I need suggestions for planning a 25th anniversary trip to Italy (was thinking Tuscany) in October. We have been to Italy once before and did the grand tour (Rome, Pisa, Florence, Venice). We loved Florence and surrounding countryside. We will have approximately 9 days. Should I plan myself or use a travel agent?
Thanks so much for your help!

If you like Tuscany and its countryside, I recommend renting a car and doing your own thing. Drive around and see the remote villages, they're wonderful. You can stay in one centrally located Tuscan town as a 'base' and do daytrips to several villages per day to explore Tuscany.

Congratulations on your anniversary!

Most people on this website would say that you don't need a travel agent, that you can plan this trip yourself with the help of fellow travelers here.

You're interested in Tuscany . . . why? for scenery? Wineries? Historical sights? Food? Are you willing to rent a car? Do you want to be able to walk from your accomodations to a town?

A Tuscan villa stay might be perfect for you. Or combine a few days exploring Tuscany or Umbria with a few days on the Amalfi Coast.

With some ideas of your interests, we'll be able to help more.

We love to eat Italian foods, want to enjoy the scenery (not be in a huge hurry), shop, visit vinyards (I am partial to white wine - pinot grigio, my husband loves chianti and other italian reds). A tuscan villa sounds romantic. We like fine hotels (am partial to the Four Seasons). Looking for luxurious linens, fine service, very clean, private bath, not necessarily a huge price tag! Is 200-300 a night a reality?

Check out Locanda dell Amorosa (www.amorosa.it) and La Saracina (www.lasaracina.it). They are located in southern Tuscany and fit your qualifications: very romantic, great linens, luxurious bath, incredible service, beautiful ambience...

We've stayed in both these properties several times and want to return. Hope this helps...

Thanks so much for the suggestions. Both properties look fabulous!

Scotland,

One of my colleagues just came back from a stay at Castello Banfi. http://www.castellobanfiilborgo.com/

It is pricey and perhaps more than you want to spend but my friend said it was the best hotel she's ever been to! She said it was so romantic and beautiful and worth every penny. It sounded like a dream to me!

Have a fun trip!
Sally

Sally, This looks exceptional and I am ready to go tomorrow! Wow, seems like an ideal place for a romantic 25th celebration. Many thanks for the suggestion!

You may want to consider Castello delle serre - I just "discovered" it on trip advisor, and it looks like it would suit your purposes extemely well.

By the way, I have now spoken to the son on his cell phone - the number is on the site - and he was extremely informative and accomodating.