We stayed in Montalcino and enjoyed it. We found it to be a good base for our exploring and had some nice dinner options when we returned in the evening. Our day trip to Sienna was one of the favorite things we did on that trip.

Another ATM tip - be sure you call your bank and let them know what dates you will be traveling over seas, and get the number to call if there is an issue (its not the 800 number on the back of your card). They may put a fraud freeze on your card even if you do call in advance, so you want to be able to get in contact with them if there is an issue. Also, see if the bank has a partner bank in Italy to limit the ATM withdrawl fees.

Also, make sure that you & your wife carry different credit cards. If your wallet gets stolen, you don't want to cancel ALL your cards AND hers if you carry the same cards.

Stu Dudley

We really enjoyed the train trip from Genova to La Spezia. A nice slow train along the coast that gave us a glimpse of all the little coastal towns- a nice gentle way to spend those first few jet-lagged hours feeling the excitement of finally being IN ITALY but not having to exert ourselves more than looking out the windows (at least for me- not at my best the first few hours off the plane).

We enjoyed the gritty but charming port town of La Spezia and adored Portovenere (but it was off season and uncrowded and we got lucky with fabulous weather). We did some great Ligurian dining at a tiny place in Portovenere called L'osteria Baracco.

We got great dining tips for the region from EKscrunchy- her recommendations were right on target for us.

Pienza --- a pretty town in southern Tuscany with wonderful restaurants, interesting shops/sights & beautiful views. We loved staying (4 nights) in Pienza!

From here, we took daytrips to Montalcino, Montepulciano, San Quirico, Bagno Vignoni (ancient hot springs); and visited the abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Sant'Antimo. One day, we drove to Orvieto (Umbria) & on our way back to Pienza, we stopped at Civita di Bagnoregio with its long, steep footbridge that leads way up to the tiny village & awesome views below!

But what we enjoyed the most was driving along the winding roads through the Val D'Orcia! Picture postcard views appeared at every turn! It truly is beautiful!

We stayed at the Piccolo Hotel La Valle situated just outside the town wall. We requested a room with a valley view & each morning we were rewarded by the most gorgeous sunrise!

www.piccolohotellavalle.it

Something else for you to consider!

I guess attacking folks on Italy threads isn't enough - our dear zeppole is branching out -

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ish-museum.cfm

Add me to the list of haters :)

(poor girl gives all American ex-pats a bad name -- so so sad . . . )