Tuscany in 6 days
 

Six of us women have rented a villa in Chianti in Barberino Val d'Elsa. We will fly in/out of Rome; train to Florence; then rent a van. I'd like ideas on what to see and in what order. A couple of "must see" spots are not in Tuscany: Assisi and Cinque Terre. Suggestions are welcome. This is our first time in Italy.

Hi T,

While waiting for responses, you might want to look up <Tuscany> under "destinations" and in the "search this forum" box.

((I))

We head to Rome February 28 and arrive in Barberino on March 15 -- I suppose you'll be gone by then. Anyway we can post matching -- or consecutive or sequential -- trip reports upon our returns.

If you want to e-mail me at [email protected], I can forward a few results of my internet research on local restaurants etc. I can send them on Monday, Feb.20.

We stayed two weeks(16 of us) near your location last May. It's a wonderful area and we very much enjoyed the smaller towns. Assisi will be a long jaunt for a day trip but doable. Personally, I wouldn't attempt to daytrip to the Cinque Terre--too rushed, too far and it defeats the primary draw to the area--laid back enjoyment.
That being said we found late afternoons or market days in San Gimignano to be great. Evening was a very special atmosphere after the tourists depart and good dinner options. Volterra is a longer drive but spectacular and rewarding. Colle Val d'Elsa was a nice find as well and Certaldo Alto(the old upper village) was a very interesting step into the past with some good food options. You won't be far from Siena of course as well as Florence. And as I stated to Tedgale, don't overlook the "white roads" which are shortcuts to the interior of Chianti and put Greve, Castellina and Radda within reach. I would highly recommend a visit to charming Volpaia near Radda as well.
There is plenty to explore and lots to do near you--a terrific area. Have fun! Paul

I forgot to say that our trip to Tuscany will be in September. So, tedgale, I will certainly look forward to your feedback about your trip. Thanks, macanimals, for the info.