I got great advice here as I try to muddle out a plan for the fall. While Lucca seemed a great choice.... you all were right... the trek down to Calabria after was going to be tough and being able to take off for a day trip to Florence or elsewhere was not very convenient. I found a lovely, quiet apartment for 2.5 weeks in Siena (mid September). Language school in the morning--to improve my Italian before meeting my non-English speaking relatives.. Some necessary work a few afternoons a week and then some time to look at art, hike whatever. I will NOT have a car. I am either meeting my husband in Naples and THEN heading to Calabria to meet those relatives OR heading straight to Calabria. That is the evolving plan now. Almost afraid to ask: pitfalls on this one? Will it still be pretty warm there? (Like do I need to ask about AC?)

(FYI: Calabria is going to happen despite the difficulty getting down to Bovalino--and since I don't know them... I really only want to spend a couple nights down there) Thank you

climate change is always with us but I'd not worry about heat unless you like it really cold

Looking for anyone with experience taking classes via Saena iIulia in Siena.

Might be worth using FB

Seems like people in my Italian class tonight prefer the Dante Alighieri school. Good suggestion though. Thank you

Fall being when?

September 21st can still be warm during the day but will tend to be much cooler in the evening. November and December you might want/need heating. The later in the season the more rain becomes an issue. Hope for sun but prepare for rain.

I'd check the reviews for your lodging in the similar time of year.