Thanks to Bob TN and others for good advice re the potential rush we might create by going to Cinque T. Tuscan hill towns and Florence on our 9 day trip 4/12 to 4/21 <BR>IF YOU WERE TO VOTE FOR ONE OF THESE TWO, which one would you choose? <BR>Many thanks to all

How about all three (in a way)? You could do the Cinque Terre for several days, then move on to Florence, doing a half- or full-day driving tour of the Tuscan hilltowns. Fodorites often recommend two companies for driving tours from Florence into the countryside: www.christinastour.com and www.toursaroundtuscany.com <BR> <BR>I don't think that you would be trying too much in nine days with that option.

If this is your first trip, I would definitely choose hill towns and Florence. Or was it hill towns versus Cinque Terre? Anyway, unless you are a landscape architect or agri/viniculturist, you will learn a lot more from the hill towns regarding the history, ambience and art of Italy. Cinque Terre, as magnificent as it is, plays a very small part in the overall pageant of Italy.

Hi,Diane, <BR> <BR>as so often mentioned, what are your interests? We did two days in Florence, two days in the hill towns and two days in the Cinque Terre. There was a post long ago that asked:"where are you from" that I think is valid. If you are from the Napa Valley, you will not be as impressed with Tuscany as some one from Kansas or Iowa. If you lived in Big Sur, CA, you won't be AS impressed with the Cinque Terre. However, I agree, you CAN do it all. Tuscany is rural, wine, views, etc.. Florence is more art than any one person needs in a lifetime and the Cinque Terre is awesome - so there you go............ <BR>You did not give details about where you were arriving/departing, what your interests were, whether you had a car for the entire time, etc.. Give us something to work with -- OK?? <BR> <BR>

Hey,hey,hey Diane - I grew up in the Napa Valley, and I think Tuscany has so much to offer! There is a fantastic view at every turn, and the roads are on the ridges so you see valleys on either side. Very dramatic! <BR> <BR>And Heather, seeing the hill towns in one day? I could spend days going from one to the other and strolling through the Centro in each. <BR> <BR>Tuscany would always be my first choice, but then I haven't been to CT. I hear such marvelous things about it though; I'm going to have to go one day soon. <BR> <BR>Anyway, Diane, think of this as your "2001 trip" to Italy, as I'm sure you'll want to return over and over. Buon viaggio.

I also don't see a problem doing both in 9 days. 4 days exploring Tuscany, 2 days Florence, 3 days Cinque Terre. But If I had to choose between the 2-Tuscany would win hands down. I know my travel philosophy differs from many on the forum, but if I like a place, I always like leaving things undiscovered and not fully explored-good excuse to go back. <BR> <BR>2 years ago I did Florence as a day trip from the Tuscan Farmhouse we were staying in for 4 days, then went to Cinque Terre (actually stayed in Portovenere) for 2 days.

Trust me, Louise, I wasn't suggesting that you can see all of the Tuscan hilltowns in one day. What I was suggesting is that if Diane really wants to see all three places, there are ways to accomodate her wishes.

Specifically, what are the best Tuscan hill towns. What is great about them? <BR> <BR>

Hi Ed...best Tuscan Hill towns: <BR>San Gimignano: 1400's/1500's towers, typical mideivel town, quaint little cobble streets, tiny shops with homemade boar salami, cheeses, breads; tiny cafe's serving the best wines in courtyards; picturesque. <BR>Montalcino/Montepulciano: gorgeous vineyards, wineries, castles-turned wineries, wine tasting, mideivel buildings, artisan shops/local hand made goods, family owned business that have been handed down through generations; Lucca, Siena, Volterra...breathtaking cathedrals, most famous pieces of art and history, wonderful town squares with ornately decorated and sculpted buildings; wonderful trattorias; home made gelato in every flavor; Monteriggioni, smallest hamlet, breathtaking views over vineyards lined with cypress trees. <BR>That is tuscany and some of the towns around Florence.