Renting a car is easy enough. It’s all that comes afterwards that can create enough material for a good sit com! I still chuckle at the expression of horror on friends’ faces as I enthusiastically answer “Yes!!” when asked if I drive in Italy. After all, a stick shift in hand (automatics are hard to come by) and a full tank of benzina are the ticket to the delicious freedom of discovery for all that awaits down a winding Italian country road. However, any Mario Andretti wanna-be will be thankful to have a little pre-trip knowledge under the belt before putting the pedal to the metal.  

There are any number of things Italy does well, and public transportation is one of these. Trains and buses can easily transport to just about every major city and substantial sized town. Be kind to yourself — use them! Renting a car with the notion of taking a little sight-seeing tour “da solo” in Rome or Milan or Naples or even Florence is just not a good idea. Ever.