My husband and I are leaving in less than two weeks for a first-time visit to Italy. Because we are not "If it's Tuesday we must be in Belgium" kind of people, we are planning on spending one week in Florence, then heading down to Montepulciano on a Sunday and staying until Saturday (flying out of Rome Sunday a.m.) and taking day trips.

I think our itinerary is almost set, but I would appreciate any feedback. Please keep in mind that we enjoy "digging in" to a place, so we don't want to cram in, for example, four hill towns in a day. We want to feel like we have plenty of time to randomly stop if something catches our eye, traveling with the thought that it isn't a "once in a lifetime trip" - i.e., we can return again someday. Given that, does this sound reasonable/too light/too heavy?

Florence week: Day trip to Pisa and Lucca, Florence the rest of the time.

Montepulciano week - day trips to: Montalcino (stop at Sant'Antimo on the way there); Siena (stop at Monte Oliveto Maggiore on the way there); Orvieto; San Gimignano; a day for driving around the Chianti region.

Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thank you!!

Some of your day trips from Montepulciano might be better done enroute from Florence to Montepulciano (either Siena or Chianti). I would think Siena would be a better day trip from Florence than Montepulciano. It's only an hour by bus (make sure you book the rapido) from Florence which leaves hourly.

I would also consider a day trip to Bologna while in Florence.

I would not cram Pisa and Lucca in one day trip but visit them on two separate days. The main sights of Pisa can be enjoyed thoroughly in half a day, but, from the way you describe your travel style, you'll want more time in Lucca to stroll and explore the lanes of the old town, walk the ramparts, etc.

On the day you are driving to Orvieto, stop at Civita di Bagnoregio. Park at the bottom of the footbridge & walk up to the tiny village to enjoy the views!

2010

What about Rome? You are flying home from there early in the morning, but are you spending any time there?

I second quokka's suggestion not to do Lucca and Pisa in one day - agree Pisa is just a half day sort of thing...I don't think you'll feel like digging in much there...but Lucca is adorable and wonderful to wander around- rent a bike if you are up to it and bike around the wall...really cool.

Another suggestion in Florence - nearby Fiesole...you can walk there if you have the time and the ability...I want to say it is about 5 miles but check on that. I walked there when I was in college and loved wandering through the countryside and this time of year should be great. There is also a bus - you could always catch it to return or just take it both ways...cabs always an option too.

Also agree with Peaceout that if you are flying out of Rome anyway you may want to at least throw in a day at the Vatican or around town if you haven't been already...you're so close it is a shame to miss it Have a blast - should be beautiful!!

Thank you for the suggestions so far. I had actually been debating whether to split Pisa and Lucca up, and it sounds like we should. We are avid cyclists, so will definitely be renting bikes to experience riding around the wall.

As for Fiesole, we definitely want to walk there, but I think I read that it would be better to take a bus up there and walk back so as to experience the views of Florence?

We will be spending an afternoon/evening in Rome after we return the rental car. We're looking at it as a preview for the next trip when we can really dig into Rome.

2010 - thanks for suggesting Civita de Bagnoregio. It had been on the list as a "tentative" for Orvieto day, but has now been moved to the definite side.

Venice, Verona, Cinque Terre are lovely.

All the cities you mentioned in Tuscany are super.
Love Pienza, Sienna, Lucca, Monteccatini, Voltera too

In Florence I really loved the Hotel de Ville.
In Sienna, the Jolly hotel is very nice.
Yes, if you haven't been-I would include the Vatican too.

Eat a lot of Gelatto

It's probably too late now but as you are a "digging in" person, why not consider staying at a monastery or convent while you are in Italy. Would add to the experience. Have a look at www.monasterystays.com which is an on-line booking service for monasteries all over Italy. I know they have places where you are travelling as I'm planning to use them on my next trip over.

Sounds great; bring a coat.

Enjoy!
;-)

I agree with kybourbon about visiting Siena from Florence. You can drive through and visit some of Chianti (including San Gimignano- very crowded) on your way from Florence to Montepulciano.

I've spent about 6 weeks in the area near Montepulciano and feel that your travel style will fit this area well. I recommend spending more time in the area exploring the small villages and sights within 5-30 minutes of your base. There are also some beautiful hikes/walks in the countryside that you can enjoy.

Hikes/Walks-
Pienza to Monticchiello
Montepulciano to Montefollonico
Pienza loop below the town

Most guidebooks highlight the major sights and towns, but not enough of the charming villages. The guidebook Insight Tuscany provides excellent suggestions for visits to the small towns/villages and sights in the Montepulciano area.

http://www.amazon.com/Insight-Guide-.../dp/1585733008

Enjoy your trip!

I think you are likely to feel frustrated with only an afternoon and evening in Rome but otherwise it sounds like a great trip

your idea of taking the bus up to Fiesole and walking down toward the city makes sense. The view from San Miniato al Monte (above Piazza Michelangelo) is also spectacular

hi cthoops,

IMHO the idea of walking back from F

hi again, don't know how THAT happened!

trying again, and IMHO, walking back would be a lot better than walking there, as going is up-hill, coming back is down.

in fact, I just googled the drive/walk from Firenze to fiesole, and whereas the drive is about 8km, the walk is 5km, so not too bad, but they do warn about the possible lack of pavements [sidewalks if you are from the US]. fiesole itself is worth a good half day, and we enjoyed the restaurant in the little square in the centre.

the bus goes from a stop in the piazza san marco, from just ouside a little bar where they do very good cheap coffee, or if you want something a little more upmarket, the cafe/tea shop on the corner with via cavour is very good with waitresses in the most elaborate uniforms I've ever seen! the Accademia is just round the corner from the bus stop, where there is also a supermaket that sells, amongst other things, frozen octopus. [we rented an apartment round the corner which is how I know this trivia].

have a great trip,

regards, ann