My husband and I would like to go to Italy in May or June 2006 for 2 weeks. We have never been there and have been told that we should go to major cities first then to the country as we are both wine lovers. Any suggestions as to how we should organize this. Florence and Tuscany seem to be where we are leaning towards, but we are open for suggestions.
Thank you in advance.
lilbear

Hi Lil,

2 weeks is perfect for Venice, Florence and Rome, which is the usual first-time itinerary.

Mid-May to mid-June is a very good time.

Ira is right about the most usual "first-timer" visit, but if you are very interested in wines and wineries, I would suggest 4 days each in Florence and Rome OR Venice, with the remainder either in the Chianti region (Greve, Radda, etc.) or in southern Tuscany (Montepulciano, Montalcino).

Try to do an open-jaw flight (into Rome or Venice, out of Florence or Pisa).

Fly into Venice
3 nights Venice
Train to Florence
2 nights Florence
Rent car as you leave Florence
4 nights somewhere in Tuscany
Drop car off in Orvieto, train to Rome
4 nights Rome
Fly home from Rome

Have a great time!

Which rental car company would you recommend in Tuscany?

If you want a mixture of city and beauty. Rome and Florence are always a key place but for the beauty I would include Sorrento or the surrounding area.

What about sienna?

>Which rental car company would you recommend in Tuscany?<

www.novarentacar.com and www.autoeurope.com

>What about sienna?<

FYI, there is only on "n" in Siena.

You can visit it as a daytrip from Florence.

Many people recommend at least an overnight.

It is a good bse for visiting Tuscany.

I think you should add a day on the Amalfi coast. I would suggest a private guide...not expensive, but well worth it. A very memorable day Nello can be reached at [email protected]. Tell him Karen sent you!

lilbear,
I think a mix of city and country is best. Consider Rome and Tuscany. Southern Tuscany is a great area and has great wines. Fly into rome and out of Florence. If you have questions feel free to e-mail me.

Hi QueenK2,
I might contact Nello as well if you don't mind. What kind of services does he offer? what did you go there for the 1 day?