One week trip to Italy...Florence, or a little town in Tuscany?
Dec 29th, 2006, 06:40 AM
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One week trip to Italy...Florence, or a little town in Tuscany?
All,
I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Italy for my husband and I (must be far from our day-to-day reality for his birthday) in mid-September 2007. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at all the possibilities for travel, lodging, flight, packages, etc. and would appreciate any direction.
I'd like to stay in one hotel/b & b for a week and have that as our homebase. However, I'm tortured as to whether we should stay in Florence and have the city experience, or pick a town in Tuscany (Cortona, Montepulciano, etc.) and do day trips to other towns. We're big on exploring, getting off the beaten path, and EATING, so I'm leaning towards the towns, but don't know where to begin.
In terms of booking, I've seen a lot of websites that suggest doing a package to get the best price (air/lodging/car rental). Do people agree? All the sites I've looked at have nothing for the week (the 15th-22nd) that we'd like to go, and I don't know if this is because it's too early, or too late.
In terms of what we'd like for lodging....it might be wishful thinking, but I'd love to stay in a very old building with some character, have our own bathroom, and not go totally broke in the process.
Thank you all in advance for your suggestions!
I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Italy for my husband and I (must be far from our day-to-day reality for his birthday) in mid-September 2007. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at all the possibilities for travel, lodging, flight, packages, etc. and would appreciate any direction.
I'd like to stay in one hotel/b & b for a week and have that as our homebase. However, I'm tortured as to whether we should stay in Florence and have the city experience, or pick a town in Tuscany (Cortona, Montepulciano, etc.) and do day trips to other towns. We're big on exploring, getting off the beaten path, and EATING, so I'm leaning towards the towns, but don't know where to begin.
In terms of booking, I've seen a lot of websites that suggest doing a package to get the best price (air/lodging/car rental). Do people agree? All the sites I've looked at have nothing for the week (the 15th-22nd) that we'd like to go, and I don't know if this is because it's too early, or too late.
In terms of what we'd like for lodging....it might be wishful thinking, but I'd love to stay in a very old building with some character, have our own bathroom, and not go totally broke in the process.
Thank you all in advance for your suggestions!
Dec 29th, 2006, 06:47 AM
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A little more info about you . . . Is this your first trip? Why Florence and Tuscany?
Most here would say that you can make less expensive arangements yourself rather than choosing a package. But this is a forum of some very intense planners. September is high season in Italy, so I suspect you are correct--it's too early to see listings on some web sites.
While you inclination to stay in one location is a good one, since you seem so conflicted about opportunities in a city versus a town, you might split you time between Florence and one other choice. Your wisful thinking regarding accomodations are reasonable--what' your budget?
Most here would say that you can make less expensive arangements yourself rather than choosing a package. But this is a forum of some very intense planners. September is high season in Italy, so I suspect you are correct--it's too early to see listings on some web sites.
While you inclination to stay in one location is a good one, since you seem so conflicted about opportunities in a city versus a town, you might split you time between Florence and one other choice. Your wisful thinking regarding accomodations are reasonable--what' your budget?
Dec 29th, 2006, 06:48 AM
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sheesh!
While your inclination to stay in one location is a good one, since you seem so conflicted about opportunities in a city versus a town, you might split your time between Florence and one other choice. Your wishful thinking regarding accomodations are reasonable--what's your budget?
While your inclination to stay in one location is a good one, since you seem so conflicted about opportunities in a city versus a town, you might split your time between Florence and one other choice. Your wishful thinking regarding accomodations are reasonable--what's your budget?
Dec 29th, 2006, 07:23 AM
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This is our/my first trip. (The husband has been to Europe, but not Italy, I have not been to Europe at all.) To be honest, we've always talked about going to Italy, and I've been into the travel books lately and have gotten stuck on Tuscany. I'm also the type of person who gets easily overwhelmed (and frustrated) if I have too many choices (for example, planning our honeymoon last year was my own worst nightmare, though of course it turned out great in the end--Nevis), so Tuscany it is.
In terms of budget, I'm still at the beginning stages, and hotel budget will be dependent on flight costs. We live in Vermont but will fly out of NYC. However, I'd say we'd want to spend less than $200/night. All that said, since we have time to save for the trip, and the husband may get some birthday gifts to help defray costs, the budget is still somewhat fluid.
