vickifromoklahoma

My husband and I are empty nesters and celebrating our 25th anniversary. We would like to start our first-time trip to Europe in Paris. We're thinking 3 nights in Paris and then take the train to Venice(?). We want to see the highlights, Venice, Rome, Florence, but Tuscany is very important to us. We would like several days there as well as Positano on the Amalfi Coast. We want to tour most of Italy. We need help with an itinerary. We are planning our trip the first few weeks of September. Thanks.

StCirq

Hi, Vicki,

Even three weeks isn't enough to "tour most of Italy," let alone Paris. I would spend a full week in Paris and then fly to Rome and then divide the next two weeks evenly among Rome, Venice, and Tuscany. Save the Amalfi Coast for another time, or if it's really important to you, save Venice for another time.

ChicTrvlr

Hi Vicki,

I think it would be a good idea to start in paris have 5-6 days to see the higlights then fly into venice -- check easyjet.com for flights between european cities, (we did this just the opposite way), and then make your way down italy via rail. We also thought about taking the train between venice and paris but its very expensive, and an overnight ride which i have heard isnt the safest way to travel. The flight from venice to paris was just an hour and a half and about half the cost of the train ride.

hope this helps!

vickifromoklahoma

Thank you for your advice. I realize that our itinerary is too aggressive for our time frame. We are thinking Paris is going to have to wait for another trip. Now we are thinking Venice, Florence, Lucca/Pisa, Tuscany (several days driving and wine tasting through Greve Chiani, San Gimignano, Siena, Montalcino, Montepulciano), Rome, and Positano. Is this itinerary more logical for a 2 week vacation? Any advice on where to stay and eat would be appreciated, especially in Tuscany.

bobthenavigator

Good for you---Italy takes at least 6 weeks to see well, and we are going back in May for our 16th trip to Italy--we are slow learners. Here are some ideas for Tuscany. In 2 weeks you should pick a max of 5 destinations--4 is better. I would pick Venice, Rome, Tuscany, and Florence---the Amalfi Coast demands 5 days or more and may not fit this trip.

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

vickifromoklahoma

Thank you so much, Bob, for taking the time to respond and for your helpful advice. I can't wait to check out all the websites you've recommended. I'm sure the more I delve into this, the more questions I'll have.

Have a great and safe trip.