I have vacation during the last 2 weeks of April and September. Would like to know which is the better time to visit Tuscany. Will it be too cool and not sunny enough in April? Is the nearby Umbria as pretty and less touristy as Tuscany? Thanks. <BR>Jenny

I have never been to tuscany in April; statistically september is going to be a better bet, but the world is getting more and more wise to how wonderful September. September is more and more often still considered "peak season" in both prices, crowds and availability. <BR> <BR>(Late) September, and even early October was beautiful in Tuscany and Umbria for me last year. And even as far north as the Dolomites, we hit SOME beautifully warm and sunny days even in late March this particular spring. (though Venice was cooler and grayer, by contrast). <BR> <BR>It's always a gamble; September is "safer" - - thus more "subscribed", and it may be a bit more expensive. <BR> <BR>As for "pretty" and less touristy, a lot depends on whether you want the simple charms of little hill towns or Michaelangelo's "David". Tuscany has Florence, Siena and a lot more; Umbria has Assisi - - an area that is even less known but has similar charms (minus the "nig name" tourist destinations) is the province of Rieti. Within easy striking distance of Rome (thus, even further south), I am tempted to believe that Rieti is what Tuscany was like 40 years ago (though the appeal of Florence has transcended centuries). <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

Thanks, Rex. I may be heading there in April with my husband, than again in Sept. with a bunch of friends after checking out some farmhouses for rent. Was responsible for some poor lodgings on Santorini this Sept.(got married there) and cannot make the same mistake again. Any reccommendations for places to rent in Tuscany/Umbria? <BR>Jenny

Jenny, Can you please say more about your "poor lodging experience"? My daughter is getting married in Florence in November and I am worried about the villa rental that I made for both families. In other words...what are potential problems that might be encountered?

I don't have any experience renting villas in Tuscany. However in Oia, Santorini,Greece, some of the traditional houses (cave dwellings that sleeps 2-4 persons) that were rented thru a travel agent there were a bit too spartan for my guests from Singapore. I'm sure your Tuscan villas will be great esp if it's for a wedding party.

Thanks Jenny. "Santorini" didn't register with me until after I posted. I'm really focused on whether the other family, whom I have met once, will like the lodging arrangements.

Hello, <BR> <BR>I am also thinking of going to Tuscany in April. Although, I am having a difficult time going to a travel agent who knows anything about helping me plan a trip. Any suggestions on who I should talk to? <BR> <BR>Also, in a short answer, if I go in April, will it be rainy and cold? <BR> <BR>Thank you.

It's not easy to be responsible for someone else's accommodations. Good luck. If you like, I could drop in on your Tuscan villa if I do make it there in April and ease your fears. I'm now trying to find accommodations in Meribel, France for skiing in March, any ideas? No, I'm not a travel agent. I'm enjoying my honeymoon year of not working. <BR>

We are in the planning stage of visiting Italy the last week in March and first two weeks in april. There will be 7-10 people going. Any suggestions on sites to see, we ar conversing with a travel agent on accomodations and travel. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreiated. Thanks in advance. Jen

Jenny <BR> <BR>Getting back to the original Q, as I have just got back from a week in Tuscany (1st week in Oct), the weather is usually meant to be OK this time of year. Unfortunately, it was pretty cold and showery esp in the Chianti region but we had a couple nice days in Florence. When the sun shines though, it is magical!

To all others asking additional questions on this post, you may want to do a search for villa rentals, etc. There have been many web sites mantioned on previous posts that would be beneficial.

I used tuscanhouse.com. Thus far they have been easy to work with. But as Sandi recommends, there are many, many recommendations for sites on this board. <BR>But, I have yet to find may posters who have stayed at the villa I have reserved, so I am a little tentative, considering this is for a wedding party.