Trip to Italy in the fall

Yup, sounds like a good plan.

It is a very gd plan. It will give you a gd look at the highlights of Italy. No doubt after this taste you will want to return and dig deeper into Italys beauty ie Amalfi coast, Sorrento, etc.
Enjoyfood, wine and vistas in Tuscany are terrific & base yourself in Siena and venture out for the day inot countryside.

It may not be a plan that I would recommend for all timers BUT it should work for you. You are probably paying a high price for all of that service but it will provide a comfort level that is critical for your enjoyment. Many of the people on this site are more independent travelers who never see the inside of a first class hotel and plan everything themselves. That is just the nature of this site. How big is your group?

Linda,
It is a good plan. For places to see in Tuscany see http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm

This site is geared more toward cost conscience travelers who prefer to immerse themselves within the local culture instead of walling themselves off by staying in high dollar hotels or, even worse, cruises. Not trying to be smug, it's just that there are other travel sites which may offer you better advice for your travel style

Linda, that sounds like a good plan. I'd also suggest taking guided tours or walks in the cities, to get the most out of your two or three days' stay. You could book private guides recommended in guide books or ask for recommendations on this board.

Linda, that sounds like a nice trip. Let me know if you need any recommendations for guides. We have used one on each of our last 2 trips to Italy and will use him again next year when we go to Umbria and Sicily

Thanks everyone. If feel better about beong the person in charge of the plans. Perhaps when we plan a trip to Itlaly again I will be more adventerous to do all the planning myself. But when you are responsible for 3 other couples youwant to make sure that it all goes well. Your replies have been very helpful any other suggestions please forward them to me.
Linda

Linda, Your proposed Itinerary sounds quite reasonable, and it provides a somewhat "well paced" first look at Italy. Given the fact you'll be staying in first class Hotels, I assume budget is not an issue? However, I have a few comments. I'd probably drop one day from Tuscany and add to Rome,as there's a lot to see and do there. Which areas of Tuscany are you planning to visit? If I read your post correctly, there will be four couples travelling together? Were you planning to rent one car for the group? One point to note is that for driving in Italy, each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which must be used in conjunction with your home D.L. Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! You can obtain these easily at any AAA office. They're valid for one year. You'll need to give some thought on where you'll be renting the Car. Many cities in Italy now have "ZTL" zones, and any drivers that pass through the automated Cameras are subject to a €100+ ticket EACH TIME the vehicle passes through! Although your trip is being planned by a Travel Agent, I believe it would also be a good idea to pack along a copy of the Italy 2011 Guidebook. I've found that the book is an invaluable source of reference during trips, as it covers Museum opening/closing times, transportation info, etc. Especially as this is your first trip, make sure that everyone in the group has a Money Belt! You might find it helpful to read the section on The Graffiti Wall regarding Scams. You might also want to read the "Rail Skills" chapter in Europe Through The Back Door, so that you're "up to speed" on travelling by train. Good luck with your planning!