We have opportunity to go to Tuscany--either 10 days in Mid April (air fare rates arer quite high) or 2 weeks in Mid June. Please give us advice or plus and minus of each.

I would always choose to go when it's less crowded, so my pick would be April. We went in October and it was a zoo (these were "out-of-the-way" places, too). We had a great time but I was still surprised. Good luck!

I would second the nomination for April. "High season" seems to start around early-to-mid May and last until about mid-October. That's not to say there won't be crowds at other times -- beautiful small towns such as San Gimigniano (sp?) and Siena attract many tourists (and the requisite tour buses). Still, April will probably be at least a bit less crowd-intensive.

Joe: Go in April. It will be much less crowded than in June, and airfare sales should be showing up in the next week or two for April travel. (At least, I hope so, since I'm planning to travel at that time, too!)

Mid-April quieter? Remember that Easter this year is on April 15 so the Easter break for schools will be from about Aprill 11/12 until April 17/18 and therefore most of Tuscany and in particular the main towns will be very crowded. Also April 25 is also a holiday in Italy. <BR>In mid June the weather will be better, you should be able to swim then and eat out. Also June 24 is the Saint Day for St. John the Baptist, the Patron of Florence. There is a wonderful fireworks display that night which you can see from all over the city (the atmosphere along the river on the north side is best) since the fireworks are launched from Piazzale Michelangelo. <BR>I was able to see this display thanks to the advice of the Agritourism where I was staying. It is just 10 miles outside Florence: check it out on www.fattoria-pagnana.com The place is very nice and friendly and has a big bonus in that it is very close to the factory outlets of Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana (e-mail me if you want more info about these). <BR>Enjoy yourselves. <BR>Ian <BR>P.S. a hire car is essential to be able to get around