First things first... thank you to everyone that adds the wealth of inforamtion that is found on this website. I have truely enjoyed reading about different trips and travel tips!
Now for my question. We are going to be finishing out our three week adventure to Europe with a week in Italy. Our main goals are to go to Florence and Rome (we are both museum geeks and are art lovers). I would love to find a location to stay where we can just travel to each of these destinations, if possible without a car. Ha ha ha, my challenge for you gets more difficult... In my travel research I also came across Cinque Terre and would LOVE to spend a day maybe two hiking there. I can't wait to read your suggestions as this is our first time in Europe. Thank you in advance.

I'm not clear... Are you looking to stay in one place and visit both Rome and Florence? Not a good idea. Best to go to one for a few days, then train to the other for the rest of the week. Museum geeks and art lovers would have a difficult time fitting Cinque Terre into a 7-day timeframe that already includes Rome and Florence.

Thanks! I knew it probably wasn't possible to have one central location to Florance and Rome, but wasn't sure. Any suggestions where to stay?

Can't help you without knowing your budget and/or requirements. It would also be nice to know what time of year. And you'd be better off re-posting with a new title, as in "Rome/Florence Hotels under $200?" ... or whatever.

ttt

We did something similar a few years ago, but in 11 days. Walking CT was possibly the best part of our trip. You could do 3 nights Rome, 2 nights Florence, 2 nights CT. Can you get an open jaw flight into Rome and out of Genoa? Check out Eurocheapo.com for some inexpensive hotels.