Help with deciding Tuscan destination???

Old Feb 16th, 2006, 10:56 AM
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Help with deciding Tuscan destination???

I have been researching our first trip to Italy and have been scouring these boards, as well as travel books for info. Firstly, thank you to those of you that have provided so much helpful info. to people like me, your time & knowledge is greatly appreciated. So far this is what I'm thinking ...we are looking at 10 days in late Sept. We want some sightseeing with some relaxing/enjoying the culture. Starting with Venice (3 nts), Tuscany (2 nts), Rome (2 nts), Positano (2 nts). The part I need help with is where to stay in Tuscany. I would like something in the countryside that would be in close proximity to vineyards and also restaurants (we would hire a car to get around). That being said, any recommendations that would fit this description?
I would appreciate any advice. Thank you!
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Old Feb 16th, 2006, 01:37 PM
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Hi,

With only 9 nights, I would strongly recommend only 3 stops instead of 4. It takes up a lot of time packing, checking out, waiting for train or rental car, figuring out your way/getting lost, bathroom and food stops, etc...

The 2 night stops really only leave you one full day in Tuscany, Rome and Positano. I would say Venice (3), Tuscany (3) and Rome (3) and even that is a little short for Rome. Or, if Positano is number one on your list, I would say to stay south and skip Venice this time. It is easy to want to see everything and not really get to relax and enjoy.

It is hard, but I think you should prioritize and really have fun with what you do and not worry about what you miss.

Good luck and happy travels!
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Old Feb 16th, 2006, 01:44 PM
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Hi Kay,

On my first trip to Italy (after skiing for a week) we did Venice 2 nights, Florence 2 nights, Amalfi Coast 3 nights and Rome 2 nights. I now refer to this trip as a "drive by" of Italy. It was exhausting and we didn't see much.

I would highly recommend that you cut out Positano this time around. Add a day to Tuscany and 1 to Rome. You will be very glad you did - and you will actually be able to do a LITTLE relaxing.

Buon viaggio!
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Old Feb 16th, 2006, 01:50 PM
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Kaygirl,
Take a look at La Crociona http://lacrociona.com/index.htm It is in a vineyard, has a restaurant in the village and is three kilometers from Montalcino.
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Old Feb 16th, 2006, 02:36 PM
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As for where to stay in Tuscany, look at this thread discussing Montepulciano & its' comparison to other places > Montepulciano, http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34754402

Agree that you should consider revising your itinerary to 3-3-3 (Venice/Tuscany/Rome). Save Positano for your second trip to Italy.
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Old Feb 16th, 2006, 02:50 PM
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Kaygirl - I agree with the above opinions that you would enjoy your trip more if you cut out one of the destinations. I've always wanted to include Positano in our travel adventures but unless I were willing to forego Tuscany or Venice I hesitate to include it. As others have suggested, I'd fly into Venice - train to Tuscany (perhaps Chiusi picking up & returning the rental car there) - stay in southern Tuscany - train to Rome - fly home from there. If Positano is a priority, I'd skip Venice & Tuscany and only go to Rome & the Amalfi Coast. We've been to Italy in September and the grape harvest was being collected. It was a glorious time to travel. I know you're enjoying researching and planning!
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Old Feb 16th, 2006, 02:52 PM
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Another vote for 3/3/3 and skip Positano. The latter takes some effort & time to get to by means other than a car.

In Tuscany - Montepulciano, Pienza, San Quirico, and Montalcino would be excellent places to stay to catch your breath after Venice & before Rome. I would encourage you to rent a car and drive around yourself - the countryside is beautiful in late Sept with all the freshly plowed hills in various shades of amber & camel colors.

Stu Dudley
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Old Feb 17th, 2006, 06:38 AM
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Thank you all for the advice (my husband thanks you too!) I think you're all right and we will be skipping Positano. Now that I have a final itinerary I'm sure I'll be back with more specific questions. Thanks again!
Karla
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Old Feb 20th, 2006, 07:45 AM
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We will be staying at Cretaoile for two weeks this May/June. Haven't stayed there before, but I have read countless reviews of it, and cannot wait to get there.

Also, I highly recommend Albergo Rutiliano in Pienza. http://www.albergorutiliano.it/intro.en.php

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Old Feb 20th, 2006, 07:46 AM
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Oops, meant to give you the website for Cretaiole: http://www.cretaiole.it/home.en.php
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Old Feb 21st, 2006, 08:06 AM
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Hi. We stayed outside of Greve at Castello di Vicchiomaggio. Beautiful grounds, beautiful views everywhere you look, and beautiful pool.
Favorite restaurant: Ristoro di Lamole. We found it on our honeymoon 6 years ago and then returned there with our baby...twice! I posted a trip report on our trip to Tuscany that you can read too.
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Old Feb 21st, 2006, 01:08 PM
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We stayed in Tuscany on a farm called Fattoria Montalbano. http://www.montalbano.it/home.asp?W_LANGUAGE=E
It was wonderful and I can't wait until we can go back. Our apartment was on a big grassy lawn and overlooked a valley filled with vineyards. The owner arranged a cooking class in her beautiful kitchen one afternoon where we learned to make homemade pasta - and she had her nanny watch our daughter. They serve meals in a beautiful basement dining room (I think it used to be a wine cellar) and we had the best meal of our trip there.

The closest town was Regello - not too charming, but we went there daily for groceries. We drove to nearby San Ellero and left our car at the train station to go into Florence - I don't remember how long the ride is but it was fairly quick since it's only about 25km from Florence.

Our daughter had a wonderful time running on the lawn and feeding food scraps to the goats. My husband loved sitting in the lounge chairs and reading. This place was definitely the highlight of our trip!
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Old Feb 24th, 2006, 04:59 AM
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We've been to Tuscany a few times in the past 4 years, our daughter honeymooned there, and many of our friends have been there as well. We all used a private guide who custom tailors the tour to your interests. He's really flexible, knowledgeable and after a few days part of the family. His name is Luca and you can reach him at [email protected]. I've recommended him a number of times on this forum and have gotten back good comments from people after using him, Enjoy the trip, it's a great part of the world
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