I am traveling to Italy in mid October with my husband and parents.

We have a total of 10 days there and are interested in exploring Tuscany and staying several days in Rome.

Both my husband and I have visited Florence and Rome before but it is my parents first time. I usually plan trips on my own (best way to travel!) but I have no experience out of Florence and will need some help planning trips around Tuscany. We are open to options but we do not have a lot of time.

Our ages range in the thirties to late fifties/early sixties. Our interests include art, architecture, anything that has to do with design, shopping, food, wine and the men love to golf.

I was hoping to find some information about one day cooking classes, wine tours of the region (only if they help us avoid tourist traps) and planning some golf outings for my husband and father.

I have already started searching for hotels in both Florence and Rome but would love to hear any recommendations. We prefer smaller boutique hotel type properties and are looking to spend approx. US$200 for double occupancy rooms or US$400 for suites that sleep four. We are also willing to spend more if the property/location merits it.

Please send any suggestions my way regarding:
-day trips or stays in Tuscany
-hotels in Florence and environs as well as Rome
-good local guides
-cooking classes
-golf courses

I would really appreciate your help!

Luca Garappa at hillsandroads.com is an excellent guide well recommended here. Our daytrip with him out of Florence to Chianti (we visited 4 hilltowns, one wine tasting, and a great lunch) was a highlight of our three week trip. You can tell him exactly what you'd like to do or share your interests ans he'll plan your day. He has a comfortable van and is an excellent driver as well.

www.golfing-tuscany.it has lots of information on golf courses in Tuscany.

type "Italy AprilMay 2007 Trip Research and Tips " into the search area of this site and this will give you some of the best Italy info.

have fun planning..

Hi

My wife and I went to Florence and Tuscany in July this year but I'm afriad my trip report is not ready yet. So the only thing I can offer it this trip report with pictures and links from Rome: http://gardkarlsen.com/rome_italy.htm

I have also written a bit about eating and drinking in Florence: http://gardkarlsen.com/eating_drinki...ence_Italy.htm . Maybe that can help you out a little

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Another recommendation for Luca Garapa. He is fabulous and was the highlight of our trip a year and a half ago. Try writing to him and see whether he may be free on a day you are interested in. You will not be sorry. He introduced us to Tuscany and we all fell in love with her.

As to hotels, I can HIGHLY recommend the Hotel Casci in Florence. I have stayed there FIVE times. It is a small 20-room hotel, NOT fancy or elegant. BUT it is spotlessly clean, serves wonderful and huge breakfasts (not standard in Italy where you will usually find only coffee and a cornetto), is run by the most fabulous Fiorentine family who will do anything and everything to make your stay memorable, and is right in the midst of the city while still managing to be quiet and peaceful for sleeping at night. You can also check tripadvisor to see more great reviews.

Have a great time.

Really lovely-looking apartment near the Colloseum in Rome- Arcos Bed & Breakfast in San Giovanni. I'll report back on it next month.