OK, so I'll try to convince my wife to take Salzburg off the list. And we could extend the trip to 10 days for Italy. While I would like to see the different Magi paintings and Rembrandt's self-portraits, the Uffizi is not a must-see, especially if it takes hours. We're more fans of architecture and churches than paintings and sculptures. On the other hand, wondered if the DaVinci LS was worth trying to see in Milan?

On lodging, we do both points reservations and smaller stays, but finding the latter seems hit and miss. A suggestion on where to look for lodging in Italian towns?

Venice is a must, as is Rome, but that's about it. Maybe we should try to get in the Tuscany countryside rather than Florence.

And still — north to south, or vice-versa? Frankfurt to Rome, or Frankfurt to Venice? I think we'll probably fly either to or from Rome, although overnight on sleeper train sounded like a bit of experience to me, and would avoid one hotel night.