Tonia

Hi, <BR>I am trying to plan a trip to Italy this October (or late Sept) for two weeks. I've done the sightseeing trips before and am looking this time for relaxtion and cultural immersion. Which would you choose, the Lakes (Bellegio/Como) or Tuscany (Siena/Florence)?? I'd like to stay in a city that is accessible by train since I wont have a car. I will be travelling with one other person and would use this site to plan my accomodations (budget) once a destination is chosen!

Beth Anderson

Hi Tonia, <BR> <BR>I am planning a similar trip, hopefully early Sept but given that the airlines have sold out many seats (last I checked - maybe more will open the nearer I get to the time to leave) I may go mid Sept or even early Oct... <BR> <BR>that said, some concerns you may want to think about re: Lakes - given that it is more of a summer destination - it may be more "closed down" than towns in Tuscany may be. <BR> <BR>I do understand you need a car in Tuscany - but if you are limiting yourself to the bigger towns like Florence perhaps that is no issue. <BR> <BR>If you are looking for "culture" - I would suggest Florence. My impression of the Lakes (from my research) is that it is a superbly lovely place to be but there isn't quite the arts community you may be looking for. <BR> <BR>if I am wrong, please correct me. <BR> <BR>Beth

bwhyte

Just back from lake country -- very pretty and I am sure it would be specatular in the Fall. train to Como and take ferries/hydrofoils to get around lake. Hoswever, I would be bored (beautifully) after a few days and would love to spend a week around Florence and taking the bus or train from there to Siena, etc. Hit the sarch button for discussions on how to get around Tuscany without a car -- day trips from Florence seem easiest. I could eaqsily spend time based in Florence.

bwhyte

Just back from lake country - it will be beautiful in the Fall and not overrun by day trippers. Take train to Como and ferry or hydrofoil around lake. However, I'd be bored after a few days and would prefer to spend a week or more based in Florence and take train or bus around Tuscany/Siena. Check the search button to explore how without a car, since it is tricky.

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Tonia, Given 2 weeks I do not see why <BR>you cannot do both---and throw in the <BR>Ligurian coast as you travel between. <BR>Three destinations still will make a <BR>good trip with lots of time to relax. <BR>October is a good time to go. I have planned dozens of trips in this area <BR>if you need help.