We are hoping to go to Italy in the spring. Rome sounds good but Tuscany sounds better. He wants to see museums, I want to eat and drink wine in the plaza. Can you point me toward small town with charming villas to rent? How about car rentals? Are trains better? What are "must sees" and "must dos" Any web sites that will be helpful? How 'bout sites to discuss with others that have been there and done that? HELP!

Buon giorno Deb, Do you have an hour to discuss this? I do not right now.<BR><BR>Here is a good start to get you thinking. In 2 weeks do not try more than 5 destinations. Italy is wonderful<BR><BR>SO, YOU WANT TO SEE ITALY !<BR>FIRST, GET A GOOD MAP ! Having planned more then sixty personalized itineraries to southern Europe and Italy, I have learned that the best trip plans start with a good map. It takes about six weeks to see most of Italy, and that does not include Sicily.<BR>So, any typical two week sojourn requires a geographic orientation and thoughtful planning to optimize the total experience. The temptation is to try to see too much, and that is a big mistake. My advice is to limit yourself to FIVE DESTINATIONS OR LESS for any two week itinerary. Perceive Italy as geographic regions and plan accordingly. Here is a menu to help you to plan well. Let your total time<BR>in Italy, and a good map, determine your feasible choices !<BR><BR> THE BEST DESTINATIONS IN ITALY---BY CATEGORY---NORTH TO SOUTH<BR><BR>REGIONS OF NATURAL SPLENDOR:<BR>1. The Lakes of Lombardy/Piedmonte [ Maggiore, Como, Lugano, Orta]<BR>2. The Dolomites/Lake Garda [ Cortina, Ortisei, Merano, Riva del Garda]<BR>3. The Ligurian Coast [ Portofino, Cinque Terre, Portovenere]<BR>4. Tuscany/ Umbria [ quaint and historic hill towns]<BR>5. The Amalfi Coast [ Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, Capri] <BR><BR>THE HISTORICAL ART CITIES:<BR>1. Venice & Veneto [ allow 3 days---more if you include Vicenza, Verona et al]<BR>2. Florence [ it all happened here--plan for 2 days just in Florence]<BR>3. Siena [ deserves a full day, perhaps as a day trip from Florence]<BR>4. Rome [ the Eternal City demands 5 days---some would say two weeks]<BR><BR>ROMANTIC RESORT DESTINATIONS:<BR>1. Bellagio [ the best of Lago Como]<BR>2. Cortina [ the Vail of Italy--ski resort in heart of the Dolomites]<BR>3. Portofino/ Santa Margherita [ splendid sea-side venue]<BR> 4. Positano [ the best location to explore the Amalfi coast] <BR> 5. Taormina [ fabulous sea-side location in Sicily]<BR> 6. Ravello [ la dolce vita above the Amalfi coast]<BR> <BR> <BR><BR>

Go to slowtrav.com THE best Italy/Tuscany site. You'll read alllll about first night, last night, charming villas, wine, books, and musts there.<BR><BR>See you there.<BR><BR>

Bob the Navigator put it out there perfectly. I would only reiterate that you do need at least 4-5 days in Rome, from there you could go into the Siena area of Tuscany for about 4 days and end up in Florence where you can do both the museums and eat and drink wine<BR>easily!

Deb,<BR>Have you ever considered just to "play it by ear?" I always find this exciting. Walking up to the counter in a train station and buying a ticket on whatever train is leaving next usually ends up being an awesome adventure. Just a thought.