Help with 8 day itinerary
 

I have been reading lots of posts on itineraries here....what a wonderful resource! But, I am soooo confused too. Well, not confused since you are all very clear in your answers....more overwhelmed, I think.
My husband and I are going to Italy Oct 11 through 21. My son gave us the flight tickets for Xmas...already booked, and we are flying in and out of Rome. I gather that flying into Rome and maybe leaving from FLorence or Venice would have been a better idea, but they are already booked ( He knew if he didn't book it, we would probably find an excuse not to go!)
Anyway, we want to see Rome and especially the Tuscan/Umbrian countryside. I would like to do Florence and Venice, but from reading this board, it seems that would be too much. How does this look....3 nights in Rome,train to Siena, rent a car, stay 3 nights in Siena and do day trips and then drop off the car and take bus or train to 2 nights in FLorence, leave Florence on the 20th by train ( how long a trip?) to Rome to spend our last night there for an early flight on the 21st. Or, we could do 5 nights in Siena with a day trip to Florence, return the car in Siena and train back to Rome. From reading this board, it is sure to not be our last trip and we can save some for another time.So, any suggestions as to the car rental ( should we rent in Rome instead of Siena?)or if you can guide me to any wonderful places to stay ( moderate price)A friend suggested Hotel Lirico in Rome near the Termini. Sorry this is so long.....I look forward to your replies!

If you must return to Rome at the end, head striaght to Siena/Florence when you arrive. It's not that long a trip for your first day. Perhaps train from FCO (Rome airport) to Florence, stay 2 nights (recover from flight); then get the car and do the countryside, then go to Rome for 3-4 nights. Better to put all your time in Rome together when you have so few days.

Two bits of advice:

1. Don't stay in the Termini area. Try to find something in the historical center, within or just outside the triangle composed of Campo de Fiori, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Almost anything you might want to see will be in walking distance, the area is full of restaurants and cafes, and it's very safe because there are people on the streets until late into the evening.

2. Don't rent a car in Rome. Take a train to Chiusi and rent a car there.
www.autoeurope.com

We stayed at the Hotel Lirico last April, and it was terrific. We felt very comfortable with the area, and it was very convenient. The rooms are definitely larger than a typical Italian hotel room, nicely decorated, and very reasonably priced. Go for it.

We took the train from Florence back to Rome, it was maybe 2 1/2 hours, very easy.
We also rented a car immediately upon our arrival at Fiumicino (Europcar/Auto Europe - the best!) and drove into northern Lazio. It was fairly easy, the roads are well marked, and a lot of fun. The drive from Rome to Sienna is very doable in a couple hours. I found initaly.com to be the best source for really good driving maps.

Buon viaggio!

MLou,
Try land in Rome, train to Florence for two nights, bus to Siena for three nights(get car in Siena return it in Orvieto), train to Rome.

I disagree with the advice to head directly to Tuscany from the Rome airport. Instead, take your time getting your bearings in Rome. I'd spend 4 nights there. Then take the train to Siena or Firenze, pick up your rental a car and head to your Tuscan countryside destination, picked because it is easy to get to both Firenze and Siena (but much easier to park!) In October, you will not have any difficulty doing day trips and finding parking, so there is no need to pay the big hotel bills in Siena and/or Firenze.

Spend 4 nights there. Drop off the car in Orvieto, have lunnch, and spend your last night in Rome.

I agree with the advice that you not stay near the train station. If your budget permits, stay at Albergo del Senato. Both times.

By the way, by my count, you should have a nine-day itinerary:

Fly 10/11 arrive Italy 10/12 (Day One)
10/13 (Day Two)
10/14
10/15
10/16
10/17
10/18
10/19
10/20 (Day Nine)
10/21 -- fly hone

What a wonderful gift from your son! Yes, it is confusing trying to plan for an area in which you are unfamiliar. I second the recommendation for staying at Albergo del Senato if budget permits. Hotels in Rome are expensive. With limited time, location is everything which is why we stay at del Senato. I also agree with foregoing Venice on this journey. I love Rome and after the intense pace of Rome enjoy the solitude, beauty, and relaxation of Tuscany. This is what we've done (and will do again this May).
Rome - 3 nights
train to Chiusi to pick up rental car through Autoeurope
Tuscany - staying in the countryside near Pienza & Montapulciano for easy access to hit the road each day for daytrips (Siena, Montalcino, San Quirico, Cortona, etc.) I found Siena to be too large for my taste for an ovenight stay but rather enjoyed it for a daytrip. Driving in and around Siena is hectic as there is a great deal of traffic. We prefer staying where we can easily hop in and out of our car. Just a thought...happy travels!