Mark D

Can anyone recommend a good itinerary for driving 2 days from southern Tuscany (Montepulciano) to Piedmont (near Turin)? We've explored Florence, the Chianti, and San Gimignano and want to see other areas this time.<BR><BR>Would you recommend spending both nights somewhere near-midway between? Or staying the first night in/near Lucca and the second night somewhere further north? Would you drive along the coast or through the mountains?<BR><BR>We are especially interested in visiting wineries and plan to spend a couple of days around Barolo, Barbaresco, Alba, and Asti. Any recommendations on wineries or restaurants? (Guido's has been suggested.)<BR><BR>Finally--can anyone comment on Castello di Pavone just north of Turin as a place to stay?<BR><BR>Many thanks and happy holidays.<BR>

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Mark, Take the coast road, but stop at Lucca for 2 hours enroute. You have several great options, depending on time of year. My choice would be either Portovenere or Santa Marherita on the coast. But, Lago Orta is a very special place that is also enroute. If during warm weather, I would spend both nites on the coast and boat to the Cinque Terre on the second day. Good luck !

pat

We ate at La Cantinetta in Barolo. They have a degustation menu. It was very good and quite an experience.

Don and Linda

Hi Mark, Our Italy trip travelogue (Rome, Chiusi, Florence, Camogli, Genoa, Bellagio, Valle D'Aosta, Torino, Piemonte, Pavia, Stresa) has lots of great information for your trip-planning. We highly recommend Il Cascinale Nuovo in Isola d'Asti - a great place to stay with a world-class restaurant. Ciao, Don and Linda

Mark

If Don and Linda see this--could you tell me how to access your travelogue? I tried doing a search of this chat group and had no luck. Thanks.

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Mark, www.thetravelzine.com Good stuff !