I am one of four ladies planning to visit Italy the first 10 days in October. We want to see Florence, possibly Cinque Terre and definetly Lake Como. We are all turning 60 this year but are all extremely active, physically fit and love to laugh and share good times.
Do we need to stay in Forence or would Sienna be a good option? We are shying away from renting a car but don't want to feel so tied down to trains-should we bite the bullet and do so? Any great apartments to recommend in any of these areas-something better than 2 hotel rooms. Maybe nice B&Bs? We do want nice accomodations but don't need or want to pay for the best. Any and all comments are welcome and appreciated.

We can't make a judgment about whether you need a car based on your wish list. Please tell us more about your interests besides "share good times." My good times may not be the same as yours. Nothing you've said so far requires a car. And as far as feeliing tied to a train schedule, many would feel encumbered with a car in the locations you've named.

Have you booked or researched flights? Look into flying into Milan and home from Florence or Pisa or vice versa. So your trip might be: Fly into Milan Malpensa and head to Lake Como. From Como, train to Cinque Terre (via Milan). From Cinque Terre, train to Florence. Fly home from Florence (or Pisa).

Do you plan 10 days in Italy or does the 10 days include your travel days?

All good points. We will spend 2 days traveling and 10 seeing the sights. As for "good times"- we all enjoy museums,art,food,wine and lots of physical activity.Shopping will probably be at a minimum but it's always fun to pick up a keepsake or two. We are all walkers and several of us may be hikers(if time and weather permit)-certainly plan on seeing lots on foot.

Limit yourself to a max of 3 destinations. I would start north because of weather--we too will be at Lago Como the week of 3 Oct. So, arrive Milan, train to Varenna for 3 nites. Then, your next stop will depend if you get a good flight home from either Pisa or Florence. If Pisa, then hit Florence next for 3 nites, and end at the CT--with last nite near Pisa airport. Have fun--I know you will.

bob, I put Florence at the end because I thought airport logistics would be easier from there--no need to relocate for one night.