Hi,

I am thinking of travelling to Italy for a week or 10 days in early Sept with my partner. Ideally I would like to spend a few days in the city followed by some time somewhere more rural where we could do some outdoor activities e.g. horse riding, cycling, walking in a beautiful environment. We will not be hiring a car (neither of us drive) so it needs to be somewhere (either a small town or even a hotel/agriturism which can arrange this stuff) accessible by public transport.

I have been to Naples/Sorrento area before, and I would ideally like to go to Florence and Tuscany/Umbria this time if anyone has a good suggestion.

I had thought of Lake Trasimeno (but I have read some bad reviews of the lake being a bit disappointing and marshy on the internet), or the Garfagnano area, or even Elba though this might be a bit too far from Florence. Could people advise about transport to and accomodaiton/activities in these areas? Or any other suggestions??

Thank you in advance for all your help,

Sue

A small town in the Dolomites would provide all this. Look into the Val Gardena or the Alpe di Siusi. I have seen people riding Haflinger horses across the meadows there---it looked wonderful. The area is well-served by public transportation (bus).

Just got back from Alpe di Siusi July 2007, stayed in Compatch where horse riding is available Eu40 for several hours. Best to hike and stop at Huts for a drink.

Robert Illan

Hi Sue - I'd second Enzian's suggestion - Val Gardena

Lots of options for outdoor activities there ...

www.valgardena.it
www.val-gardena.com

Ortisei would make a lovely base ...

Steve

Definitely avoid Tuscany if you don't want to drive. I second others' vote for somewhere in the Dolomites. For one, public transport there is excellent. Besides, you'd be there at the ideal time: still in season, so eveything is open, including cable cars, mountain huts, etc., but the August crowds are gone!