Italy Planning

[Formerly YB-2]

Spending a long month in France this summer (Brittany & Aquitaine, with various side trips), but realize we need to get to Italy (been 40+ years since our last visit). We've booked a transatlantic cruise to Rome (well...... as close as one can get on a ship) and plan to spend another ~2-weeks "looking around". Other than the obligatory time in Rome and Florence are there any places 'not to miss' in Tuscany? Will likely rent a car for getting around once we leave Rome.

[vinod_david]

Jerome in your itinerary?

[Still-One]

Get your fill of history in both Rome and Florence, take the obligatory stop in Venice then take it easy in the smaller towns (some are villages) in Tuscany. We have found some of the best eating in the hole-in-the wall restaurants in these smaller places. They aren't trying to stick you with tourist pricing like some other cities. Many views are like looking at a painting, just breathtaking.

Here are a few: San Gimignano, Barga, Lucca, Montepulciano, and Montecatini Terme

[Rojet2015]

Siena and Piazza del Campo - a favorite of mine. If you have the time head north to Lake Como; I know a great family run hotel there.

[Formerly YB-2]

Thanks. Venice & Lake Como are both 'off the map' of where we are heading for this trip. The others look interesting.

[80B]

Cinque Terre is well worth it if you're looking for a couple nights on the coast. While not in Tuscany, it's about 90 minutes from Pisa or Lucca.

[SHV]

In about five weeks going to Maranello for a few days than Lake Como.

Steve

[Mikeylee]

This thread is quite helpful as my first trip to Italy is next year. We are doing 13 days with a tour company, Tauck, but will stay an extra 4-7 days in Florence afterward. We are very much looking forward to Cinque Terre.