My wife and I are taking our first trip to Italy. Will be spending 2 days in Venice, 3 days in the Tuscany/Florence area, then two days in Rome.

We are set for Venice and Rome, but are thouroughly confused on Tuscany. Both of us enjoy architecture; however, after a few paintings we have had our fill. Should we stay in Florence and day trip to places like Siena, Lucca, Chianti or should we just stay in Siena? People have also recommended that we stay in the Chianti region and rent a car to tour the area. I don't mind driving or getting lost, but am more concerned about the availability of parking in these small towns. Anyone who can offer advice, I would be most appreciative.

Thank you.

jthomas

The worst town in Tuscany for parking is Florence. So you will probably prefer to find an hotel with inside parking and use it as your base to day trips.
For Siena you can find a map of parking at:
www.turismoverde.com/italia/info/parking.htm
In Lucca there is a free large parking outside the city walls with shuttles to the center of the town (see: www.comune.pisa.it/turismo/iniziative/mlp.htm).

You've got such little time, why not just spend your days enjoying Florence?

>am more concerned about the availability of parking in these small towns.<

Please don't let that be a concern! By all means - rent a car. It's the best way to enjoy the beauty of the Tuscany countryside, towns and villages. After your Florence visit choose a place near (not in) Siena...

Train to Florence early and spend the night there. rent a car the next morning and head towards Chianti. Enjoy the drive and stop at some great places.Possibly stay one night north of Siena.
Drive to the Val'd Orcia area and stay there for two nights.
Train from Chiusi or Orvieto.
Not perfect,but with your very short time and your desire to see quite a bit,this gives you some beautiful views and the tastes of small Italian hill towns.
Please understand that your short time in Rome is probably where you go most against the advice of most Rome lovers.
What are you planning on doing/seeing there?
You really need to arrive early the first day in Rome and possible start with a off-on bus tour that leaves from Termini. Note: Not all the on-offs are the same. Do a search to choose the best.

After staying in Venice, and before Rome, you might want to stay in a smaller town close to the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Even though Florence is great, why not choose someplace like Montepulciano, Orvieto, Radda, etc. These small towns can be accessed by car (although you may need to do a little walking), and have just enough to do to keep you occupied for a few days. The best part will be that having a car will enable you to explore this beautiful area. Sienna is also very beautiful, and could be considered a very large hilltown or a small city.

My husband and I spent 3 glorious days near Greve at the Villa Rosa. Wonderful rooms, affordable, in the heart of Chianti country with fabulous terrace that overlooks some of the most beautiful parts of Tuscany. hour +/- to Florence, 30 minutes to Sienna. Don't forget to visit Rada as well.

www.resortvillarosa.it/