The first historical mention of Mestre was in 1152, when Pope Eugene III recognized the bishop of Treviso as lord of Mestre, noting the existence of a church, a castle, and a port. Mestre was under Venetian domination from the early 14th century to 1808, when the French republic constituted it into a free commune. Although not as well-known as the nearby city of Venice or other Italian cities, Mestre sports considerable nightlife (non-existent on the island of Venice) and various modern conveniences which make it an attractive option for those planning a trip to the region.
Mestre has quickly identified itself as the preferred starting point for travelers hoping to visit Venice, due to its convenient location right across the sea from the island of Venice, its inexpensive and frequent connections to the historical city of Venice by train, its considerably more reasonable rates for hotel accommodations, restaurants, car parking, supermarkets, and - perhaps most notably - the presence of exciting nightlife. If you're looking to grab a drink, you'll find historical Venice to be deserted after 9 PM, so head to the Marghera district in Mestre and look for the Club Al Vapore, which features live music seven nights a week and is very popular with the locals. Ultimately, a car rental in Mestre or arranging chauffeur service in Italy allows the savvy traveler to explore Venice as well as its surrounding areas much more conveniently than if you were dependent on public transportation schedules.
Motorists interested in renting a car in Mestre must get an International Driver's Permit before getting their car. For about $20 you can pick-up an IDP from the local AAA. Keep reading to learn more about Italy's IDP laws.
Auto Europe is now able to deliver travelers added discounts if you package your airfare, hotel, and car rental in Mestre with us. Our travel packages allow you to choose between different classes of flights, accommodations, and vehicle options supplying flexibility in addition to financial savings. Auto Europe is a trusted partner helping our clients save money on their travel costs for several years. Call us at 1-888-223-5555 to review all of your travel options for your getaway to Italy.
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