the city, there is frequent train service.

depends upon your shoe size. did you also get this as part of the trip? if not, at least check with autoeurope, and make certain all fees are included in the hertz quote. You must carry full insurance. that car is small, even by european standards.

you will have no use for the car in Forence. cannot drive it there, and will probably ahve to pay about €50 a night to park it. you can pick up a car in central florence, drive to your hotel, pick up luggage, and go to tuscany from there. there is a 10% airport pickup tax.

You should realize that almost all art in florence is from a single century, and if you are not crazy about that c, you will be bored. the pitti palace has later stuff.

the crowds and the lines in sept-oct can be very big in florence.

Seconded, thirded and fourthed (fourthed?).

I once picked up a car in Florence so we could drive around Tuscany. It took me three separate tries, one hour, and two fights with Mrs. PTravel to go the roughly 1 km to get out of the city and onto the highway.

Florence is, of course, a Renaissance city and the layout hasn't changed since then (one of the great things about Florence -- it's one of those cities in which you can time travel by just walking around). However, it makes driving an absolute nightmare -- narrow streets, unexpected one-ways, fleets of scooters sweeping in from all directiongs. Arrgh.

Here's a short video of Florence at night:

www.travelersvideo.com/florence.wmv

We get the first four days in Florence, and we are walking. Then on the 1st we were getting the car to drive out into Tuscany. I should of stated that.

when you pick up the car, ask them about 10 times what is the fastest way out of town, even if it is driving due north when you want to go to chantishire.

Spent a little time in Florence last month as part of a whirlwind Italy trip, but definitely noticed a few things:

Lidl or other assorted supermarket is probably a good idea for beverages to carry for the day (tall-boys of coke, etc). Coffee that was €4 in the city can be €1 just a short ways outside. Actually, most things that are rediculously expensive in the centre can be found for a fraction of the price outside.

Get a good map and plan your day. It's really easy to do a LOT of walking, especially if you end up backtracking. Possibly, starting at the main train station, go south across the river, then work back.

The 107 is small. Very small. And as it's been stated, driving in Italy requires the use of three things.
- The steering wheel. This makes your car turn.
- The gas pedal. This makes your car go faster.
- The horn. This makes things in front of you move.

For eating, try Enotecca Pinchiorri, arguably the best Italian restaurant in the northern half of Italy.

This car gets 61 mpg, and was 200 cheaper than the next grade up, it's a stick shift, but we both know how to drive with them. Yet, I am worried it is too small for any comfort and may change.

I've been contemplating a little break in Firenze myself--how many days are necessary in the city to get a good introduction?

Also, is it a worthwhile use of to make a side-trip to Pisa or the Gucci/Prada outlets?

We know to wear comfortable shoes. How do the people dress? Jeans or slacks?

I got antsy about the car and reserved a larger one. I also found out that you have to have an international license in Italy now.
My husband wants to know "Does he have to dress for dinner?"
Having to put everything in the check-in bag now, probably means a bigger bag.

The whole jeans vs slacks idea doesn't really matter anymore. Its about dressing stylish vs unstylish. You can wear jeans and be stylish. You will see tons of italians in jeans. However, you wont see people who looked like they stepped off a cruise ship in the Bahamas though.

Dressing for dinner is common.

Agree wholeheartedly with this recommendation. One of the best historical books I have read.

GRRRRR. I was supposed to have won that trip!

But seriously, good luck, and have a great trip.

Most of the big tour groups tend to start their visits from 9am, so if you can sneak in before them at at half past eight you can have the place to yourself! I did this visiting the Bell tower and there was only me and one other person in the place ^. As I was coming out all the tour groups were starting to traipse in.

PS Don't forget to read A Room with a View by EM Forster while you are there.