I can find no end to the options for Italian villa rentals in the countryside but they almost all without fail require car rentals to access them/the rest of Italy.

With a large group and the relatively expensive teeny tiny cars that seem to be available this makes for a much more expensive holiday.

Has anyone found/stayed at/know of any villas which are within walking distance to some of the "major" cities in either Tuscany or Umbria which also have easy access to the EUrail lines for exploring the rest of Italy? We would prefer to be somewhat centrally located between Florence and Rome and be able to house 8-10 people.

Any ideas would be appreciated!

--DD73