In October a friend and I will fly into Venice and out of Florence, we have 10 nights and I'm trying to plan out the best use of our time. We won't have a car but will use the train/bus so I'm thinking the small towns in Tuscany won't be an option. Here's what I'm tentatively planning and would welcome any suggestions:

Venice - 3 nights
Siena - 2 nights
CT - 3 nights
Florence - 2 nights

Would it be better just to go all the way to CT after Venice and end the last 4 nights in Florence/Siena? I thought about just spending the last 4 nights in Florence and doing day trips but would really like the experience of small town Tuscany. Our flight out of Florence doesn't leave till 1:00 pm so for the last night I think we could stay outside of Florence and still have time to get to the airport. Would that be a good idea?

Another idea I had was to stay in Lucca in between Venice and CT - it looks easier to get to then Siena on the train.

Its probably obvious that I'm very confused and overwhelmed with all the pros cons of doing this and that and would welcome suggestions. Also hotel suggestions would be appreciated -- we're trying to do the budget route and have reserved Locanda San Trovaso in Venice -- don't have anything else lined up though.

HI
I have not been to CT, but I'd suggest the following as you yourself suggested:
Venice
CT
Florence
From Florence, you can daytrip to Siena and/or other another town in Tuscany.
It's a little less moving about and packing/unpacking--less wasted time, more sightseeing.

Florence to Siena is better by bus, as no changing is required, and the Siena bus station is right in town, while the Siena train station is just outside of the center, but a hill climb is necessary.

Coll-I am will be in Italy in Sept. fallowing you itinerary in reverse flying into Florence and out of Venice.
I suggest staying in Florence, there is a lot to see and do there.I would suggest a day trip to Siena & Lucca as well.You may also consider staying in the hill town outside Florence called Fiescloe(spl?)a nice country vibe with easy access to Florence, but if you are using the train as your main source of transpo. the larger cities will probably be more convient.

I also have never been to CT-but the posters here are the best and will have lots of info.
If you want restarant/ hotel info. for Florence or Venice email me with your requirments, I have lots of info.
Best of luck
Fluffy
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I agree with Elaine--as I often do.
Do the CT in the middle and pick one location in Tuscany. A day in Siena is adequate, and transport to other Tuscan treasures is best from Florence.

Three nights in Venice is enough for one visit. You might reconsider the 3 nights in the CT. I would spend two nights in CT, then go back to Florence and take day trips from there as you desire. That will give you another day of tripping in Tuscany. Good luck.