tuscany/florence

It is difficult to state just what are the "must see's" in Florence. But, to try:

It is home to several of Michelangelo's works, David, the Pieta, and the sculptures in the Capella di Medici, all of which are soul stirring;

In the Uffizi, just standing in front of Botticeli's "Birth of Venus" gave me chills;

Donatello's David is an amazing contrast with Michelangelo's;

Il Mercato Centrale can waste an hour or two, think tripe, porchette, balsamic vinegar, formaggi, ;

Leather, i.e., coats, shoes, gloves, hats, can max out your credit cards;

Bistecca Fiorentina is an epic dinner, as are the various pastas with interesting sauces (cream and nuts, asparagus and cream, as well as the more traditional accompaniments) and the amazing selection of panini and bruscette;

Il Duomo and Giotto's tower inspire;

Seeing the graves of Gallileo, Machiavelli, and others at Santa Croce connects you with a different time;

One day is not enough time, but do the best you can.

We are doing something similar: a few days to explore Tuscany and I can only convince my husband (who hates crowds) and son (who’s not too keen on galleries/museums/churches) to spend 1 day in Florence. But looking at other places we want to go, and available accommodation, and the proximity to good restaurants, we decided to stay in Florence. Not in the centre, but somewhere we could easily get public transport into the centre, but also get out of the city in a car reasonably quickly. I wanted to stay out in the country on a farm, but hubs wants to eat out and have a glass of wine and not have to drive. It’s tricky to juggle everything!

Based on your requirements I wouldn’t spend any nights in Florence. I would choose a countryside location from the start from which I would visit Florence for a day. That strategy would save you one accommodations change, which is always time consuming. You can visit Florence from that location with your car. Just make sure you park in one of the lots outside the city walls. The OLTRARNO parking lot, just inside the Porta Romana wall gate is ideal if coming from south of Florence.

I have no experience with the accommodations you mentioned near Volterra. I have no doubts it could be a great relaxing place, but I personally wouldn’t choose Volterra as a base for day trips. It’s kind of hard to get to. Not near the Siena-Florence freeway, and too curvy of a road. Since visiting Florence from that location may be part of the plan, I would choose a location (Agriturismo if you wish) somewhere near the Siena to Florence freeway. The area near. Olle Val D’Elsa - Monteriggioni in the Alta Val D’Elsa (Upper Elsa Valley) would be ideal for Day tripping by car. Even Umbria would be within reach.

The suggestion to stay in Volterra was from my private phone consultation with the Rick Steve's travel counselor. She suggested staying there and day tripping to Florence. Our plan was to stay in the country for 4 nights but allow one day for Florence. We arrive in Florence by Train around 12N so I was wondering if we could see the main museums or get a private tour guide for the afternoon then head out to the country in the evening- stay in there for 4 nights and not go back to Florence.. We have never been there and I am now concerned that Volterra may be too inconvenient.

I think that seeing the main museums of Florence in one afternoon is unrealistic. Keep in mind that you'll need to check your luggage and grab a quick bite to eat before visiting museums. Then you'll need to reclaim your luggage, pick up the rental car and drive about 1.5 hours to your lodgings, preferably navigating the winding country roads before nightfall. That only leaves time for the Uffizi and a walk around the city center, or maybe the Accademia and another smaller museum instead of the Uffizi. Personally, I think you'll enjoy Florence much more if you return for a full day rather than rushing it.