We will be staying in cinque terre for a few days later this month and will have one day and a car (I presume La Spezia is the most convenient place to rent) at the end to catch a glimpse of Tuscany before training up to Nice. Any suggestions as to where to go and/or spend the night? How about Lucca?

Karen,<BR>we stayed in both Lucca and San Gimignano this year and if you can reach SG easily, I would recommend that. It is smaller than Lucca, with more atmosphere. It really depends on what you like, there are many more shops and restaurants in Lucca. I can highly recommend where we stayed in San Gimignano, have a look on www.sangiroom.it<BR>Not sure why you've planned the trip this way, but it would make more sense to visit Tuscany, then Cinque Terre then Nice (no backtracking).<BR>Kay

we stayed in the cinque terre and did a day trip to lucca by train. it wasn't easy and it took a LONG time, at least it was longer than we had expected. we almost wished we hadn't left the CT. lucca was nice, though we preferred san gimignano. (we visited san g on a different trip, so i can't say how long it will take to get there from the CT.) in my opinion, san gimignano is a better choice. it is surrounded by the beautiful green and gold landscape that is quintessential tuscany. you can go to the top of one of the towers for an incredible view! also--we ate gelato everywehere in italy and had the BEST gelato ever in san gimignano! since you only have one day, i'd say san gimignano is you best best. have a great trip!

Would agree it's awfully far. We were going to do Tuscany/Umbria and Cinque Terre. Dinged Cinque Terre as too far out of the way (definitely on the list for next trip). The great thing about Tuscany is lingering over wine in a cafe and you wouldn't get too much of a chance to do that. <BR><BR>I would try another small town around Cinque Terre (Camogli?). Friends also had their best meal ever at Locanda Miranda which is near La Spezia.

PS - if you decide to make the drive to San G there are plenty of great places to stay (La Cisterna, Bel Soggiorno, Antico Pozzo) and eat (La Mangiatoa, Bel Soggiorno, Le Vecchia Muir)

Check out the journey-planning feature on<BR>http://www.shellgeostar.com/share/<BR><BR>to determine distances and driving times between your CT location and various Tuscan towns.

Why bother? Too much hassle for a one day car rental. Stay there or leave early and spend on nite in Menton enroute. Do Tuscany right next year.

I agree with Bob the Navigator. It really isn't very beneficial to try to make such a quick scan of some small part of Tuscany. Of course, if you are used to doing your travel that way, go for it. I'd do San G and/or Volterra if you decide to go for it.