My husband and I will be visiting friends in Wiesbaden, Germany from October 18-22, 2013. Our plan is to then fly to Rome and from Rome go to Tuscany area from Oct. 22-26 then back to Rome for a day or two before heading back to USA. I realize this is not much time to spend in Tuscany but this is all we have. This our first time traveling outside of USA, so I am needing some advice. First is it advisable to rent a car and drive from Rome to Tuscany? This would be our preferred way to travel if possible. Second, since we will not be spending an entire week are we very limited to B&B's and hotels or can we try to stay in one of the farmhouses or winery's suggested on this site? Has anyone had experience with just a few days in Tuscany? I would love to see the countryside and do some wine tasting and visit some shops. Any advice on lodging would be appreciated. We prefer a room with private bathroom.