My husband, 16 year old son and myself will be visiting my daughter in Florence in late March and want to make the most of the week. Any suggestions for "packing in" the most in the area? (We want to get to Cinque Terra if possible) Specific hotel recommendations would be appreciated <BR>

There's more than enough in Florence for the one week. I wouldn't try to get to Cinque Terre. Do go up to Fiesole one day and I would recommend a day trip out into Chianti---perhaps to Castellina or Greve or Radda etc. See a winery or two--some lovely little towns. Cinque Terre is not so easy to get to or to get around in and if they've had a bad winter, some of the hikes can be washed out.I'm assuming you haven't been to Florence before when I'm giving this advice.

I agree with Kam's advice below. There are still plenty of places to see if you want to get out of Florence proper. Poggia a Caino, and Artemino come to mind, of course Fiesole is a must, and it should be easy to find a winery tour in Tuscany. <BR> <BR>Hotels I would recommend: <BR> <BR>The Hotel Pitti Palace, at 2 via Barbadori. Phone is 39.55.2398711 and fax is 39.55.2398867. Various friends & family members stayed there while I was attending school in Florence. <BR> <BR>Other good ones are the Astoria Hotel at 9 via del Giglio, and the Bernini Hotel at 29 Piazza San Firenze. <BR> <BR>Casual but nice atmosphere & good, reasonably-priced lunch or dinner at Il Cavallino, and a "celebration" or fancier dinner at Da Noi might be enjoyable for your family. (Reservations are a must at Da Noi.) <BR> <BR>Buon Viaggio, <BR>BC

I would suggest: <BR>It's just over an hour each way by commuter train to Pisa. See the tower! by then they will allow visitors to climb it. <BR>Try to book a tour of the Vasari corridor... the booking details can be found somewhere on this forum... search.

Lucca is an interesting old walled town, one hour bus ride from Florence. <BR> <BR>Second Hotel Pitti Palace,excellent location,nice room and good breakfast.

I'll second the recommendation for the Pitti Palace. And the Lungarno is just up the street (Borjo San Jocopo/sp?) from the Pitti. Both hotels are in the Oltrarno area of Florence where food is an art form and antique shops are a delight. By all means take the time to just stroll through the area and maybe end up at the Boboli Gardens (to walk off a meal!) M.

I'll second the Pitti Palace hotel. The Lungarno is just up the street and is nice but expensive. That area of Florence (the Oltrarno) has many great, small family run rist. and antique shops. The Boboli Gardens is just a five minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio and a beautiful way to work off a fine Italian meal!. M.