We are planning our 1st trip to Italy this Fall for 17 nights.(We might squeeze in another night if strongly advised to do so.) We want a mix of large/small towns, famous sights/downtime mixing with locals & soaking up the culture. I would appreciate any feedback on our proposed plans.<BR>Sept 19 Arrive Milan, direct train to Venice for 3 nights. Sept 22 bus to Florence for 3 nights. Sept 25 Depart for 5 Terre for 3 nights. Sept 28 Depart for Siena for 2 nights. Sept 30 Depart for small town(s) for 3 nights. Would love to experience Montepulciano, Montecino, Orvieto. Oct 3 to Rome for 3 nights. Depart Oct 6<BR><BR>My biggest dilemma is between 5 Terre & Rome. Suggestions on how we could do 1 or 2 of the small towns here? We are planning on bus/train travel, but I am debating renting a car just for hill towns. Could we conveniently rent a car in Orvieto, then train to Rome after returning it? I know we could day-trip to Siena, but we want to experience it after day-trippers are gone. Is it possible to get to Siena early enough from 5 Terre that 1 night might be sufficient & tack that night into other hill towns? <BR><BR>Sorry this is so long. I have learned lots from your posts & any advise you have is appreciated.

Let's see if I can answer all your questions:<BR>First, yes--you can rent a car in Orvieto and turn it in. Try www.AutoEurope.com for reservations.<BR>Second, I think the only way you can possibly enjoy the smaller villages in Italy is by rental car.<BR>Third, the times you have stated all seem pretty reasonable. If it were my trip, I would probably change C.T. to 2 nights and add a night to the villages or to Rome. You can really see all the villages in C.T. and do all you probably want to do in 2 nights and a day plus a bit of another day.

Thanks, Wayne for saying exactly what I was going to say -- especially about the CT in two and add one night to the villages. And I also agree you need a car for that, contact Auto Europe.

Just one question: Why take the bus from Venice to Florence and not the train?

Thank you for your quick replies. Regarding the question of why bus over train from Venice, I thought I had read somewhere that the bus was quicker. I can't seem to verify that now. Is the bus a better option?

I think I would also take the Eurostar from Venice to Florence. I think it is about 3 and 1/2 hours. And you will have plenty of time to get your tickets when you arrive in Venice.<BR>I think a car is the best bet for the hill towns. And I think you will have more luck with renting one for three days. People have posted that sometimes it is difficult to get one for less. YOu could also rent your car in Siena on your way out of town and drive to your hill town base. Then drop it off wherever it is better to get a train into Rome, Orvieto if you so choose. Just make sure the auto company you use has offices in both places.