My wife and I just returned from a phenomenal visit to the boot. Thanks to Rick's books and the great comments on the helpline from other travelers, our trip was outstanding. Our itineray was just right. Here it is for those still trying to firgure out a schedule:
6/3 - Arrived in Rome. Stayed at L'incanto di San Pietro (B&B) which was about 5 minutes walking distance from the Vatican. We hit pretty much every site in Rome and followed Rick's Rome 2008 book religiously.
6/8 - Drove with friends to Siena and stayed at Albergo Bernini (recommended by RS). Walked around and enjoyed the small town. Climbed to the top of the clock tower and enjoyed the view.
6/10 - Took the train to Padova and stayed at Hotel Al Fagiano (recommended by RS). While in Padova, we did a day trip to Venice and a day trip to Verona (2 different days).
6/13 - Took the train to Florence and stayed at Casa Rabatti (recommneded by RS). Marcella, the owner, was like my grandmother. Great lady! Saw everything we could in Florence and started the visit the night we arrived with Rick's Renaissance Walk. Did a day trip to Pisa.
6/18 - Took the train back to Rome (back to San Pietro)
6/19 - Departed Italy.
In short:
Rome for 5 nights,
Siena for 2 nights,
Padova for 3 nights (with day trips to Venice and Verona),
Florence for 5 nights (with a day trip to Pisa),
Rome for 1 night
This was a great schedule. I felt we spent the right amount of time at each spot.