Does anyone have any information about Montecatini Terme in Tuscany? I'd be interested in learning more about it? My fiance and I are planning to go to Lake Como, Venice and Cinque Terre on our honeymoon in May, but the idea of going to a spa in Tuscany is very appealing? Does it make sense for us to try to do it all in 11 days or should we drop one of the above from our list of places to go. We don't want to be running around the whole time. We thought about dropping Cinque Terre, but are still debating. Would appreciate advice Thanks,Rebecca <BR>

Hi, we thought about a spa adventure last fall so I did a little research. I found two articles - Business Week 5/10/99 The Healing Warmth of Tuscan Waters and Forbes 9/11/95 Tuscany in October. Both articles include names and descriptions of spas located in Montecatini Terme. We never made it to any spas as lounging around on our patio drinking wine, eating fresh bread and cheese was heaven for us. We operate on the "get to know a few places/people really well" travel method. But 11 days doesn't sound too bad to accomplish the three cities listed, plus travel to and fro. ciao.

Hi Rebecca, <BR> <BR>We stayed in Montecatini last April, and used it as our base to visit Florence,Luca, etc. Our relative in Pistoia felt it would be a nice place to stay, away from the crowds of the city. It was a beautiful oasis, and we felt good every day upon returning. Montecatini is full of beautiful parks-a very tropical feel to the place. Florence can be extremely noisy with all the vespas which filled the air with the smell of oil. It's an easy train ride from Florence(50 min) and nearby Lucca(20 min). A great place to unwind, stroll through the parks and visit one of the many spas, which offer a variety of services (mud baths, etc). The water from the spa was horrible to drink, but when in Rome...! The spas can be expensive,but probably the same price as anywhere else. If you have the time-visit Montecatini. Any questions, just write me. <BR>Denise

Anyone with more info on Montecatini? Also, have read about Montecatini Alto, has anyone visited there recently? How often does the funicular run? Thanks!!

Does anyone have hotel recommendations?

Was in Montecatini last spring. The finincular runs every half hour. Montecatini Alta is worth taking the time to walk around, have a gelato or glass of wine, peek into the shops. Motecatini reminds me of an upper/middle-class suburban California town - pleasant, busy, lots of restaurants and shops. Friendly people like everywhere in Tuscany.