Italy Itinerary suggestions for 11 days in early October
 

My husband and I are planning 11 days (not including days flying) in Italy for early October 2010. We are flexible to fly into & out of Milan or Rome (in one and out the other?). Must see: Rome, Venice & Florence (not sure how to divide our time). Also, we would love to stay in Tuscany as sort of “home base” for a portion of our trip and making day trips from there but understand if that is not doable. Obviously, I am unsure of travel times between regions and that has prevented me from planning-desperately seeking advice! I appreciate any feedback.

Figure half a day to travel from Venice to Florence/Tuscany or from Florence to Rome. Actual travel times may be less, but this adds in time for checking in and out of hotels, finding your way through the new city, and so forth.

Fly into Venice (VCE) for 3 nights. Train to Florence for 3 nights. Train to Rome for 4 nights, then fly home from Rome (FCO)

No need to go to Milan for this trip.

If you have an extra night, it can be added to any of the three. Rome probably being many folks' first choice.

Well, I am BOB but I also agree with NOTBOB.
One of the days from Florence can be a day trip to Siena. Have fun !

bobthenavigator sums it up very nicely. Actually, we made Siena our "center" and took day trips from there, incl. Florence. Much more relaxed than staying in Florence and what we saved on hotels we spent in upgrades in Siena.

I agree with both Bobs and Ellen but in the opposite order. Start with noisy Rome, move to less noisy Florence and end up in magical, no cars Venice.

It's nice to end in Venice, but getting up before dawn to catch a flight out is definitely not my idea of a nice ending to a great trip. I would investigate your flight options before deciding on the order. And some people prefer starting in quieter Venice to ease into the time and culture change. To each his/her own.

I'd endorse starting in Venice. The arrival is magic - from the 21st century air flight to a ferry ride that could be in the 14th century.

Thank you to everyone for your great suggestions. Since we have made no reservations, I will re-work our itinerary.

To "treplow" any lodging suggestions in Siena?