We are visiting Italy on July 1st. This is the itinerary we are looking at. I've seen some comments already, but does anyone have specific comments about 1.) the hotels and 2.) Skipping Florence for Siena (we will rent a car for this portion)? We plan on driving in to Florence for visit, but thought it nicer to stay in the country to end the trip.

3 nights (Rome) Hotel Mozart
2 nights (Venice) Hotel Kette
4 nights (Siena) Il Piccolo Castello

I have no knowledge of any of the hotels but the area near Siena is beautiful. We've stayed in villas in that area twice and loved it. It is nice to be out in the countryside to hear the nightingales sing at night and see all of the stars! Driving in to Florence for the day was plenty for us. My advice to anyone going to Italy is to go knowing you'll go back.

I agree with Parker, a day trip to Florence is fine. We had 2 days there and preferred the smaller hilltowns. From Siena you can see Florence, San Gimignano, Montalcino, some of the Chianti region, all gorgeous!

I agree. You can also easily take the train into Florence for the day which means you don't have to deal with driving/parking in Florence. We stayed near San Gimignano and did day trips to various towns including Siena by car and took the train into Florence for a day last July. It worked out really well. Have fun!

Tory

Driving in Florence is a nightmare! There is a ring road that will have you feeling like you've gotten on a merry-go-round. The only public parking is next to the train station, so figure out how to navigate there and park immediately! Learn from my mistake -- I wasted three hours trying to sort out where to park. Better yet, ditch the car and take the train. Florence is emminently walkable -- and not to be missed versus Siena, by the way.