Hi
Looks great to me.
to maximize sightseeing time, take a train from one main city to another that travels in very late afternoon or early evening. Reserve tickets and seats in advance. Summer is a busy travel time, including for Italians.

I don't know what your family's museum interests are, and 3 days in Florence isn't much time. Still, if a daytrip to Tuscany appeals, you can easily take a bus to Siena or other places in Tuscany for a day.

I have files on the three main cities you are considering, if you'd like to see any or all, email me at
[email protected]

Elaine- "reserve in advance". Do you think that if we make the reservations when we get to Rome from a travel agent that will be enough time?

>"reserve in advance". Do you think that if we make the reservations when we get to Rome from a travel agent that will be enough time?<

Probably, if you won't be traveling from Rome on a weekend or holiday.

You can buy all of your tickets at the train station at FCO when you buy your ticket for the Leonardo da Vinci express to Roma TE.

PS,

YOu can buy your tickets online from Trenitalia.

See Trenitalia Tickets Online
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34465647

LynnieD-

see my trip report as "Italy Trip Report part 1" I just came back from all these cities and I reported some pretty detailed information. You will be able to get good "side trip" info from my post as well. have fun and email me if you have any questions.

Thanks for the info Ira.
Chris-I am reading your report right now! THanks

1 - I would definitely take the train from city to city. Iw ould avoid having your own car whenever traveling around Europe becuase most of the time ti just isn't necessary or cheap.

2 - I would add Sienna to the trip as well, as I really enjoyed this beautiful city. That said I would spend 3 days in Rome (plenty!), 2 days in Sienna, 3 days in Florence, and 2 days in Italy.