Hi Perche,

Thanks for your reply as it made us fine tune our plans.
We have decided to go in May next year. Also, we will be in Italy 14 nights( not including the overnight flight, of course).

Assisi is a must. I've done the train twice from Florence. I had stayed there 2 nights on each trip and feel it's a nice way to get an authentic feel of life there.

Lastly, I think basing our stay in Varenna will be a good choice.

With these items now worked I am grateful for any help you can provide in making this a reality.