Based on our visit to Rome, I agree with you music. I think DS is basing his opinion from friends that visited and spent a long time in lines etc. I considered Florence more touristy (but still lovely) since so small / historic.
Yes, car would be need for village options in Italy (and maybe Germany too). DH has agreed that would be ok, if we didn’t have the car in the cities. (Amen to that … we don’t even like US city traffic).
Any feedback about rental cars? I’ve heard they are teeny. We’d have 4 people and probably 3 small bags/packs and one larger one.