Italy Experts! Make 40th b-day itnerary spectacular
 

When:9 days anytime between July-August
(what month do you recommend?)

Where: Rome 2 days
Train to Florence
HELP

What I want is to rent a house or apartment. I do not know if we should rent in Florence or go to Genoa or someplace else.

What I am picturing is wandering the streets of a quaint town, sipping wine while watching the sunset, having dinner in an old family resturant, no kids...basically dreamy and romantic.

What would you do?

None of these are quaint towns but I suppose you know that already. I would choose July over August but almost any other time rather than either of these if possible. Very very hot and crowded in summer months in those locales. And why Genoa?

ttt

Head for the hills, if you must go in the summer.

I actually am open to any small town in Tuscany. I just want to se the highlights in Rome (one day) and though taking the train to Florence would be nice. Spend one day in Florence and then 5-6 days in a small town--

Any recommendations on which area of Tuscany is the best? I would like to be able to walk/bike to town.

Also, what about Cinquterra (sp?)

My rec would be Liguria, but not the Cinque Terre. Santa Margharita Ligure is my favorite town. Charming, fun, lots to do or not to do.

What about Pienza? It is a beautiful small town with good restaurants and yet you are close to lots of other wonderful Tuscany towns.

July is very hot and very crowded. I would avoid it, unless you don't mind sweaty crowds. August is very hot, but at least a little less crowded (still very crowded).

You also don't have to stay in Florence. Many people prefer to make Florence a day trip and just see the two big sights. That makes it easier for you if you want to do an agriturismo rental, since those usually require a full week during the summer.

Search on this board for agriturismo for suggestions.

Hi happy1
>I just want to se the highlights in Rome (one day)...

In which case, I suggest that you skip it - especially in late July or August.

For Florence, you might want to stay in Fiesole, a small town about 20 min by bus from the SMN train station.

((I))