What airlines have good rates and good connections between Paris and Florence or Rome, and then back to Madrid from either Florence or Rome? Would there be one that would arrive in Madrid in the morning?

I would reccomend Ryanair or easy jet...they are low in fares and they may help you get to your destinations at a low fare.

Also check Vueling

If there is an airport in Florence, it would be very small. You're best bet is to take a flight to Fiumincino (Da Vinci) and then take a train or bus to Florence. Either way, it's about 3 hours. If there is an airport in Florence, you'd probably have to go through Rome anyway.

By the way, trains in Italy, assuming there is no strike (sciopero), are always on time.

Sheryl

For cheap flights to Italy from Spain, go to www.myair.com
It's a no frills airline. I went to Venice for New Year's from Madrid at 1 cent each way (plus taxes which took the final bill to 40 euros return)