We're thinking of taking a family trip to Tuscany next June (2002), and maybe renting a small villa there. Anyone ever do this? How much is a car rental there for about 10 days? What towns would you recommend we visit? Thinking of staying near Lucca or a little closer to the coast. Any info/ideas would be welcome. Thanks!

Cindy, that sounds like a wonderful vacation. I was contemplating the same thing for 2003. There is an article on renting Italian villas in the March 2001 "National Geographic Traveler" magazine. If you can't find a copy, I'd be happy to mail you the article. Just drop me an email if you can't locate an issue. <BR> <BR>p.s. Would love to hear how your plans unfold.

Hi Cindy, <BR> <BR>We are doing the same trip (except 4 days longer) this coming May. We subscribe to "Frommer's Budget Travel" magazine, and about three or four issues ago, they did a comparison of companies who rented villas, and recommended a few that had a solid reputation. We went with "Vacanze in Italia" We are getting a highly recommended "apartment" in a villa for three of us in the Chianti region for $719 per week. Carl, the man who runs Vacanze in Italia was really helpful, he assisted in narrowing down our choices, (and even persuaded us against renting the one we initially wanted and recommended one that was less expensive - which is what we are going with) All in all, we have yet to put our final "stamp of approval" on this whole deal, since we have not actually gone yet, but so far, our experience with him has been really great. When I get back, I'll post something on the board here about the villa. You can reach Carl at [email protected] <BR> <BR>He will send you a large catalog full of lots of reasonably priced choices. Also, we are deciding between rental car offers right now, the lowest quote we have gotten is $517 (including theft and CDW) for 2 weeks for a mid-size standard shift car. If you look on the board here, you'll see lot's of opinions and tips on renting a car. I myself need to keep searching. Have fun planning, it's great!

It is wonderful. We spent 7 days in Tuscanny and 5 in Gubbio. The best help is Calling European Connection 1-800-345-4679. They made our vacation and we are indeependent travelers.

Hi cindy, <BR>I suggest a site where I always find lots of information about Tuscany. There are more then 50 link and it is an useful source of travel ideas. <BR>This site is http://tuscany.edreams.com/ <BR> <BR>Have fun planning. <BR> <BR>

Well, if you want to use an agency and pay their fees, fine, but why not consider going 'direct to source' and making your own booking - savings can be considerable? If you're looking at Lucca then the knowital.com site would be a place to start - lots of villas, farmhouses, hotels and apartments. Happy hunting! <BR>P.S - Sort out your car rental before you get to Italy - a whole bunch cheaper.

www.tuscany.net for villas rented directly from owners and <BR>www.labellatoscana.net for reasonably priced but great accommodations

Thanks to all of you for your advice--I haven't looked into anything yet, but will check out all the sources you gave me. I'd be very interested in your experiences over there when you get back. <BR>