In between Venice and Rome there are some beautiful town where you can enjoy your trip:
-Florence
-Siena
-Lucca
-Pisa

You can visit all these destination by trains, by flights and by buses. Enjoy your trip.
http://www.trainlondres.com/tgv-pas-cher.html

Thanks, Harry. We've actually been to the bigger towns already, so we are looking for suggestions of an interesting small town between Venice and Rome to stay in for three days.

I like Perugia which is on the way. Not small but very pleasant. not too touristy. Another alternative in Umbria is Assisi. A very special place but not big.

We like the Chianti area. A couple of towns we have stayed in or near and really like are Greve and Panzano.

Is your trip in April?

I would pick Montepulciano if you decide to get a car. Plenty of nearby small towns to visit, but yet it's big enough to have restaurant choices.

We're traveling in late April/early May. We really like gardens- any small towns that have nice gardens?

We stayed in Viterbo to visit the Villa Lante at Bagnaia, Bomarzo and the Villa Farnese at Caprarola, all major gardens. The Villa Lante is my favourite garden anywhere.

I like San Quirico as an authentic small village in the perfect location to see the Val d' Orcia. Look at Palazzo del Capitano.

Thanks, Tarquin and Bob, both of your suggestions sound like what I am looking for.

If you stay in the San Quirico/Montepulciano area, and you like gardens as you say, don't miss a stop at La Foce.

I would love to go to La Foce.

Gubbio is a possibility.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/sets/72157622914730403/show/with/4201704562

I would love to go for Florence.

There may be as many suggestions as there are Fodorites.

If going by train, consider Spoleto or Arezzo.

If by car, consider Gubbio, Bevagna, Todi or the Montepulciano/Pienza/San Quirico/Montalcino area.

If you enjoy gardens and are driving, I highly recommend a stop at Giardino Giusti on Via Giardino Giusti in Verona, just off of SP1a.

Pienza. Known as "food town". Say no more. I love this thread.

Cortona - loved sitting in the Cafe, with an incredible Cappuccino and watching the villagers meet, chat, enjoy their coffees and head out to open their shops and businesses ... much as it has been done for centuries....It was delightful!!

Have you thought about going through the Dolomites? Cortina d'Ampezzo is not far from Venice (a couple of hours). While I did not make it that far this October, we hit most of the rest of the Dolomites and they are amazing!!! Just remember it is more German up here than Italian. You could also go to Bologna and Verona. Lots to see, do and great food!!! Not matter where you go, you will have a great time!

Totally agree with kohanu - we could spend weeks in Cortona. Good for day trips to other hill towns, but also plenty to do and see and enjoy in cortona.

For goodness sake don't do Pisa - in my opinion and experience it was a complete waste and such a let down.

This thread is from last Sept. and got topped by pearl1220.

Consider Gargonza, a walled village/hotel near Monte san Savino (only if driving). Not far from Arezzo or Siena or any of the Chianti towns.

I vote for Cortona, Pienza, Montalcino

Thanks for more good ideas. We'll be in Italy in three months so it's time for me to make some more definite plans.