help us find a good base in Tuscany please
 

Hello,

We are a family of 5- my husband and I, w/ a 3y/o and 10 y/o children and grandma. We will be in Italy for 14 days. We will start in Venice for 3 nights, and end in Rome for 7 nights. What's left is 4 nights in between. I would love to visit Florence and Tuscany area.

How about if we stay for 1 night in Florence just to see a couple of "must-sees", then head out of the city and stay in an apartment w/ a pool? But where?

My 10 y/o wants to see Pisa. My husband wants to see/hike the cinque terre. I want to drive down Crete Senesi area...

Doable? or too short of a time? Thanks for your help!!

Sending your message back up to the top. Coastal Tuscany, and especially "northwest Tuscany" doesn't seem to get much mention here. You may have to be persistent to get answer here.

Best wishes,

Rex

Those 3 are too far apart. I am with you--do south Tuscany. Look at Pienza and San Quirico if you are driving.

Hi petite

I suggest you stay 4 nights in Florence. Take a daytrip to Siena and maybe one to Lucca. Spend 1/2 day in Fiesole.

There is more to Florence than just the two museums.

See my trip report

Ira?s Trip Report

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

you can stay in agriturismo have a look at this one laghiandaia.net, ideal for families and with pool

I agree that you need more time in Florence--rushing it will be completely uncomfortable. Maybe, since you are doing Venice and Rome (big enough places), you might want to just leave out Florence? Either that or spend the whole of your time there, which might go against your "relax with a pool" idea.

I would suggest Lucca for a Tuscan alternative. This is close to Pisa for that afternoon you will probably want to spend there, and Lucca is quiet and happy--easy to explore.