need good suggestions for day trips out of florence.<BR><BR>we will be at the balestri on the arno on september 6-10. our plan is to spend the afternoon of the 6th and all day saturday the 7th doing a walking tour of florence. <BR><BR>we understand that much will be closed on sunday and monday the 8th and 9th so we would love to find an enjoyable day trip.<BR><BR>ideally we would rent a car near the hotel and train station and simply drive into the tuscan countryside visiting san g and chianti. we have driven through france and belgium with no problems. we could also train or bus to sienna on another day.<BR><BR>could you please offer suggestions that would be fun, include some wine/bike tours and be nothing like a crowded/super organized museum tour that we do not like. we are energetic and healthy and will save the slower activities for another time.<BR><BR>thanks<BR><BR>jenni

Hi Jenni:<BR><BR>I just read an article suggesting trips to Lucca, close to Pisa, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Siena. The article includes places to visit, restaurants and hotel options. <BR><BR>Drop me a line if you want more details,<BR><BR>Enrique

Jenni,<BR><BR>I got back from a similar trip/itinerary last month, and my suggestion to you is that you visit Siena if you can. It is a fantastic city, large enough to occupy a whole day of your time, if not two. Make sure you don't miss the Siena Duomo--arguably the most beautiful building I've ever entered, smaller but definitely more ornate and breath-taking than the Florence Duomo. Fantastic restaurants and street cafes in Siena too! And the shopping is great if you're into pottery, meats, and wine.<BR><BR>Another fantastic day trip I recommend is a tour of the Chianti region, stopping and sampling wines at the various wineries and castles. Just be sure your designated driver takes it easy on the grape juice! Tuscan roads are curvy and twisty and Italian drivers can be quite erratic.<BR><BR>San G. is over-rated, in my opinion. Beautiful sights but not worth the struggle with the massive crowds.<BR><BR>There is so much to see in Florence though, that you will probably feel that two days are not enough. And the shopping is unbelievable there. Ponte Vecchio area especially, if you're into jewelry. Lots of unique and breath-taking fashion in Florence too--Italians are, in general, the best dressed people I've ever known in all my travels. (Just an observation I thought I'd share).<BR><BR>Overall you can't go wrong with a Florence/Tuscany itinerary. Have fun!

Check out www.hostetler.com and click on the page for Festivals. That weekend in September there are several events in small towns too which would be fun to check out. You could train to Lucca on Sunday morning (not too far from Florence). I think they have a festival going on all weekend. You can rent bikes in town and leisurely bike the circumference of the town on a raised park path free of cars.<BR>Have fun!

Last summer while based in Florence we rented a car for two days of sight seeing in Tuscany. We returned to Florence at the end of both days. Based on our experience, I would suggest that you consider staying overnight around Sienna (which is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from Florence). I/M/O it is worth the extra cost (assuming you do not give up your Florence Hotel).<BR><BR>Driving is the best way to see the beautiful countryside. I would recommend Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano and Montecino. If you can, have dinner in Siena and Cate Gano (I am not quite sure of the spelling). It is a small restaurant so you should make reservations. What a wonderful dining experience. 5+ course meal for about $60 including 2 wines. It was wriiten up in Departures magazine.

Just want to clarify a mistype in my prior message. It should read have dinner in Siena at Cate gano.

Lee's restaurant in Siena is CANE E GATTO (the dog and the cat) Via Pagliaresi, 6 0577 287545 <BR><BR>Reservations are a good idea.

ttt<BR>