I'm traveling with a friend and we plan on 3 days in Rome (Santa Chiara), 4 days Tuscany (no plan), 3 days Riviera (no plan). Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. 3-4 star accomodations or a 5 star for the right price or a splurge at the end. We will have a car once we leave Rome. We may stop in Umbria for a cooking class so Umbria (Orvieto) could be an alternative. Thanks Laura

Laura, Have we not done this before?
The time of year and your arrival and departure locations will dictate your itinerary--do you know that yet?

Just put a flight on hold. To Rome Sept. 29th Out of Milan Oct. 10th. Do you think the reverse would be better planning? I still can make a change.

Yes Bob we have.And thanks to you and your posts I am leaning toward Montalcino or Montepulciano, but I need a little more hotel info. Del Capitano seems very nice.

OK--I like your basic plan.

If you are up to driving 2.5 hours after landing, then I would do Milan first. If not, do Rome. That will save you a " last nite" scenario near Malpensa on your last day. And, save you from driving out of Rome. Malpensa is 30 miles outside Milan.

Hmmm ! Where on the coast? Let me suggest either Santa Margherita or Portovenere. Look at Hotel Continental or Hotel Jolanda in former or Grand Hotel Portovenere in that town

For Tuscany-Umbria aside- I would stay south of Siena. Look at palazzodelcapitano.com and www.lacosta.it for starters. Your splurge would be Locanda della Amorosa.

Good luck ! Look at hotel reviews at slowtrav.com--by location

Bob, from your recommendation we stayed in Portovenere two summers ago and loved it! Santa Margherita...I'll get on that right now. Do you think we could day trip (maybe by boat) to Cinque Terre? Is Laconda Della Amarose so much nicer than palazzo del capitano?

It is more upscale but also expensive. The location is good if you are thinking about seeing parts of Umbria from there. Otherwise, I like the San Quirico location. Have you seen Vecchia Oliviera in Montalcino or La Saracina near Pienza?

I was just on La Saracina's web site. It looks amazing! Is it as nice as it seems? If you say yes I think I will be set with Hotel Continental (also looked great and I found many positive posts) La Saracina and Santa Chiara in Rome. THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of your help.

We have not stayed there but it has gotten rave reviews from others, and I love the location. Hard to beat.

Have fun !