In terms of budget, I'm still at the beginning stages, and hotel budget will be dependent on flight costs. We live in Vermont but will fly out of NYC. However, I'd say we'd want to spend less than $200/night. All that said, since we have time to save for the trip, and the husband may get some birthday gifts to help defray costs, the budget is still somewhat fluid.
Dec 29th, 2006, 08:25 AM
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Hi, We did a package to Florence about a year and a half ago, it was super easy that way, we used travelocity and it worked out great. What I liked about it was that everything was paid for before we went. After I booked, I started reading the reviews for the hotel I choose and they were not so great, I called travelocity and they changed us to a nicer hotel with better reviews at only the upgrade charge, no change fee. It was great for us because we had never been to Italy before, now that I have been there I feel more comfortable and could do it on my own. The rate doing it in the package was also better than doing on our own. We took a day trip to Siena, booked by the hotel for us, and we took the train to Pisa on our own. Either way you do it, you'll have a great time. We spent a total of 7 days in Florence and could have easily spent more.
Dec 29th, 2006, 08:38 AM
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I prefer not to book packages as I like to make my own choices and many of the hotels offered are not places that appeal.
I have visited Florence more than a dozen times and love the city. It makes a great base for daytrips to Tuscany, Assisi, etc. I like all the options of staying there in the city like many great retaurants, good bus and train services, and a very walkable location. I never get bored in Florence.
I tend to stay on the outskirts of the center as I prefer the more residential atmosphere to being surrounded by tourists.
For your budget, you will be better off in a nice B&B IMO than a low end hotel. Check out Panellas Residence and Il Villino. tripadvisor is a great resource.
Enjoy!
I have visited Florence more than a dozen times and love the city. It makes a great base for daytrips to Tuscany, Assisi, etc. I like all the options of staying there in the city like many great retaurants, good bus and train services, and a very walkable location. I never get bored in Florence.
I tend to stay on the outskirts of the center as I prefer the more residential atmosphere to being surrounded by tourists.
For your budget, you will be better off in a nice B&B IMO than a low end hotel. Check out Panellas Residence and Il Villino. tripadvisor is a great resource.
Enjoy!
Dec 29th, 2006, 09:18 AM
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Hi,
I'm one of those that prefers a mix of city/countryside. Since this is your first trip, I would recommend a mix. For me, 2 days IN Florence would be enough. Of all the places I've visited in Italy, Florence was my least favorite. I would go back, but would definitely not stay in the historic center again.
2 or 3 days in Florence, 4 days in the countryside would be perfect! There are many wonderful small inns/hotels in ancient stone buildings to stay in. Southern Tuscany would be a very good choice.
Search on venere.com, italyby.com or other sites where you can put in your parameters and have a detailed map of Tuscany on hand as you look. It makes the search much less overwhelming.
Maybe after studying the map, you can nail down some possible towns. Then do a search here using those town names for lodging recomendations.
Also, when using these sites, they often don't list availability this far out. Contact the property directly via e mail and they will book you in advance! Wait until New Year's is over. Most of the countryside lodging onwers are on holiday too. Give them time to answer during their off season.
Buon viaggio!
I'm one of those that prefers a mix of city/countryside. Since this is your first trip, I would recommend a mix. For me, 2 days IN Florence would be enough. Of all the places I've visited in Italy, Florence was my least favorite. I would go back, but would definitely not stay in the historic center again.
2 or 3 days in Florence, 4 days in the countryside would be perfect! There are many wonderful small inns/hotels in ancient stone buildings to stay in. Southern Tuscany would be a very good choice.
Search on venere.com, italyby.com or other sites where you can put in your parameters and have a detailed map of Tuscany on hand as you look. It makes the search much less overwhelming.
Maybe after studying the map, you can nail down some possible towns. Then do a search here using those town names for lodging recomendations.
Also, when using these sites, they often don't list availability this far out. Contact the property directly via e mail and they will book you in advance! Wait until New Year's is over. Most of the countryside lodging onwers are on holiday too. Give them time to answer during their off season.
Buon viaggio!
Dec 29th, 2006, 09:29 AM
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You're two options are very different and may help you decide. Staying in Florence will not require a car and will allow a couple of day trips via public transport-bus to Siena, train to Pisa etc. Certainly staying in one place is doable within your budget and you can easily fill your time with things to do in Florence.
Staying in the countryside will likely necessitate renting a car to explore and sightsee. Since you want to stay in one place, an apartment in say Montalpulciano or an agriturismo nearby would likely fit your budget and time. Your desire to experience food can easily be met in either situation.
