Hello everyone! First of all, I have turned to these forums many times in the past 3 years as we have made trips to Europe...each time for a longer duration. So much helpful info and tips, so....thank you!
This time, we'll (wife and I) have 6 nights to spend in Italy. We'll fly from Munich to Venice and spend the first 2 nights there. That's where the uncertainty begins. We have only been to Rome (8 nights), Bonassola (3 nights) and Florence (2 nights) on past trips. We arrive in Venice early evening on 6/26 and will fly out of Rome on 7/2 at 11am.
I am looking look at taking a train from Venice, possibly to Verona first, and then to Pisa to pick up a rental car that we will retain until departing from Rome. Borrowing from Rick's tour itineraries and other online suggestions, I have a list of possible stops with the car:
Pisa, Lucca, Volterra, Siena, Orvieto
I have seen some suggest Pisa as a home base for 2-3 nights (4 total remaining after Venice). I have also considered spending the final night in Orvieto as that looks to be a nice midway point to Fiumicino.
We're 30 years old and will be going onto Dubrovnik and the Greek Isles after these 6 nights. Wine, scenery, and a relaxing ambience are probably our top 3 priorities for these days/nights in Italy. On the surface, my itinerary looks very plausible based upon my research (I hope!).
I am curious as to what I may be missing out on or what suggestions you may have in regard to having a home base (or to not have one) and what stops I am neglecting as well as what could serve as alternative overnight stays. For instance, would anyone suggest spending a single night in 4 of the above stops as opposed to driving back and forth? Travel time doesn't look to be a great hindrance in this case.
Finally, would you still suggest renting a car as the way to go? I am looking at a total of $110-150 for the rental (though I know other costs and fees will bump this up).
Thank you so much for your time!