I'd love some advice! Family of 4 (2 teens)staying in Tremezzo for 4 days then want to take in the sights of Rome for 2. We love to drive and thought we could rent a car in Como and drop off in Rome. Where, coastal preferably, would you see on the way and overnight. Thanks

That is a long way--do you fly home from Rome? Have you seen Venice or Florence--both much closer.

Yes, flying into Milan and home from Rome. Weve been and enjoyed Florence and a few towns in tuscany and Umbria. I thought 3 hours driving one day and 3 the next might not be too bad if we had a destiantion in mind enroute. (Although Ive driven into Rome and its pretty hairy). We'd check out Pisa on the way. Or drive to Venice (not been there or is it aweful in the summer) and train it to Rome. I'd love your help!

I would suggest Lucca. Take the road to Genoa--have lunch in Portofino--and stay in Lucca. Then, the next day see Pisa and continue down the coastal road which will dump you near FCO to drop your car.

I like some of bobthenavigator's suggestions, but if you will be there during the high season, I wouldn't recommend a lunch in Portofino. Trying to get into town during the tourist rush is worse than the lines at Disney World during spring break. Your lunch break might turn into an overnight.

Lucca is a good overnight stop, no doubt. But just south of Livorno, along a stretch of achingly scenic coastal road, is the little village of Quercianella. My only problem is that I can't remember the name of the little hotel there, but there are a couple in town. If you want to enjoy some nice scenery, take pot luck and stop there overnight, finding a hotel afer arriving. Good luck.

Thanks to both of you, I've got a better idea. Training it is a bad idea in summer apparently.
Thanks again