Central location to reach Rome, Florence and Venice
 

I have traveled to all of these locations on various trips. My family has not. I want to rent a home for my family of 9 for a couple of weeks in July 2014. I would like for them to be able to take day trips, but realize that the distances are too far. Any ideas?

A. You want to rent a home for 9 people.
B. You want them to be able to visit R, F and V.
C. You know that they can't do B if they do A.
D. You want us to wave a magic wand? :)

Why not fly into Venice, train to Florence, train to Rome?

((I))

I don't think this is feasible. Is there any way you could rent in two places (1 week in each)?

While this is theoretically do-able, it certainly isn't a recommended way to see these great cities. However, if you want to give it a shot:

Rent a place in/near Florence. Train to Rome early in the a.m., do a whirl-wind tour or Rome, train back to Florence as late as possible. For Venice you might do something similar or look at a day tour (11 hours) from Florence to Venice by Viator or a similar tour company. Another option, plan to overnight in each place to have a bit more time.

Our daughter took a day tour from Florence to the wine growing region. There are many other possibilities for day trips either by train or with a tour group out of Florence.
Good luck - and post back telling us what you decide.

Staying IN Florence would work (if you could find a rental that sleeps 9), but the train fares might blow up your budget. It's 2 hours one-way to Venice and about 90 minutes one-way to Rome.

Besides these three cities, what do you want to see/do? If you don't stay somewhere with good public transportation, how will you all be getting around? Does the group plan to stay together for most or all sightseeing?

FWIW - The train times given by Jean are for the high speed trains (also the highest priced!). A budget buster indeed, especially for 9 people.

Also, rentals that sleep nine are available everywhere - cities, towns, and countryside. Not an issue. Start here - http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/