Italy - first trip
 

A friend of mine are going to cooking school in Tuscany the week of 9/26 and then spending 10 days afterwards exploring. We have decided to not do Rome on this trip but to stick to smaller towns and hike and hang out - hopefully in the sun. We'll be in Cinque Terre for three days and then we were thinking of going to the Amalfi Coast.

My questions are 1) do you have any other suggestions of places we should go to hike (or maybe bike) aside from the Amalfi Coast (I was staying away from the Dolomites only because I understand its the rainy season in October) and 2) any suggestions on places to stay along the Amalfi Coast. (We're in our 40s and in to comfort and beauty but do not want to stay in a place that's crazy expensive. We are interested in staying in smaller [as in not so many rooms] places close to good food and wine).

Thanks!

I would not do 2 coastal destinations in your short time. I would spend more time in Tuscany or Umbria along with your CT time. Where is your cooking school?

I agree with bob.

It takes an entire day by train to get from the CT to the AC. Even skipping the CT and starting from Florence or somewhere south of Florence, you would spend the better part of a day getting to the AC.

The Amalfi Coast is gorgeous and one of my favorite places in Italy, but agree with the others it is too far away from your initial destination. Spend your time enjoying that beautiful part of Italy, rather than losing a precious day of your trip traveling from one place to the other. Enjoy Tuscany; it has so much to offer.

Thank you for the advice - I really appreciate it. Bob, the cooking school is in Versilia (Toscana Saporita is the name of the school - www.toscanasaporita.com). We are flying in and out of Pisa. Where would you suggest exploring/staying in Tuscany/Umbria?

The website says that you are only an hour from Florence. That's the destination to go for as a base. You'll get to Pisa and spend time in the lovely city of Florence.

OK---that is really a coastal beach destination--hardly Tuscany. It really depends if you plan to have car. After 3 days in the CT you will have a week for Tuscany. I would get a car in La Spezia or Pisa and go to one of these locations.


BOB’S FAVORITE DIGS IN TOSCANA

A. RURAL LOCATIONS: All have parking and good food options nearby

1. Relais La Saracina www.lasaracina.it 230 to 300E
Fabulous country home near Montepulciano—helpful owners

2. Cretaiole Agriturismo http://www.cretaiole.it/ Good value for families

3. Terre di Nano www.terredinano.com 100 to 155
Both rooms and apartments at rural Agriturismo near Monticchiello


4. Casanova di Pescille http://www.casanovadipescille.com/ 100E
Rural B&B 3 KM from famed San Gimignano—we loved the views of San Gim.

5. Fattoria Tregole www.fattoria-tregole.com 110E to 180E
Has both B&B and apartment accommodations. Near Castellina in Chianti

6. Agriturismo apts. near San Quirico— www.poggiolo.info/ About 110E

B. IN-TOWN LOCATIONS: For walking convenience to shops & ristorantes.

1. Palazzo del Capitano www.palazzodelcapitano.com 130 to 180E
Very nice small hotel in center of San Quirico—perfect location to explore.

2. Vecchia Oliviera www.tuscany.net/oliviera/ 130 to 180E
Nice 4 star hotel at the gate into lovely Montalcino---has pool.

3. Palazzina Cesari www.montalcinoitaly.com 80 to 110E
Lovely small B&B in heart of Montalcino—great value—2 night stay minimum.

4. Locanda di San Francesco www.locandasanfrancesco.it 180 to 200E
New boutique B&B in a lovely location in Montepulciano—great reviews !

5. Politian apartments http://www.politian.com/ Good value apts. with
minimum stay of 3 nights in Montepulciano---helpful host---85E

6. Palazzo Ravizza www.palazzoravizza.it 130 to 180E
Very nice & popular hotel in Siena with parking.

7. Fattoria Vignale http://www.vignale.it/eng/ Four star hotel in Radda in the heart of Chianti. About 230E for double

Bob,

This is fantastic! Thank you so very much! Where do we send the 'thank you' bottle of wine?!

Donna

Hmmm ! Why not a bottle of Vernaccia di San Gimignano. On second thought, you girls enjoy it and toast Bob.

Here are some pics as a sneak preview.

http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=3827