Hi again Didi,

Yes, like maitaitom, I stayed at Palazzo Bocci in Spello too! HIGHLY recommend. Spello is a wonderful place to stay, daytrip from, and enjoy. Great base for Umbria.

In Tuscany, I've stayed 2 different bases on 2 trips. First time Chianti in San Sano, at Hotel Residence San Sano. Wonderful 4*, but not great for seeing more southern Tuscany.

In September, I stayed at Il Giglio in Montalcino. It was perfect for me and I loved Montalcino.

I agree that Roma is fast and intense. It's completely wonderful! Personally I would prefer to start in Venice to get over the jet lag and graduate to Roma!

If you are interested in details read my trip report.

Buon viaggio!

If we start off in Rome should we take a train to Florence and then rent a car there to drive around Tuscany then I guess drop off the car in Florence a train up to Venice?

If we start off in Venice, is there a train that goes to Florence? I guess we would then rent a car, go through Tuscany, and then either drive to Rome or drop off the car in Florence and take the train to Rome.

Is there one way that would be better or easier?

Thank you so much for all this great advice? I am checking out the places you recommended to stay as well! :)

Hi again didi,

I have picked up and dropped in the following towns, Orvieto, Siena, Chiusi, Folgino. My theory is that it's easier to do in small towns rather than the major ones - as long as you are not trying to do it on a Sunday when the smaller offices are closed.

I highly recommend a full day and evening, if not overnight, in Orvieto to/from your way to Rome. It's a wonderful town with much to see and do.

Orvieto has a rental office within a block of the train station. Foligno has an Avis office right at the train station. Our Siena rental location required a short cab ride from the train station, as did Chiusi. I know another rental office is right at the station, it must be Hertz. Avis required a cab ride.

Of course you can get trains directly from Rome - Florence - Venice and the reverse. Definitely go for the ES trains.

Happy planning!