15 nights in Italy - Helpppp with planning

Renting a car or all by public transport?

First timers in Italy or have you visited some of the cities before?

hey hey kellyjwelton
talk about last minute, that's 1 month. it will be crowded with many on USA spring breaks, right after easter holiday with travelers extending their time, people getting away before high season april/may. at this point italy is busy all year long, it's like high season all the time.
what do you mean by "cute towns"? tuscany is a big area but still florence, any mobilities, all stay in a room/hotel or apartment, will you be renting a car and if so all drivers will need to get an IDP (aaa.com/IDP), read all the law/rules/signs, ZTL zones. pick the towns/cities you want to see, transportation with bus/train/private tours $$$. how many "girls", budget in euros, you're decision of towns, not everyone likes towns that others like and then be unhappy
take the train to zurich 2 days before before departure for leeway.. remember that check-in is 3-4pm and check put is 10-11am.
do your research along with the others what they want, even though you don't want big cities, you are gonna be in the,many people are traveling same places as you and ask same questions, get out early morning and you many find the same people doing as you.
any plans in rome? many attractions/activities have been book far in advance, go direct to website if any availabily on days you're there. how many days in each place, people like to see so much with little time and spend too much time checking, out morning duties, getting to train station the ride to next city could take half a day. if train book early for lower rates but you may be late now.
we are only here as volunteers to help out with good bad and ugly results, do your homework. good luck enjoy have fun
aloha

Hi All
We are first timers in Italy. Just 2 of us
Just 1 night in Rome when we arrive and we have hotel, Vatican and Colosseum tickets already for the 24 hours that we are there.

We are willing to drive or any type of public transportation.
Cute towns - I’m thinking of the smaller, not big, like Rome. Small strolling streets Tuscany Florence Lake Como for sure just not sure where else in between.

Hi Kellyjwelton,
With such a short timeframe to plan, here's what I'd suggest:
You and your friend, today! get together with a map, and plot a course, from Roma going north:
Perhaps: Train to Viterbo, or Orvieto and spend time as you wish.
Next: Don't miss Siena, fabulous Cathedral complex and centro.
There are any number of agriturismi and small, cute towns in that area, that include the characteristics you mentioned.
Some of the more famous ones, and therefore most heavily touristed are: San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Montalcino & Volterra.
Even though you don't want big city life, it would be a sin not to stop in Florence, at least for an overnight. Think Michelangelo, Renaissance art, shopping on the Ponte Vecchio for gold jewelry, etc. It's a small city, so easily walkable to most everything. Be forewarned, it will be very busy with visitors.
I've found that mornings are the best to visit with fewer crowds.
Make your way north to Lugano. Arrive in Zurich at least a day before your flight home.
Watch some YouTube to choose your specific towns. Have a wonderful time!

Thank you so much for the information. We will definitely spend 3 nights in Florence. I really needed the in between Rome and Florence and then what would be great to visit between Florence and Lugano.
You all are great and I appreciate the quick replies from you all.