My thanks to all the posters in helping me plan my 22 day trip to Italy. It is my first trip and I know I won't be disappointed. I'm firming up the last few details, so how does this sound ( cars, hotels with the exception of Day 11 to be confirmed, train tickets, museum tickets, are done). I just have to confirm one last hotel which is the reason I would like your input.

Day 1 - Fly into Venice - 4 nights
Day 5 - Hop the train to Lucca - 2 nights (thought about Cinque Terre and may pass this time and do it later or perhaps a day trip from Lucca)
Day 7 - To Florence - 4 nights
Day 11 - To Montepulciano - 2 nights and/or 4 nights this is where I'm unsure, do I stay an extra two days in this region or should we explore Umbria, we thought Perugia, Assisi or into Le Marche, Urbino, Macereta, etc. We will have a car at this point.
Day 15 - To Orvieto - 2 nights
Day 17 - To Rome, drop off car - 5 nights
Day 22 - Fly out of Rome to Home

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Denise

I like it !
I would spend the 4 nites in the Mont.area and not change hotels. You can see much of Umbria from there--do not miss Assisi. Frankly, I would steal a day from Florence and add it to Tuscany/Umbria. Have fun !

Denise, your title prompted me to pull up my Bella Italia photo gallery:

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/23970/index.html

Bob, I looked at your photos for the second time. My favorite is TUSCAN MORNING and have wondered how you ever captured a photo like that!! Must have a good story behind it.

Hi Bob:

With your input we've decided to stay four nights in Montepulciano and day trip through Umbria.

Also thanks for the photo's they are magical.

I promise to post when I return.

Denise

I cannot tell a lie--that is our friend Frank--a retired Delta captain.
But, it was not posed.

Denise, your plan looks marvelous! Look forward to reading your trip report upon your return. Have a grand time!