10 days in Rome, Florence, and Tuscany?

Patricia, I'd highly recommend adding at least two days in Rome and perhaps one day in Florence, as there's a LOT to see in both cities. As you plan on staying in an Agriturismo, a car will likely be required. However, there are a few "caveats" to be aware of. To begin with, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases are provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy (especially Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. I'd suggest having a look at the Italy Guidebook, as there's lots of good information there on Hotels, Museum hours and other sightseeing information. Good luck with your planning!

Thanks, Ken. We'll tuck away this important driving information, and you've sealed our decision to rent a car, so we can stay in a rural setting.

Patricia,
Consider going to Florence after arriving at FCO then tuscany then Rome. You want to be in Rome before your flight out. Fortuscany see http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm

I would give Florence another night or two, so much to experience in Florence Ken is right on for driving you can check AutoEurope for rental cars
a car is great for tuscan countryside but not for the big cities

Hi Patricia... another Ann Arborite here... I have traveled to Italy many times and my advice might be a bit different than others given my travel style. I prefer the Tuscan countryside and after a day or two in big, congested cities I need to leave. Mid May should be a great time and beautiful weather. I have been really happy with a day in Florence seeing all the highlights and I have been to Rome a few times but also could see everything I needed to in two days. Yes, there is always more to see, but with the Tuscan hillside villages calling me I am definitely happy enough to leave. I have stayed in any number of small towns and villages in the countryside and driving is not a problem. Parking can sometimes be a challenge, but no different than downtown A2.

Thanks Terry. In fact, those are my sentiments exactly re: big cities and sites. I'm glad to know Rome can be done in 2 days, and I agree that Florence's great art can be seen in one whole day, with some planning. The countryside really draws me, too. Your comments were very thoughtful and detailed, and I appreciate it.

Patricia... Well, there will be many who argue that you cannot begin to 'do' Rome in 2 days, but it is always a tradeoff, and I feel you cannot 'do' the countryside in a day or two. Its all personal preference and when Italy calls me it is the villages and small towns. I stayed in a wonderful place once when I went to Italy to photograph a wedding and it was near Florence, San G., Certaldo alto(where the wedding happened) and the vineyards. I can look up the name if you need any specific recommendations. Also the wedding couple stayed at a beautiful Villa and I could find the name of that as well.

Friends of mine rented a car and used the DK Eyewitness Back Roads Tuscany a few months ago. They came back raving about the book.