We're going to be in Italy - villa outside Florence for 2 weeks and then Rome for 3 1/2 days. Plan on taking day trips to Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and wherever else we can get to. I need to sit down an do a loose or flexible preliminary itinerary. I know about reservations and such for the Florence musuems. More interested in thoughts on driving versus train, must eat places. Also, can someone please clarify for me the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel situation? Can you or can you NOT get a tour that will allow you to NOT stand in line for entrance? Everything I read says the lines are crazy long, and with the Vatican shortening their hours, makes it even more difficult to get in.
Thanks for the comments. Getting very excited even though it's a year away.

Hi 5,

>...villa outside Florence for 2 weeks and then Rome for 3 1/2 days.

Are you sure about that?

No Venice?

Vatican Museum- skipping the queue:

www.rome-museum.com

If you really want two full weeks in Tuscany, you might want to think about one week in two different locations to shorten the length of your daytrips. Of course, I would want less time in Tuscany and more in Rome!

Agree mostly with the post by SusanP.

Get at least 4-6 days in Rome.

Yeah, I am surprised too, why no Venice? As for the Vatican Museum, I am afraid you will have wait the long queue, be prepared to get up around 6 or 7 am to get a better position . FYI, every last day of the month is free entrance!