Italian Car Rental

 

The country that looks like a boot is known for wine, pasta and Mama Mia. From the northern mountains to the southern islands, the Italian dolce vita will follow you on your cultural and culinary explorations. Hiring a car is the ideal way to soak up the historical landmarks, quaint villages and diverse landscapes.

Rome is the historic capital, home to piazzas, the pope, the stunning ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and the gruesome reverberation of the Coliseum. Rome itself is best toured on foot or by public transport, but the surrounding area offers many interesting attractions easily reached by car. The nearby hills bring cool relief from the summer heat, and there are some fine but busy beaches near the capital. In the 18th century, English aristocrats liked to retreat to the nearby lovely little towns and countryside of Lazio.

Florence is an art lover's paradise, brimming with cultural and historical highlights. Not to be missed are Michelangelo's masterpieces at the Uffizi, where hundreds of priceless artworks are on show. The Duomo gives the city its unique skyline, while other features such as the Arno River, crossed via the Ponte Vecchio, add to its ambience. The small town of Lucca is just a short drive away and is flanked by mountains on three sides and the sea on the other.

More highlights await in Venice, where a canal ride in a gondola is de rigueur, as is a visit to the Piazza San Marco. Apart from pricey but unique water taxis, walking is the only practical way to get around this setting, used in the latest 007 movie. Don't miss out on a visit to the Palazzo Ducale, where Elisa Bonaparte lived (rumour has it that Napoleon slept here, too).

A drive through the winding country roads outside Venice will take you to the villas of Andrea Palladio, set among lush green hills where some of Italy's most popular wines are harvested. The towering Dolomite Mountains beckon in the distance.

If you want to get away from the tourist crowds, head for Sicily in the south, which is a great destination during the European winter. Snow can only ever be seen on the soaring Mount Etna and the island is ideal for exploring by hire car. The setting for many mafia tales, you'll come across quaint villages where time seems to stand still. A string of smaller islands dot the coastline and beach fans will find some secluded bays and marine reserves.

While most towns and cities have adequate public transport, many cultural and natural attractions in Italy can only be reached by car. Every town offers plenty of art and history to be explored and having your own car will let you discover these hidden treasures, found around every corner of winding mountain road. Summers can get hot, particularly in the south, and driving in the air-conditioned comfort of a hire car will ensure you are comfortable on your journey.