We are heading to Italy for our first time next spring (2011). My wife and I have been to France and Spain before. We have my cousin and his wife going over with us (their first time to Europe). They can only stay one week. We are flying into Milano and planning on taking a car down to Tuscany. We will find an Agriturismo to stay at. At the end of the first week we will take them back to Milano and then my wife and I will head to Piemonte for another week. Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

It sounds like a wonderful trip.

I like to use this website to track down agriturismi that suit my needs. It has a great search filter, and some user reviews. If I find an agriturismo that appeals to me, I see if I can find user reviews on Tripadvisor:

http://en.agriturismo.it/

You might find it easier to take a train part of the way south upon your arrival in Italy, rather than drive the whole distance from Milano. If any of your party has an interest in seeing Florence, it might make sense to head right to it by train, and rent a car after touring it, rather than trying to battle your way back in from a rural location.

If you are going to Piemonte mainly because if its wines, I think it is worth putting a lot of thought into how you are going to get home after dinner! (True in Tuscany, too.) I would look for a winery with lodgings and food, and go restaurant hopping only for lunch. You might find this article helpful, but since you have so much time, you should also shop around for some guides dedicated to the best stays in Piemonte.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandsty...nddrink.italy1

The city of Torino is incredibly enjoyable to me. If you at all like cities, this is one of Italy's most fun, with lots of great food, shopping, unusual museums and style. If you want a purely rural vacation, it's not for you, but if you would like some buzz, google up articles and read up on it. You might want to give it some time.

PS: Increasingly I find Tripadvisor a great resource for agriturismi. They list them under "specialty lodging."

zeppole,

Thank you very much for your suggestions and advise.

I think it may be a better option to take the train from Milano to Florence and pick up a car there after spending a day in Florence. Heading out to an agriturismi and staying the rest of the week. I will just have to convince my wife to minimize luggage ;-)

Torino is definitely on our "TO DO" list.

We got our tickets today, so we can narrow down our options.

We are all very excited.

We just got back from Piedmonte and loved it! Here is our trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...dmont-2010.cfm

PS: Torino is fabulous!

Hi Jamikins,

Your trip sounds wonderful. Excellent trip report by you and Scott.

Thanks Orion! Enjoy your trip, we love ITaly!!!