Tuscany Itinerary Help!
 

Hi
Will be in Tuscany Oct 28-Nov 6. We are planning day trips from Siena(our base) and would like suggestions? 3 of us have been to Italy 3 times and its the first time for one. What are your suggestions? We want to do Cinque Terre, is it a doable day trip or should we plan an overnight? Also, will lots be closed on All Saints Day? We're thinking that might be a good day to go to Florence? Any thoughts? What are you thoughts on Sagre in Montalcino? Too crowded????? We've been to Pienza, San G, Montapulciano and of course Florence but could go to any of these again. What about Volterra?

All Saint's Day is a national holiday in Italy, so all banks, shops and schools are closed. Since November 1 comes on a Monday, that also means that many museums are closed such as the Uffizi and Accademia. So, November 1 might not be your best option for Florence.

The Sagre del Tordo in appears to be a major event in Montalcino. The difficulties would probably be in getting into and out of the town if you are not staying there. But the event sounds like great fun. Here is some info: http://www.montalcino-tuscany.com/Sagra_del_tordo.htm

Some suggestions for Tuscany would be Sant Antimo Abbey, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, and Greve. This is a link to our days in Tuscany in my last trip report--it may give you a few ideas: http://www.slowtrav.com/tr/TripRepor...60&index=6

Carol

I assume you are driving. The CT is a good drive--I would overnite. The Sagre has gotten very popular. I just finished BEL VINO by Isabella Dusi and she describes cars parked for a mile along the road into town. Yes, try to see Volterra. I love the road via Asciano to Abbey Oliveto Maggiore.

Hi again
Thanks Bob and Carol for your reply. I will try what you suggest. I have not seen the Abbeys and definately want to take the Asciano drive. I'm thinking of possibly taking a bus from Siena to Montalcino to avoid a parking nightmare but may just try to tough it out. I too loved Isabella's first book and she was nice enough to respond to me after I wrote her about how her book moved me. She must be an exceptional woman. Bob, what do you think about overnighting in Lucca after a very quick visit to Cinque. We do want to see Lucca but I've also considered the idea of staying in Levanto. What would be your choice? We are also thinking of not even stopping in Pisa are we making a mistake? Thanks again for your advice

Greve & Castellina in Chianti are wonderful little towns about 10 minutes apart and about an hour from Sienna. Eat at the little family restaurant in the piazza in Greve - can't remember the name at the moment, but as you stand w/ your back to the church, it's on the left at the opposite end of the square.

Just to add my comments, I enjoyed my time in Lucca - nice walled in city. Definitely try to get to Volterra. You can read my trip report, which may give you some ideas. Bob helped me with my trip. http://www.luvtotravel.homestead.com/ItalyJrnl04.html

Monica ((F))

Ritaly,

I would stay overnight in Cinque Terre. Then you would have time for a stop over in Pisa. We found 3 hours perfect to walk to the Piazza from the train station, see the Tower and Duomo, cringe at the tacky tourist shops all around the piazza, and walk back. The Tower was not open at that time.

Yes, another vote for Volterra.

Buon viaggio!

Hi All
Monica, your trip report was wonderful! I felt like I was in Italy. I can't wait for our trip. The restaurants you mentioned in Florence sound very good. We have never been able to fidn a reasonable place to eat in Florence. We seem to get stuck in the historic area and Ponte Vecchio? Can you suggest a location to look? Thanks again for your report I indeed did get very many good tips!

You could stay in Lucca. I too would skip Pisa. If you do stay at the CT, with a car, I like to stay at Portovenere and take the ferry boat from there. But, pick a good weather day.

I triple the recommendation for Volterra. I also liked Lucca a lot.

ritaly,
Checkout my trip report for Siena and day trips in the area http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...enry&fid=2

sorry bad link use
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...een_name=Henry

Thank you Henry and others I LOVED your trip report Henry, great information. This message board is so helpful, even to someone who's been to Italy before. New Question? We are driving from LocandoRosati to Siena on our first full day in Italy. Where would you stop for a great lunch and a hill town visit?

The drive from Orvieto to Siena is only about 2 hours. You might want to consider visiting Civita first thing in the morning, which is only a few miles from Locanda Rosati. You could leave your luggage at Locando Rosati after you check out, then after your tour of Civita, go back to pick up your luggage and head to Montepulciano. After walking around and exploring this wonderful town, you should now be ready for lunch in Montepulciano. Siena is only about an hour or so from there. ((b))

Budman Thanks for your reply, sounds very good to me. Do you think we'd have a problem leaving the bags in the car in Montepulcino? I've read so much about not doing that, but Montepulciano seems like a pretty busy area and I'm thinking if its in a publis place it won't be bothered. Am I naive? Tell me a bit about Civita if you could

Civita which is right next to Bagnoregio is a small hill town. It is unique. You have to walk across a 5-6 foot wide bridge to get up to the town. They have a B&B and a couple of small restaurants, and the entire place is just picturesque.

There are a lot of parking areas at the North end of town in Montepulciano. The only time I ever feared for pickpockets or thieves was when we went to Florence, and our last day in Rome.

I had the same fear as you, but I think it is a very busy area with tourists, and you should have no problems (knock on wood). I just wouldn't leave anything in the open if you can avoid it. ((b))

I absolutely adore Siena - I think it's my most fav city anywhere - you'll have a great time, lucky you!. If it's any help, read our trip report for ideas, locations, etc. at www.hightide.com/travel (click on Italy Trip report) Have fun and eat lots, drink lots and do everything possible - you can sleep when you're dead!!!

Dear Hightide Your trip report was excellent! I really enjoyed it. Volpaio sounds wonderful, I'll have to put it on the list! We went to the same Deli in Positano, looking at your pictures brought back great memories. Can't wait for this trip. I also want to visit the copper pot man. I've been to Montepulciano but not his workshop or shop. Is it on the Main St inside the porta? How expensive were the pans? I guess for signed handmade pans most prices would be reasonable

ritaly, thanks, yes Volpaia was certainly a highlight, don't miss it! As for the deli, I can still close my eyes and taste the sundried tomatoes in olive oil....

Unfortunately, I couldn't tell you where the copper shop was located, but the prices were fairly reasonable, considering. The small copper saute pan I bought was for decorative purposes, didn't spring for the big actual cooking pots - those were much more $$$, of course in the whole scheme of things when you compare the prices to heavy duty high end cookware, I'm sure they were pretty much in line with what you'd pay domestically for comparable items...

I would stop in Bagno Vignoni, which is only about 1.5 hours from LR just off S-2 and just before San Quirico.