Driving from Rome to Cortona - to toll or not to toll

[merc_man]

I will shortly be taking a family holiday to Italy and I'm going to be driving a hire car (family saloon) from Rome to Cortona (North East of Perugia). Now, I've never driven in Italy before so I've no idea how good this route is. As far as I can see I have two real options, the toll route (up the E35) or the non-toll route which takes me via Perugia. Google maps indicates it's a difference of a 2 hour something drive and a 3 hour drive.

Planning on stopping off on the way, once or twice, for lunch and a break (2 kids in the car) so would also like recommendations as to places for lunch around half way.

So, given that I've got all day to get there what would the euro-travellers out there recommend. Some information on toll costs if you've been recently would also be useful.

I have to say I am leaning toward the non-toll route at the moment as it'd be nice to see something of the country.

[Puggit]

Plug it all in to www.viamichelin.com and it will help with tolls etc.