driving vs train in Italy

Personally I would say take the train since each of those locations are well served by rail. Florence has a reputation for the TLZs which often result in a surprise fine of 100 plus Euro a year or so after you return. Then you have parking issues, expense, etc. in Venice. The roads are fine and if you want to spend time in small out of the way places, then, of course, a car is essential. But for what you are suggesting I see little advantage for a car.

If you value your lives and money (ZTL concerns), I would not recommend renting a car in any city in Italy. If you plan on seeing the countryside in between some of the major city stops you mentioned, then yes it is a good idea to rent a car for those parts and only those parts. However, to answer your question about the roads, every road I've ever driven or been driven on in Italy, including very very back Tuscan roads and roads in such "poor" and very untouristy and remote parts in Basilicata and Puglia, put most American roads to an utter and total shame.

Since there are four of you traveling, it MIGHT be cheaper to rent a car, but I strongly recommend you go by train instead. Why? 1. The train isn't going to get lost. 2. The train isn't going to drive into forbidden areas and get you a whopping ticket. (They use automatic cameras to catch EVERY offender.) 3. The four of you will be facing each other on a train, making a conversation much easier. 4. You won't get into arguments about when to stop to use the bathroom. 5. You'll be able to enjoy the scenery. 6. You might meet some interesting people on the train.
7. On the train, you won't have to decipher the road signs as they come flying at you. They're all in Italian, you know? :-) Do you have the RS Italy book yet? It will be the smartest money you spend for this vacation. Happy travels.

Does "4 of us" mean that all of the auto expenses will be split 4 ways?

the 4 of us means...Mom and Dad will be footing the bill! LOL....Thanks for the input...I am thinking train since hubby gets lost going to work (almost)...

Wait a sec Maureen, If you like driving, now's your chance! Of course, 4 or more is cheaper by car. Tell hubby you're taking him to navigation school and show the group how to get places! One good driver is all it takes to make tour-guide infamy.

Italians drive very fast, usually faster than the speed of light. If you insist on driving just remember this: Drive to the right, Pass to the left. Unlike the U. S. where we pass on the left or right do NOT do this in Italy, you are taking your life into your hands. As for the roads they are superb not like 3rd world USA! Also if you are on the Auto Strada and stop at an AutoGrill to eat you will get very good food, not that fast food garbage we have on our interstates. I have driven all of Italy and also done it by train, the train is better. Trains are fast, frequent and you get to meet tourists and locals alike. Try it, you'll like it!

Maureen, I agree with the others that even with a group of four, travel by train would likely be a more pleasant "travel experience". All of the places you mentioned are well served by rail, and using the trains will be considerably faster and more efficient than by car. Having Four people stuck in a compact car (with luggage) for long periods of time will probably not be something you'll enjoy. In addition to the ZTL areas (and expensive tickets, especially in Florence), note that each driver would require the compulsory I.D.P. Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! There's also the issues of high fuel costs and tolls on the motorways. As your husband is "navigationally challenged", a GPS along with a good Map would be a really good idea if you decide to use a car. Happy travels!

Oh and don't forget you have to try to park the car. Hotels that have parking aren't near the historical centers so that's generally not as good. Parking signs for day trippers are in Italian. Hopefully after you do park you don't have to return a damaged vehicle as the spots are so tiny. Lastly sometiimes the car agency personnel don't speak English and the contract is in Italian plus the wasted time picking up and returning the car. Train it unless you are wandering through the countryside without any major cities.

If you want to see the countryside for part of you trip why not do Florence, then rent a car for a few days at the airport, hop right on the road to Pisa, and explore some of Tuscany. Stay in a village for a few nights, then drop the car back at the airport and take the train to Venice. I love seeing Tuscany by car. You can take any turn in the road that inspires you and explore some places on a whim. You can stop along the roadside and have a picnic. It is definitely challenging if you want to drive in the cities, but it is really easy to follow the signs if you have a halfway decent map. And with a GPS you can always find you way. There is a lot of freedom and spontaneity that can be had by driving for a few days.