Tuscany & Lake Garda
 

Hi <BR> <BR>Planning a trip to Italy next September. We are thinking about splitting the the trip into two, I like the lakes and mountains and the other half wants to go to Tuscany. <BR> <BR>Any suggestions for a good centrally located place in Tuscany, preferably farm like accomadation, self catering or B&B. Also suggestions for accomadation with nice views over Lake Garda or towards mountains. <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help <BR> <BR>Woody

Woody, The Lakes are my favorite destination in Italy, but Lago Garda would be my third choice among the Lake locations. Of course you can do both? Where do you arrive and depart? How much time will you have? Do you plan to have a car? I would fly into and out of Milan and try to include the Ligurian coast between the Lakes and Tuscany. Let me know if you need help.

I would generally agree with bob that LAke Como is, in certain ways a better place to spend a week "at the Italian Lakes" than Lake Garda. <BR> <BR>At Como, the attraction is all about what is AT the lake itself. <BR> <BR>Garda has different appeal(s) - - and they relate as much to the fact that you are close to OTHER things to see and do - - Trento, the Veneto plain and much more. <BR> <BR>There are so many good options for self-catering in Tuscany, a lot depends on how many people with you. But do be aware that location does matter, at least somewhat. I rented a large house in Ambra (midway between Siena and Arezzo) and I was somewhat surprised at how far away many places were. <BR> <BR>For a half dozen or more, I can give specific info about the villa we (the fall Fodorites' trip) just rented, overlooking Lake Garda. Feel free to write to me directly. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

I prefer Lake Maggiore and Como over Garda, also. An area I never hear talked about is the Val De Aosta, the area near France. It looks like Alaska, only with Roman ruins. Lots of high mountains and it is very scenic. I, too, love Liguria. Stayed in Levanto when we went.

TTT - anymore responses?

Thanks Bob, Rex and Pat for your replies. <BR> <BR>Perhaps I should explain more. I have to go to Sicily for someone's birthday surprise. As far as I can tell BA and others dont fly direct to Sicily from London so I thought I could fly to say Milan and stay near the lakes somewhere for 3,4 or 5 days. Then I'd fly down to Sicily for 5 or so days. On the return journey I thought it might be possible to stop at which every is the appropraite airport for Tuscany area for 3-5 days before flying back to London. Obviously, I could do the Lakes/Tuscany part together (driving between the two) either before or after my stay in Sicily. <BR> <BR>We would have a car at all times.There is three of us. <BR> <BR>Do you have any further thoughts on these suggestions <BR> <BR>Thanks Woody

Woody, Pisa is your logical entry point into Tuscany. Look at Alitalia and BA for potential connections for that complex itinerary. Your options will be limited.