first and foremost a huge thank you to the many that helped in my various threads - from Florence to the AC to Rome - what a huge and amazing resource this place is (though i do admit it led to some analysis paralysis).
anyway, here is the final itinerary. obviously things can be adjusted if absolutely necessary but i think this works well with what we want to see and how ambitious we will be feeling.
July 10 - 13: Florence @ Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco
July 13 - 14: Siena @ Palazzo Ravizza
July 14 - 19: Montepulciano @ The Politian Apartments
July 19 - 25: Positano @ Villa Rosa
July 25 - 29: Rome @ Albergo del Senato
obviously there is a lot more to plan as far as sightseeing, restaurants, just general transportation, etc. but it feels great to finally have it planned out at a high-level.
again, thank you and i welcome any and all critiques!