Sassafrass

Even staying in only venice and Paris and flying in between, you can still see some villages and country side by taking day trips. Lots of options for making this work, at a lot less expense and more actual sightseeing. There are many lovely places within an hour or two train ride from Paris.

From Venice, you can always go to Padua, Bologna, Vicenza or one of the islands near Venice. In your particular situation, the long car ride isn't practical, and probably won't be very enjoyable. Though I wouldn't, you could even train to Verona or Bergamo, spend a night or a few hours, and fly from Milan to Paris.

janisj

"<i>we feel like it would be great to take our time and roam through the countryside taking 3 3-4 hour drives and being able to see a few other cities other than just venice and paris.</i>"

The <i>concept</i> is good -- but in practice you'd need 4-5 days and LOTS of extra $$$/€€€ to pull it off. This will be a really <B>REALLY</B> tiring/rushed drive w/ no time to get off the beaten path, 'smell the roses', or see much.

It will not be anything like you imagine. Please - listen to everyone.

annhig

michele - you will definitely need to call them if you want to hire in austria and drop off in Prague. there are big restrictions in taking cars into old eastern block countries, leaving aside the drop off fees.

good luck with that!