Is it worth renting a car?

No. Parking is impossible, driving in city centers is illegal for non-residents (ZTL zones), and train travel between major cities is faster and cheaper.

How do I handle the 'cover charge' at restaurants?

The 'coperto' is a standard fee (usually 2-3 euros) per person. It is not a tip; it's a service fee for bread and seating.

Planning a Two-Week Italy Trip for First-Timers

Stick to the 'Golden Triangle' of Rome, Florence, and Venice to avoid spending your whole trip on a train. Allocate 4 days to Rome, 4 to Florence (with day trips to Tuscany), 3 to Venice, and 3 to the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre.

Book your arrival and departure cities separately. Don't do a round trip to the same city. Fly into Rome (FCO) and out of Venice (VCE) to save an entire day of backtracking across the country.
Pre-book your 'must-see' tickets. Book the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Uffizi Gallery at least 60 days in advance via official sites. If you wait until you arrive, you will either pay double for a third-party tour or miss out entirely.
Use the high-speed rail network. Book your Trenitalia or Italo high-speed trains at least 3 weeks out. You can get a ticket from Rome to Florence for 19 euros if you book early; it costs 50+ euros if you buy it at the station.
Limit your base cities. Change hotels no more than four times in 14 days. Moving your luggage every two days is the fastest way to burn out and lose time in transit.

Is it worth renting a car?: No. Parking is impossible, driving in city centers is illegal for non-residents (ZTL zones), and train travel between major cities is faster and cheaper.
How do I handle the 'cover charge' at restaurants?: The 'coperto' is a standard fee (usually 2-3 euros) per person. It is not a tip; it's a service fee for bread and seating.