This is our first time in Italy. We will be arriving by train in Genoa at noon and will pick up a car. We will depart Milan one week later. At this point we have absolutely no plans other than to spend the last night in Milan. We would like to see Florence, and wondered if Venice is worth the drive. I have Karen Brown's and Rick Steve's books, but I have always gotten my best travel tips from Fodor's readers. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

If you are only plannng to visit cities, why rent a car? You won't need it in the cities, so you'll only have to pay for parking it.
And, yes Venice is definitely worth visiting and it's a very convenient trainride from Florence. And, it's also a convenient trainride from Venice to Milan!

I agree completely with HowardR: If you wish to see Florence and Venice, it is much, much easier to travel by train.

Do you have to arrive by train in Genoa? Can you not train directly to Florence?

I would suggest that you spend three days in Florence, train to Venice (2 hours 50 minutes with a fast Eurostar train), spend three days in Venice, train to Milan (2 hours 40 minutes with Eurostar).

Hi Xsnewman, I agree with the other posters. A car would be such an expense and basically worthless. Using the train to get to Florence, then Venice and to Milan would be a beautiful trip.

Hmmm ! One week open. I would train on to the Cinque Terre for 2 nites, then get a car in La Spezia and spend 3 nites at your choice of locations in Tuscany, then 2 nites in Florence.

There are many reasons to visit Italy.

Wherever you choose to go, the people, the food and the wine will most likely (there's always the odd exception...) be wonderful.

Italy is rich in places that offer beautiful landscapes and in places whose art and architecture are unique and/or have been a major influence on Western civilization as we know it.

If your primary interest is natural beauty, the Cinque Terre and the hill towns of Tuscany are the answer.

If you are interested in art and architecture, you will choose Florence and Venice.

It's your trip, and only you know where your interests lie.

Thanks to all for the great advice. We are re-thinking the car, and seriously considering taking trains. It sounds like the train directly to Florence is the way to go. I'm thinking two nights in Florence and then make our way up to Venice for two nights. Our last night in Milan before our plane on Sat. morning leaves only two nights in one, maybe two other spots. I need to hit the books. One week is not enough!

Oh Xsnewman, a year in Italy is not enough!! Just look at it this way. You will be in some fantastic spots. And then while you are on the flight home you will already be planning your next trip to Italy. Trust me on this, that is what happens. Italy is addictive. So join the club!

Don't try to visit too many places. Keep in mind that unless you train/drive at night you'll lose at least a half day checking out/into hotels and travelling between cities. With only 7 days, I'd stick to two cities, then return to Milan in the mid-to-late-afternoon to give you a few hours to see the Duomo and a few other sights.