Renting a car in another country and driving is never the best part of travel. We’ve done it multiple times, including a few times in Italy, but this is the first time we had to pick up a car in what was essentially the center of the city. Also, there’s the whole insurance thing and Italy has its own set of rules and conditions.
People on Reddit, TripAdvisor, Google reviews, etc. warn about buying car rental insurance in Italy. You can be charged twice what you should be. You could buy the wrong insurance and be stuck with an expensive bill for a scratch that you can’t even see. When last we rented a car in Puglia, Italy, we were charged a couple of hundred dollars for something after we returned home. There are dozens of companies from which to choose, some reputable, others not so much.
I booked the car before we left Nashville, but that early planning never ensures that things will go smoothly. This time, however, was the best experience I’ve had. The guy at the rental agency was so helpful and after a back and forth about insurance (I had purchased a third-party plan, which I canceled), I felt I could trust him and followed his advice. I hope I’m right but won’t know for sure until I turn in the car.
Driving out of the center of Palermo was a little scary, but not as bad as I feared. Sheri was my navigator and that made it so much better. Once out of the city and on the Autostran (the toll highway), it went smoothly. We made it to Piedmonte Etneo, the little village where our rental is located, without incident. We stopped at grocery store, which is always an adventure in another country, and bought supplies. No problems.
But the final leg of the drive up a mountainside to our house, that was a little terrifying. Very narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and blind curves. We made a turn onto the road leading to our driveway that was just a leap of faith because there is no way to see cars coming around the curve. I am dreading doing that again, but I will be doing it again today.
Last night we cooked a steak, roasted potatoes and made a big green salad. We built a fire and enjoyed a great evening. Today, we’re off to visit a couple of wineries, including one with a Thomaston, Ga. connection!
No photos today because we traveled. But, tomorrow, we’ll begin exploring Mount Etna!
Kim & Betsy 