We have ten days in Italy. We have two nights in Venice, then three open days and then 4 nights in Rome.

Where should we go for the three days? We are thinking depart Venice on an early morning train to Florence for one night and then to Cinque Terre or Sienna or stay in Florence the whole time.
We are traveling with two teenagers, 16 and 18 that want religion, coffee houses, photo opportunities and great sites.

Do we want a rental car?

If we go to Cinque terre, where would you stay? Which town or which hotel (with air conditioning a must).

Thanks for all the wonderful posts we have spent hours reading and getting educated!

Spend the three days in Florence. There's a lot to see in that city, plus the surrounding countryside has any number of beautiful towns in the hills.

It depends on what you want to do and see! For art and architecture - Florence. For natural scenery and hiking - Cinque Terre. Both are wonderful! Enjoy!

Would it make sense to take train from
Venice to Florence, spend a night and then spend two more nights either near San G. or Sienna, or Cinque Terre. Which of these town would you recommend for food, wine, cheese, relaxing and views?

If you think Cinque Terre, which town do you recommend?

Has any one stayed in Florence at the Astoria?

Is a standard room ok