April-Provence or Umbria/Tuscany?
 

Thinking about a 2 week trip in April. Which should we visit or should we attempt both?

Either one but given 2 weeks, certainly NOT both!

Maybe this will help you decide...

http://tinyurl.com/6kw8fl

Tuscany in April is fabulous - especially the Val d'Orcia. That's our favorite time to be there. The winter wheat (maybe it's rye) covers the rolling hills like a green velvet blanket, with cypress trees & medieval villages sticking up here-&-there. Florence isn't overcrowded yet - we saw David with only 3 other people in the room.

I think Provence can get the Mistral in April. Visit this region in late June or July when the lavender is in bloom.

Stu Dudley

much appreciated!

I've been to both areas during the Spring and I can't say that one is more desirable than the other. It's a glorious time to visit!! But definitely don't try to do both...pick either Provence or Tuscany and soak it up.

I've been to both in the month of April. Fortunately, we had very good weather in both areas and the weather was very similar too. Although before Provence we spent 6 days in Dordogne and it rained every day. For both France and Italy, we only needed a light jacket. I loved both areas, but for me personally, I would choose Italy. It was greener and in my opinion the landscape can't be beat! In fact, we're going back again in May.

We decided to go Mar. 15-Mar. 31. Our itinerary is: Venice 4 nights, Cinque Terre 3 nights, Tuscany/Umbria 4 nights, Siena 1 night, Florence 3 nights. If anyone has ideas on where to stay/go in Tuscany/Umbria (with a car), please chime in. Thanks for all of your help to date.