Thanks for the info. I knew about the trains for the most part, and will be checking in more detail, as I plan on some rather long segments right now. I'm planning on late September right now - way too hot in summer in southern Italy, and travel/lodging rates are lower then as well. The tourist office is a great idea, will be doing a lot ahead of time once I know where I want to overnight. I have found some other great sites and will be posting info myself on a website as I progress toward the trip. I'll definitely get the TCI maps - I see they now have an Italy by bike guide.