We are two [over 40] women leaving for Italy Sept. 15. Our itinerary: 4 days Rome, 4 days Tuscany with rental car, 4 days Florence, 2 days Cinque Terre, last night in Lucca, fly back out of Pisa. Thanks to all of your suggestions, the hotels are booked, the rental car [Orvieto-Florence] is booked, the cell is unlocked and ready for an Italian SIM card, the credit cards have been chosen based on international fees, the clothes are scrutinized [difficult, considering temps average in the low 80's yet is it appropriate to wear sandals in Sept.?]. Still need to make advanced reservations at museums and sites, and is there a must do tour? Having never been to Italy, selecting the sites that are a priority is difficult. Any suggestions?

Take a deep breath, "must do" is like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. The unexpected things that occur along the way are what you will remember in the years to come. Have a great trip.

Book Context/Rome for your Vatican tour--hard to do on your own. Also, book the Galleria Borghese online--not to be missed. Have fun !

Bobthenavigator: Do you mean the 4 hr Arte Vaticana or one of their other tours?

Hi Anneeby ~ My friend and I (also 2 women) are leaving next week for a very similar trip! We leave on the 9th, going Rome(4 days)-thru Tuscany(4 days)-Florence(4 days)-last night Bologna. I would love to know what rental car company you used, if you have a chance to tell me. We are planning to rent our car in Rome (Termini - i know, could be kinda crazy) and using it for a few days thru Tuscany, to return it somewhere in Florence when we get there. Perhaps the airport? Have not reserved the car yet...
Have an amazing trip!

I've takent the Arte Vatican tour through Context Tour (twice, actually). Highly recommended!

Yes !

pezlie: We have a car reserved with AutoEurope. We take the train from Rome to Orvieto, pick up the car the next day, spend the next 3 days in Tuscany, then drop the car off at the Florence airport.

Everyone else: What other reservations do I need to make in advance?

Take a small pair of binoculars if you have them. You'll be surprised at the details in church (and other) ceilings, and you may also like having them for the scenery in Tuscany and Cinque Terre.

Reservations? Galleria Borghese in Rome. It may be too late, but the Scavi tour at the Vatican. In Florence, the Uffizi and the Accademia. Also, the Brancacci Chapel if you have time.

I've worn sandals in October. Not the flimsy, pretty kind, but walking-type sandals (Ecco, Clark's). Lots on sale now at zappos.com.

I forgot to add that your hotels in Rome and Florence should be willing to make your museum reservations for you. Just give them as many dates/times as possible. You'll have to request the Scavi tour yourself. Here's info on the tour and how to request a reservation.

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/rome/scavi_tour.htm