In August after a trip to Rome we have 3 nights left to spend. Should we head to Amalfi coast or to Tuscany? We love the coast but also wine country. We want relaxing but not "lazy sat afternoon"

Hi Consentida - The Amalfi Coast is spectacularly beautiful - but will be crowded in August.

Which to choose? Only you can decide ...

Steve

It is like a choice between Mozart and Beethoven and I am afraid no one can help you making your decision.

Tuscany

- has those medieval towns and beautiful churches,
- has Etruscan archeology,
- has renaissance villas, excellent wines and good food,
- has gently rolling hills,
- has wide sandy, average beaches.

The Amalfi Coast

- has picturesque towns, one of them - Amalfi - with a beautiful church,
- has breathtaking archeology (Pompeii,Herculaneum),
- has excellent food and good wines,
- has spectacular landscape,
- has small, rocky beaches in spectacular settings.

Good post from t19.

Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla gelato?

Chocolate!

It is likely to be extremely, extremely hot in Toscana in August unless you are in the mountains.

They have perfectly delicious wines in Campania (the Amalfi). If you are worried about crowds, go where they aren't.

HOw is food better in the AC than in Tuscany, as implied by traveller1959?

Are we talking seafood better than boar and Florentine steak?

It would be hands down the Amalfi Coast for me, but that's a very subjective response. Both are wonderful destinations and I don't think you would be disappointed with either choice, but for me Amalfi (Sorrento in particular) is very special. The comparisons made above by traveller1959 should be of help to you. I don't know, maybe you should toss a coin. LOL

scrb,

the volcanic soil and more temperate climate of campania produces, in the opinion of many people, much more flavorful foods than that of Tuscany, and the long tradition of great cooking in Campania, influenced by many cultures (because of the access to the sea and the many people who have conquered the region) is another plus.

That said, Tuscany usually gets the edge when it comes to wine.

Having been to both, my first thought was Tuscany. Maybe find a place with a pool in case it is super hot and you want to relax for the afternoon. I think if you go to the Amalfi Coast, you will be overwhelmed with so many great places to see that it won't be as relaxing. Three days isn't enough for the coast, IMO, unless you can force yourself to stay put and soak it all in!

I'm totally partial to the Amalfi Coast and find Tuscany can be overrated - there's great Southern Italian wines, BTW!

Since you emphasize relaxation, I say Tuscany. It's easier to get to than the Amalfi Coast and has fewer sights. You need more than 3 days for Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, Pompeii and Herculaneum, Capri, maybe Mt. Vesuvius, Paestum, Naples, etc.

For Tuscany a car is preferable, but not required. If you drive, I'd say find an agriturismo or nice little guest house on the edge of a town in southern Tuscany around Montepulciano and Montalcino.

Without a car, you need a town with a train station. Maybe Siena and stay at the Palazzo Ravizza. There are other possiblilities. Depends on your interests and budget.

I am an American living and providing daily excursions as well as a 6 day 7 night tour on the Amalfi Coast. Please visit my website at www.amalfivacations.com and let me know if you need any assistance or would like to book any trips.

Who needs Southern Italian wine when there is Limoncello...