I will be traveling in Tuscany next May. This is a trip of a lifetime and I want to do it all in 9 days. Countryside, art, seaside --etc. Please give me some insights on your visits and things to do and see.

The best thing you can do is pick up a Lonely Planet guide to Italy. It is packed full of information that you won't find in most guide books about many places off the beaten track, accommodation, food, what to do and see, etc.

We recently returned from a week in Tuscany. Here is a link to my trip report. We fell even more in love with it than last time and can't wait to return. If I can help with any specific questions, let me know!!

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34884020

Tuscany is a big area, so you might want to do a few nights in different spots - a few nights in Florence, a few nights in the Chianti area, a night in Sienna, and a few nights in the Val D'Orcia area. Renting a car is a must if you really want to explore Tuscany. Have you been to slowtrav.com? Go out there and try and track down a copy of Stu Dudley's writeup on Italy - lots of very good info on Tuscany.

Hi M,

>I will be traveling in Tuscany next May. This is a trip of a lifetime and I want to do it all in 9 days.<

Unless you are terminally ill, you will return.

Don't try to cram everything into one 9-day visit.

Will you be including Venice or only Florence and surrounding area?

It is a long story. I suggest investing $10 for TOP 10 TUSCANY by Reid Bramblett.