We (two women) are doing our annual November Europe adventure. We have been to Italy five years ago (Venice Florence Rome) and I have also been to Tuscany, Amalfi Coast and Lake Como two years ago. That trip with my husband.
We (the two women) have rented an apartment at an agriturismo near Pienza (Val d'Orca) the first week in November. From there we will do side trips to nearby towns and also participate in the activities at the farm. We have another 7 or 8 nights and I was thinking of going to the Cinque Terre area for 2 or 3 nights and then Lucca for 4 nights.
I know about the floods last year and have tried to keep up with the reconstruction and reopening of local business. I am open for suggestion of which village to stay at or possibly Levanto. Also B&B or hotel suggestions. We would try to hike between at least two villages if possible.
I have found an apartment to rent in Lucca city center with parking so I thought that would be a fun base. The places that I wanted to see are Pisa, possibly Carrara (marble quarries) and Portofino. I found a one day cooking class in Lucca that sounded interesting. I am open to other suggestions. We can only look at so many museums but don't pass up a good wine or a good sale. We love local markets.
I am planning on flying in and out of Florence. Waiting on airfare.
Now my question (after all it is now 12:30 AM) is 4 nights to long in Lucca? Two nights not enough in Cinque Terre? Also any suggestions for activities. We have hiked in Peru, went caving, white water rafting and zip lining in Costa Rica, toured the sewers in Paris, went to the trash dumps in Egypt. You get the idea - we like to do things that we can talk about when we return and then have people look at us like, "Are you for real". OK, that's about all for tonight. Waiting to hear from you good folks out in computer land.
midnight, tour books on floor, eyes blurry - Tuscany??!!!
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I would allow for iffy weather if you are planning to hike. November can be very rainy in Italy.
Yes, why November?
Can you move it a month earlier?
I like the Lucca base idea.
November is our month because of family schedules. We have been pretty lucky with weather these last 15 years. So if it rains, that just means we change plans and do something indoors. We did Italy in November and it did rain in Venice but we had fun walking on the tables in St Marks because of the Aqua Alta.
If you are still in the area of Pienza the second weekend of Nov, be sure to enjoy the Truffle festival in nearby San Giovanni d'Asso. If not, try to enjoy truffles (and porcini mushrooms) during some of your meals while there.
I enjoy hiking in the Val d'Orcia area. There is a nice loop hike starting in Pienza that takes you into the valley below town and through farmland; the hike from Pienza to Monticchiello is rewarding; Montepulciano to Montefollonico is also a great hike. There are plenty of "white" (dirt) roads in the area that you can just park and start hiking, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful countryside one step at a time.
Something else to consider-
Umbria is a great area to visit during Nov. There are plenty of incredible towns to visit if it's raining and you can't beat the food and natural beauty. I've stayed at this agriturismo and found it very centrally located for day trips throughout the area-
http://www.lecasegialle.it/
I love the Lucca idea. I do not love the idea of CT in November. On one of your day trips when in Pienza, I suggest catching the gregorian chants at Sant Antimo.
We spent four wonderful days in Lucca and recommend it as a base.
Your trip sounds great except for the Cinque Terre part. It can be/often is chilly, windy and rainy in CT much earlier than November and the hiking trails are slippery when it rains. Be flexible and spend the two days in Florence if the weather in CT isn't great. We never go to Italy without stopping in Florence for a couple of days (or longer!).
Zoecat - thanks for the heads up about the Truffle festival. Sounds like something we would want to visit. We wanted to visit Cinque Terre because we heard so much about it, but since the floods and the possible rain, we might just have to take the train between the villages. I have been finding a few B & Bs closed for the season or because of the floods. We might have to rethink the length of our visit.
rfbk50,
Here's a thought-
A few years ago I spent a week at this very nice agriturismo located just outside of the lovely town of Sarzana-
http://www.anticocasalesarzana.com/
The location is a great base (with a car) for exploring the area of NW Tuscany, Lerici, Portovernere, and if you want, the Cinque Terre. Sarzana is located just outside of La Spezia. You can catch the train in Sarzana and continue on to the Cinque Terre, arriving in about 20 minutes.
So, if the weather is nice you can drive 5 minutes to Sarzana, park in the public lot, and take the train to the Cinque Terre. If the weather is rainy, you can use your car to explore other places in the area.