You might find slowtrav.com to be helpful in your research of lodging in both situations as they tend to focus on longer stays with agendas similar to yours.
My two cents-staying in the countryside with a car will allow you to visit Florence as a day trip(although parking is an issue). It is much more difficult to visit the countryside (southern Tuscany) from Florence w/o a car. Since you have a desire to base in one place for a week, I would look to the apartment/ hotel/ agriturismo option and have fun in the planning trusting that trips like yours have been successfully done for ages. Ciao, Paul
Staying in the countryside will likely necessitate renting a car to explore and sightsee. Since you want to stay in one place, an apartment in say Montalpulciano or an agriturismo nearby would likely fit your budget and time. Your desire to experience food can easily be met in either situation.
You might find slowtrav.com to be helpful in your research of lodging in both situations as they tend to focus on longer stays with agendas similar to yours.
My two cents-staying in the countryside with a car will allow you to visit Florence as a day trip(although parking is an issue). It is much more difficult to visit the countryside (southern Tuscany) from Florence w/o a car. Since you have a desire to base in one place for a week, I would look to the apartment/ hotel/ agriturismo option and have fun in the planning trusting that trips like yours have been successfully done for ages. Ciao, Paul
Dec 29th, 2006, 09:54 AM
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Thank you all for your suggestions...please keep them coming. I'm going to start checking out the various sites now, and will ask again as I am able to narrow down towns and lodgings.
Dec 29th, 2006, 10:02 AM
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Just another thought...I think your own personality should influence how you choose your base.
I am type A+ so I love being in the center of things and having a lot of options. I have friends who prefer renting a villa and whiling away their days. I am a runner so love my early morning runs where I can enjoy the city without a lot of folks around. But, running in the countryside does not appeal to me.
What do you prefer for vacations now? If your idea of a good time is a cottage in the mountains or on the beach then opt for the countryside. If you would rather a week in NYC or Chicago, then Florence would be a better choice.
For me, a cabin in the mountains is great for a day for a day or two but that it is all I can take.
I am type A+ so I love being in the center of things and having a lot of options. I have friends who prefer renting a villa and whiling away their days. I am a runner so love my early morning runs where I can enjoy the city without a lot of folks around. But, running in the countryside does not appeal to me.
What do you prefer for vacations now? If your idea of a good time is a cottage in the mountains or on the beach then opt for the countryside. If you would rather a week in NYC or Chicago, then Florence would be a better choice.
For me, a cabin in the mountains is great for a day for a day or two but that it is all I can take.
Dec 29th, 2006, 10:09 AM
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We're more into doing things when we're on vacation, but that doesn't always mean being in the city. For example, if we're at the beach, we like to hit the beach in the morning and go exploring in the afternoon. If we're in the city, we find ourselves more tired than when we left home, just because there's so much to see and do and we feel like we can't ever squeeze it all in, and generally get to a point where we don't want to. We love eating at the local places (wherever we are) with good local ingredients, wandering through neighborhoods to see the different architecture, talking to people (though our lack of Italian may hamper that on this trip), and just generally getting to know the place we're visiting.
Dec 29th, 2006, 10:11 AM
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Well, let's see if we can confuse and frustrate you a little more.
You may want to consider the apartment option in Florence. IMO, it's the only way to go, but it may not be for everyone.
If there's just the two of you, you probably can get a decent, well-located 1-bedroom apt. for about 100 euros/nt. -- well below your hotel budget. One source we've used with success is sleepinginflorence.com. There are others.
If I were you, I'd stay at an apt. in Florence, spend a few days seeing the city and the museums, and then take day trips to the countryside, using public transportation or hiring a driver. the driver we used, Luca Garapi from hillsandroads.com, is excellent. He's mentioned on this board several times.
Just a note about Florence. I like it, and wouldn't stay anywhere else but the historic district. As you've seen, others may not agree. It's all a matter of tastes and interests.
You may want to consider the apartment option in Florence. IMO, it's the only way to go, but it may not be for everyone.
If there's just the two of you, you probably can get a decent, well-located 1-bedroom apt. for about 100 euros/nt. -- well below your hotel budget. One source we've used with success is sleepinginflorence.com. There are others.
If I were you, I'd stay at an apt. in Florence, spend a few days seeing the city and the museums, and then take day trips to the countryside, using public transportation or hiring a driver. the driver we used, Luca Garapi from hillsandroads.com, is excellent. He's mentioned on this board several times.
