My husband and I went on our honeymoon in Italy as well (April 2004). One word - AWESOME!! 😊 Here is my advice-take it for what it is worth.
In my opinion, you are trying to do too much (I do the same thing when I start planning my trips) - week is not long enough to go to all the places you would like. I would cut out Venice right from the get go unless you want to spend all of your time in Northern Italy (which it doesn't sound like you want to do). Rome is a must I think but only for a couple days. Get in to Rome, see the things you absolutely must and then get out. Great city but there is so much more of Italy to see! This is were we stayed:
http://www.58viacavour.it/
Nothing fancy but it is near the train station (10 minute or so walk), clean and very friendly. The gentleman that runs it (can't remember his name) speaks good English and is very helpful. He even provided us with a city map and suggestions on where to eat, etc.
Tuscany is a must as well. Check out this guesthouse:
http://www.tuscany.net/rodiloss/
If you are looking for quiet and romantic this is it! The people that run it are fabulous (very little English). You are close to Siena, Florence and San Gimignano. The closest village is Montione. Great little pub (very smoky) and a beautiful, fancy restaurant for those special evenings (the name escapes me but there is only one so I don't think you can miss it). 😊 The staff is a little snooty at first but tip them really well the first time you go and they'll loosen up. 😊
The highlight of the trip for us was the Cinque Terre. If you do nothing else - go here. We could have spent a week just there. We stayed in Riomaggiore at this bed and breakfast:
http://www.laterrazza.info/si.asp
Again, nothing fancy. Very clean, with parking, friendly owners and a SPECTACULAR view. It is at the very top of the town (off the Cinque Terre road) with about a 5-10 minute walk to the city center. Make sure you hike all the towns. They are amazing (we did but then cheated and took the train back). 😊
You may also consider flying into one city and out another so you don't have to waste the time circleing back (we flew into Rome and out of Milan). It is a little more money but worth it in time you save.
Let me know if you have any questions. 😊 Congrats on getting married!!
Lynn
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