We will have six weeks in Italy next Spring if all goes as planned. I'm working on our itinerary now. Please help! "We" are my husband and me, "early retirees" on a budget. We will be in Italy from approx. March 15 to April 30 next year. This is probably a once in a lifetime trip. <BR> <BR>We will drive in from France. Easter is March 31. I thought it might be good to drive from France along the coast to Florence/Tuscany, then to Umbria for Easter week, then to Rome and on to Naples/Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. That is as far south as we plan to go, so we will then head north to Venice, then back to the west to the lakes and Lombardi region at the end of April, so as to see them in Spring (and also to visit Annecy in Spring). <BR> <BR>This is the original Low Budget Tour! We are trying to find one-week self-catering places outside major cities, and occasional short stays in the cities, which are of course much more expensive. Seeing as much art and history as possible is a priority. <BR> <BR>The schedule I've outlined is just a beginning plan. Please help us find a better plan! I'd really appreciate suggestions, critiques, ideas, etc. Thanks, <BR> <BR>Libbie

Hi Libbie <BR> <BR>We are "almost retirees" and are going to Italy for a month in October. There are lots of great places to stay in Italy that are more charming than expensive. For example, we are staying in a convent in Florence (we're not even Catholic) and agriturismi in Tuscany and Umbria. I used many sources for lodging ideas: Karen Brown's guides (she has two books about Italy lodging, one more expensive than the other), Hello Italy! by Margo Classe, and Cheap Sleeps in Italy by Sandra Gustafson--all of these were available at my local library. There are several good websites out there, one is www.initaly.com and another one I really like is www.cohenkenny.com/ <BR> <BR>I enjoy making plans for the trip almost as much as actually going on the trip. <BR> <BR>There is a lot of good information on this board about Italy. Hang around for awhile and you'll figure it out. Pay close attention to any posts by Bob the Navigator, he really knows his stuff. <BR> <BR>Buon viaggio <BR> <BR>

We have been to Italy several times and our favorite place is La Crociona. It is a working vineyard and the owner has 6 apartments. It is located about 45 minutes south of siena and there are lots of wonderful places to visit for day trips and you can train into florence. If you would like more info please feel free to e-mail me, Pat

Hi, <BR> <BR>I found a convent in Rome run by Irish sisters through a tip on this board (probably from Bob the Nav) and we will try to stay there. I'm curious about the one you found in Florence. Could you e-mail me it's name if you don't want to discuss it on the board? I'd love to swap ideas and tips with you privately. <BR> <BR>Libbie at [email protected]

to the top

Topping my note in the hope that Bob the Navigator and other experienced travelers will answer. Thanks, <BR> <BR>Libbie

Driving along the coast from France is a good idea. You will go right through the Italian Riviera. Santa Margherita is a great place to stay there with a day trip to Portofino. Also cinque terre. So beautiful. North of Milan there is the lake district which is also beautiful. I recommend Florence for art. Lucca is an interesting town to visit in Tuscany but I would stay in or near Greve in Chianti which is in between Florence and Siena. Siena and San Gimignano are must sees too. Do stop in Pompeii on your way south to amalfi to see the ruins. They are superb. In amalfi, sorrento is probably more cost effective but do visit Positano and Capri. Breathtaking scenery.

Assisi is worth a visit on the way back up north to venice.