Thanks scooter and all for the info,
I'm in the planning stages too and it's just wonderful to have a few specifics to look at!
Must say, 30 years ago (at the age of 17)I spent seven weeks in Valtellina with my Italian friend fm school and her family, it was the most amazing experience of my life. (with the exception of having my five daughters!!) I went to a local college for a semester to learn italian before the trip and I still managed to called a gorgeous Italian guy a scarecrow! (I had help from a reliable guidebook too) He thought it was pretty funny but it's taken me many years to live it down! Thanks for the memories, Ciao.

We are planning a similar trip for this summer. Now I am concerned about our plans to drive from Venice, through Verona and on to Florence. We were hoping to do this in a day trip. After reading everyone's great replies, I am concerned about driving into Florence. Can anyone suggest an alternative plan for us? Maybe drop the car in Siena and take the bus into Florence from there? Or is driving not even a good idea? Thanks for any advice you have!

I am another who does not drive in Italy by choice. I have done this a few times and it was too much of a hassle. If one is going to base in a small town or village then a car makes sense but IMO and IME not for visits to the prime tourist areas.

I would visit Verona as a day trip (or overnight based on your schedule) and then train to Florence. A car is useless in Venice and Florence and the options for public transport comprehensive.

We use the bus to visit Siena and also highly recommend Luca Garapa whom we have hired a half dozen times for trips into the countryside from our preferred base in Florence.

If you are set on driving to Florence consider dropping the car at Peretola Airport. The ZTL's in Florence are confusing and the traffic in summer will be dreadful.