Ok. We are finally starting to narrow down destinations and dates for an Italy trip in December. Here is what I'm thinking.

Day 1 Fly In to Rome
Day 2 Rome - Probably going to stay at Hotel Lancelot
Day 3 Rome
Day 4 Rome
Day 5 Rome
Day 6 Rome
Day 7 Rent car (automatic) on the way out of the city and head to Tuscany.
Day 8 Tuscany - Probably going to stay at Villa il Poggiale (near San Casciano in Val di Pesa) or Hotel L'Antico Pozzo in San Gimignano
Day 9 Tuscany - Day trip to Greve in Chianti
Day 10 Tuscany - Day trip to Siena
Day 11 Tuscany - Day trip to Montepulciano
Day 12 Tuscany - Day trip to Florence
Day 13 Tuscany - Day trip to Contona
Day 14 Tuscany - relax in San Gimignano
Day 15 Drive to Lugano Area - Probably stay at Hotel Del Lago in Melide
Day 16 Lugano Area
Day 17 Lugano Area
Day 18 Lugano Area
Day 19 Drive to Milan airport, return car, and catch 2pm flight out

Any thoughts, comments, etc?
I have also thought about getting ride of the car in Milan (after Tuscany) and taking a train to Lugano instead.

Sounds wonderful, especially the amount of time you're devoting to three separate areas.

I'd keep the car for Lugano, as it will enable you to do more than public transportation will for your four days there.

Personally, having stayed in Lugano, Locarno, Stresa, Bellagio, and Lake Garda each for some time, I'd put Bellagio at the top of that list, and Lugano nearer the bottom. Others may disagree with that, of course.

Neo - Interesting about Bellagio. That's on the Italian side I assume. Actually, not crossing into Switzerland would probably save me quite a headache. Especially for my last day of travel, where I am leaving to catch a plane in Milan. Any suggestions on lodging, restaurants, and sites in Bellagio. I would really love a nice cozy room with a beautiful lake view. I don't mind spend 300 euros a night is necessary. Thanks!

Well, you can do a search here and find about a zillion posts on Bellagio -- it's clearly a favorite of many. I've stayed there twice and my favorite place was our last stay -- The Metropole, where the balconies literally cantilever out over the lake for views that are more than 180 degrees wide. It's not a spectacular hotel, but comfortable and has a location and views that can't be beat. It would be well under your budget.

http://www.albergometropole.com/

Incidentally, we've been there with a car for five days and without a car for four days. When we had the car, it never left the garage once. You can easily train to Varenno from Milan and then a quick little ferry over to Bellagio. And the boats from Bellagio will take you lots of places on the lake. We also took a bus to Lugano for one day from Menaggio (just across the lake from Bellagio) , so you could still get there easily from Bellagio.

ooops. I just looked at your original post and realized you are going in December. Hmmmm. Not sure what, if much of anything, is open at Bellagio that time of year. Frankly, it's a little bleak in the winter, I'd think. On the other hand Lugano is more of a real city -- so perhaps that is a better idea.

Nice trip---2 comments:

I see Cortona as too far for a day trip. Too much to see closer to home.
I agree with Patrick. There is no reason to stay in Lugano---I too would prefer Lake Como but I prefer Menaggio with a car. Also, CH is more expensive. OOPS !
I just noticed DECEMBER. I would not suggest the lakes in Dec. Consider Venice instead.

It sounds like the Lakes area in December may not be a great idea. All I am really looking for there is some relaxation, a good view, good food, and maybe a day at the spa. Do you still think it's a bad idea. I was looking for serene and peaceful. Any other suggestions?

Given the season, I'd also consider less time staying in San Gim. You might discover an austere beauty to the Tuscan countryside in December, but seven nights seems like too much. I'd spend three nights max and then settle into Florence for the remainder of your time in Tuscany.

Seems to me if you're traveling to Italy in the off season, that's the time to hit the cities -- there are fewer tourists, and your activities are less dependent on the weather. Save the great outdoors for the spring or fall.

Hmmm ! Given Dec. I would change the itinerary to include Rome, Siena and perhaps Santa Margherita Ligure as your resort destination, unlesss you have never seen Venice.

Agree with Bob.
Bellagio isvery dead that time of year. I've stayed there 3 times,once in Jan. Beautiful, but most businesses closed and the ferry schedule is much less attractive.
Lugano,because of skiers, should be pretty "open".
The drive from San Gim is long and most of it boring to Como,let alone Lugano.
Matt also gives good advice. The Val D'Orcia area,IMO,is much prettier that time of year (assuming that's one of the reasons you want to stay in Tuscany).
Also, hill towns can be REALLY cold when the winds are blowing.And they are always blowing.
I'd add Florence and/or Venice. Another night or two in Rome would also be nice.
With short days, expect to see much less in a day than you think.

Any suggestions of accommadation in Val D'Orcia?

I'd probably choose a nice B&B (agriturismo) with a view. Montepulciano is the best sized hill town,if that's what you desire.
Montalcino is my favorite in the area, but will be very dead in the winter.
I'd even consider Orvieto (actually Umbria). I think it doesn't get enough credit as a base.

Thanks! Based on a few comments, I have decided to change things around a bit. I am still planning to start with a week in Rome. After that, it's Florence for 3 days, and Tuscany (with San Gimignano as a base) for 6 days. I am taking Lugano out of the trip. This way, I can fly in and out of Rome, take a train to Florence, and then rent a car. It seems alot less stressful. Thanks everyone.