Sicily and Northern Italy, Spring 2026

[Marie W]

Hi all,
I just noticed your replies. I did not get a notification through my email. I will check my settings.

I will check out Auto Europe. I have checked my credit card and they offer collision so I will waive that. I would then need liability and personal accident.

Is there generally an up charge for drivers over 70? What about adding an extra driver?

Thanks Alpinista and GailS.
Marie

 

[Marie W]

Checked my settings and all looks good, so not sure why I did not get an email when you all posted.
M

 

[Alpinista]

Is there generally an up charge for drivers over 70? What about adding an extra driver?

Thanks Alpinista and GailS.
Marie

I have not been aware of any additional charges for drivers over 70, but it could just be embedded in the quoted price. There is a daily charge for extra drivers for regular rentals. For our lease arrangement, no.

 

[Marie W]

I have not been aware of any additional charges for drivers over 70, but it could just be embedded in the quoted price. There is a daily charge for extra drivers for regular rentals. For our lease arrangement, no.

Thank you. I booked the cars and there is no upcharge for over 70, but of course there is for an extra driver. I am still not getting notifications from SlowE about responses to my queries.
Marie

 

[Marie W]

Any input regarding staying in Erice vs Trapani. I found an Agriturisimo in Erice that looks very nice. Also input regarding Castelrotto vs Ortisei. We will have a car in both places.
Thanks,

 

[NoSpin]

I will check out Auto Europe. I have checked my credit card and they offer collision so I will waive that.

If there is any agreement where you need to read the fine print it is credit card insurance. I would advise you to check whether it is primary or secondary coverage. I don't know your card but I'd bet dollars to donuts it is secondary coverage. Another thing to check, particularly for you, is a rental in Italy covered. Many cards do not cover rentals in Italy, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

Lastly just check the limits of coverage. Many cards limit it to $25,000. If you total even the cheapest European car the replacement value will be more than that.

Other than that, have a nice trip!

 

[Fedina]

We flew into Palermo last October, stayed there and rented a car as we left, then headed to Castellamare del golfo for almost a week before heading elsewhere in Sicily. Loved that area, though Zingaro was closed due to fires over the summer, so no hiking. We stayed at La Blanca Resort which I highly recommend for the views, comfort and an excellent restaurant. In town, Gusto Pizzeria was very good. We rented a car through AutoEurope, had no charges added for 70+. We've used them many times in Italy and elsewhere. Always good to recheck with your credit card about their coverage as the others have suggested.

 

[GailS]

I'll just chime in one more time about the car rental. I agree with NoSpin - check very carefully what coverage in Italy is provided with your credit card if you plan to rely on that. After a few "interesting" experiences with renting in Italy, we decided we would always go with the full coverage just to have peace of mind. That's not true for other European countries for us.

 

[Marie W]

Thanks ladies. We have our car rentals set with AutoEurope with full coverage, no extra charges for 70+. On our way back from Western Sicily we have three nights in Castellammare del Golfo at Hotel Sopra Le Mura which was recommended. They don't have on site parking. Does the resort you recommended have parking? If not, what was your experience with parking?

Thanks
Marie

 

[Marie W]

in Castellammare del Golfo, we stayed at Hotel Marina di Petrolo. it was pretty nice, with safe parking, a lovely pool, and convenient location.

Instead of spending 3 nights in Castellammare del Golfo, do you think we should just extend our stay in Trapani and just do a couple of days trips to Castellammare del Golfo, especially in light of the fires at the Reserve?