One week for Florence, Rome and a little bit of Chianti /other Tuscan town

With only 7 days (there are a couple of other recent posts about short trips so look at those, too), you need to stick to two or three places. 11 May - arrive Pisa and see the Tower; transfer to Florence, sleep 12 May - Florence (Uffizi and more) 13 May - AM transfer to Siena, 1/2 day to see Siena 14 May - Siena, possible Chianti tour www.toursbyroberto.com 15 May - Siena, daytrip to San Gimignano and Volterra via bus or tour (Alt: Cortona, other direction) 16 May - Early AM transfer to Rome, 1/2 day sightseeing 17 May - Rome
18 May - depart That's 2 nights Florence, 3 Siena, 2 Rome. You might want to go with 2 nights Siena and add one to Rome, depending on how much of Tuscany you want to see.

I personally wouldn't bother with Pisa but if you don't waste your precious time too much give it a quick look. I would then give Florence two days/three nights. Wonderful and accessible Orvieto one day/night and end in Rome. Depends on your interests too though if you want to give up a Rome day to Siena/Florence. I love Rome but it can be too big and bold and exhausting to some people.

I'd suggest spending your first 4 nights in Florence and day tripping to Siena by bus. With good planning and an early departure, you could combine San Gimignano and Siena into 1 longish day. There's more than enough sightseeing to fill 2 full days in Florence, but you could also take a second day trip if you prefer - say Lucca by train or bus. Spend your 5th night in Orvieto on the way to Rome and your last 2 nights in Rome. With train from Orvieto taking just over an hour, you'll be able to get in almost 2 full days of sightseeing in Rome. This itinerary would make for a busy week, but you'll see lots of great places. Wanted to add another option: Depart Florence early for Orvieto, spend the day touring Orvieto, then continue on to Rome for your last 3 nights. I think Orvieto is a great place for an overnight, but some people prefer to avoid one-night stops.

Wow, thanks for the advice! Those all sound like good options. I guess I need to research each city a little more to see which of the Tuscan towns I really prefer. But this will get me started.