I wouldn't drive all the way back to Rome, and I certainly wouldn't have a car IN Rome. I'd probably drop the car in Chiusi or Orvieto and take the train from there. Rather than rent another car just to drive to the ferry (a one-day car rental is usually very pricey), I'd fly to Sicily from Rome.

I pretty much agree with St. Cirq about the car.

The car will be nice in Tuscany, especially if you're renting a villa, which may be remote, but the rest of the trip is quite doable on public trans.

Not sure about a day trip to Puglia from Tuscany, however. Without having a map in front of me, I think even the Gargano Peninsula, in northern Puglia, would be quite a long drive for a day trip.

The towns of Cortona, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza, Assisi, are all worth visiting. I haven't been to Lucca so I can't comment.

If you're visiting family in Sicily, will you need a car? And if you want to tour Sicily, unless you go to remote towns, the major attractions are easily reached by train or bus. I've been there 4x and never rented a car.

Another option would be to take the train from Rome to Naples and catch an overnight ferry to Sicily.

<<This will be the first time back in 28 years. We toured that time>>

Debcar, we toured Italy about 30 years ago, and believe me, where the increase in traffic is concerned Italy is no different to anywhere else only more so. an example - on our tour of Italy, in July, we drove right into the middle of Florence, found a hotel, and parked right outside with no cost for 3 days.

when we returned to Florence about 5 years ago, we used public transport and were so pleased that we had, because the traffic was terrifying. Also, they have things called ZTLs, which exclude all but permitted cars from certain areas; if YOU enter, you'll get a swingeing fine.

I'm not trying to dissuade you from having a car at all, and undoubtedly it would be useful in the countryside, but it'll be pretty useless in any cities, or even large towns.

Is there a Puglia other then Apulia in the hell of the Italian boot? If Apulia, it's not a day trip from Tuscany.

You could fly to Sicily or take an overnight ferry.

correction: not hell but heel of the Italian boot.

michael - they are the same place, but much too far for a day trip from Tuscany - well over 600 kms.

perhaps the OP meant Perugia!

You do need to get a good map---Puglia is a FULL days drive fom Tuscany. And, why get your car until you arrive in Tuscany--just train to Florence from Milan---also a long drive. And, you will want to fly to Sicily even if your time permits going to Sicily. Your trip has potential but you need to focus on some travel logistics that will work for you.

there are also overnight trains between Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples and several towns in Sicily - travel at night and save on the cost of an overnight in a hotel - get a private double for the most comfort. Check www.trenitalia.com for pricing and specials. I've taken that train a few times and found it rather nice.