My friend and I are flying from Paris to Pisa for four nights in April. I am torn between heading to Cinque Terra or Florence and its surrounding areas. Neither of us have ever been to Italy and I really want to see the Mediteranean. Does anyone have any suggestions? I know the two destinations are in opposite directions but is it possible to see both? We have 5 days/4 nights! Thanks!

I think it depends on your interests. If you want to visit museums, cathedrals, lots of great shops and restaurants, then Florence. If you want to swim (oops-not in April...maybe that makes your choice more clear), hike, or kayak, Cinque Terre.

The Cinque Terre will almost certainly not be warm enough for swimming in April. I think it is cool in June and quite cold in May! Also, it is likely to be rainy and overcast. You can still hike in this weather of course, but kayaking in the sea isn't advised in bad weather.

How about Florence for a couple of days, then a surrounding hilltown in Tuscany for the others?

Hi B,

You could do 2 days and a night in the CT and 2 days and a night in Florence.

My own choice would be 4 days in Florence with a day visit to Bologna.

If you have never been to Italy, I would definitely recommend Florence. That would be the case at any time but especially in April. Florence is wonderful and the surrounding countryside should be beautiful in April.

TTT.. A favor for a fellow Allison