Just a note about Florence. I like it, and wouldn't stay anywhere else but the historic district. As you've seen, others may not agree. It's all a matter of tastes and interests.
Jan 17th, 2007, 04:47 AM
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Ciao!! I don't kow if you already made up your mind, if not please do write me on [email protected] as I might have the right solution for you. I live in Tuscany, just off Siena. I really do suggest you not tosleep in Florence but somewhere more country. All Tuscan cities including Florence are very close to Siena. 1 hour drive.
Ciao,
B.
Ciao,
B.
Jan 17th, 2007, 08:18 AM
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I am also a city/countryside person as is Dayle. My husband and I find that to be the perfect combination.
Look at a map of Tuscany and decide which areas/towns appeal to you. Then select a town as a base for Tuscany. In southern Tuscany, Montalcino and Pienza are lovely smaller towns to use as a base. Further north, Castellina and Greve are also lovely smaller towns to have a base for that area.
Then I would suggest that you look at Florence's sites to decide how many days you will need there to visit your "must see's."
If you split your time between the two locales and change hotels just once, you will have more time to enjoy.
Isn't the planning so much fun?
Look at a map of Tuscany and decide which areas/towns appeal to you. Then select a town as a base for Tuscany. In southern Tuscany, Montalcino and Pienza are lovely smaller towns to use as a base. Further north, Castellina and Greve are also lovely smaller towns to have a base for that area.
Then I would suggest that you look at Florence's sites to decide how many days you will need there to visit your "must see's."
If you split your time between the two locales and change hotels just once, you will have more time to enjoy.
Isn't the planning so much fun?
Jan 17th, 2007, 10:12 AM
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What a crazy coincidence! My husband and I are going to Florence and Tuscany, almost the same dates you are...and we're from Vermont! How funny! We, too, were conflicted about whether to spend more time in a city than in the small hill towns and decided to do both. We're flying from Boston to Bologna, spending the first two nights in Florence, picking up a car in Florence and then spending 7
nights in Castellina. We really wanted to explore on our own, find good local restaurants, ride bikes, visit wineries, etc. and thought being in the countryside would afford us those opportunities. We'll probably want more time in Florence after only two nights but we're thinking of it as a quick 'taste' of Florence and that maybe we'll come back later in life. We wanted to prioritize spending time in the smaller towns on this trip. Anyway, I would suggest that you use this forum and tripadvisor.com to find accommodations. Based on positive reviews, gorgeous pictures on the websites and price, we're staying at the Accademia House B&B in Florence (www.accademiahouse.com) and Colle Lungo in Castellina (www.collelungo.com). Both have rave reviews on tripadvisor.com and the owners of both have been WONDERFUL to work with. Marco, at Accademia House, has already booked us entry times at the Accademia and Uffizi! Email me ([email protected]) if you want to talk more--it'd be neat to hear what you and your husband end up planning!
nights in Castellina. We really wanted to explore on our own, find good local restaurants, ride bikes, visit wineries, etc. and thought being in the countryside would afford us those opportunities. We'll probably want more time in Florence after only two nights but we're thinking of it as a quick 'taste' of Florence and that maybe we'll come back later in life. We wanted to prioritize spending time in the smaller towns on this trip. Anyway, I would suggest that you use this forum and tripadvisor.com to find accommodations. Based on positive reviews, gorgeous pictures on the websites and price, we're staying at the Accademia House B&B in Florence (www.accademiahouse.com) and Colle Lungo in Castellina (www.collelungo.com). Both have rave reviews on tripadvisor.com and the owners of both have been WONDERFUL to work with. Marco, at Accademia House, has already booked us entry times at the Accademia and Uffizi! Email me ([email protected]) if you want to talk more--it'd be neat to hear what you and your husband end up planning!
Jan 17th, 2007, 07:11 PM
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You're getting lots of great suggestions and it's good that you're planning in advance. If this was my trip, I'd use Siena as my base and take buses to go on daytrips. We've been to Italy several times and DD was a student in Siena and we stayed for a week and loved it. The restaurants were unbelievable and the town itself is like a dream. And although I'm an artlover 
, it was easy to do daytrips to Florence to see the great art and yet it was nice to get back away from the huge crowds there (although there're some great restaurants there as well.)
Hope this helps. Am sure whatever you decide, you'll have a great trip.
, it was easy to do daytrips to Florence to see the great art and yet it was nice to get back away from the huge crowds there (although there're some great restaurants there as well.)Hope this helps. Am sure whatever you decide, you'll have a great trip.
