cduke

My friend and I are visiting Italy in late September. We will arrive and plan to stay overnight in Milan, then travel down to the Florence area for an additional 4 nights before flying out to Paris. We'd like to stay in a small town rather than in Florence, and then visit Florence and possibly a day trip to Bologna.

What small town do you suggest for easy access to Florence? We could have a rental car, or not.
Where should we stay?
If we have a rental car, suggestions for parking in/around Florence for visiting the center?

Thanks!!

socialworker

Greve and Panzano are both small towns close to Florence that offer regular bus service into Florence.

http://www.sitabus.it/en/florence-gr...-bus-schedule/

tonfromleiden

I've once used Prato as a base for Florence. It has some attractions and is just some 15 or 20 mins by regular train to Florence.

MmePerdu

I like Lucca and have based there twice. Not very small but atmospheric within the walls and easy to get away from other visitors who tend to congregate on main streets and the anfiteatro. And the train station is just outside the wall, very convenient. And the terrain is flat which can be nice.

jan47ete

Fiseoli is right outside the city. Wonderful bus ride for the views.