Hoping to get some input to help narrowing down all the glorious things to do and see in this area and coming up with more of an itinery than just all the ideas in my head. <BR> <BR>We (just my hubby and I) are getting our rental car and leaving Rome the morning of 9Oct. <BR>Staying 2 nights (9&10th)just outside Perugia <BR>Then staying 2 nights (11th&12)just outside of San Giamano. <BR>Then checking into our Florence hotel the eve of 13Oct and dropping off the rental car and seeing Florence. <BR> <BR>After leaving Rome, currently thinking of stopping in Orvieto seeing some sites in the am, eating lunch there when the "siesta" starts at 1pm, then maybe on to Todi/Deruta before arriving at our hotel in Perugia. <BR> <BR>Next day spent in Assisi (other places? Gubbio doable in same day?) <BR> <BR>The time after Perugia is more fuzzy/grey. I think we'd like to see Montalcino (we like red wines) or Cortona, The Lago Trasimeno? Siena. Think we need at least a half day spending some time in wineries in the chianti region, perhaps see Volterra,and if at all possible make a swing through Pisa (my husband really wants to see the tower) and Lucca. I realize I may be nuts trying to do all this and that's why I'm posting. <BR>As I obviously need some guidance/help. We like some variety (wineries, nature, towns, not all cathedrals) and although Siena sounds interesting I'm wondering if it's not too big, etc to dedicate just a morning to, etc. <BR> <BR>I'd appreciate any comments on the closing down of places in the afternoon and how to place appropriately for that. <BR> <BR>Good restaurant recommendations in the areas are welcome too! <BR> <BR>Appreciate any help !

Lori, <BR> <BR>Lori, <BR> <BR>In general I would say Assisi deserves a full day but there was a significant amount of damage from the earthquakes several years ago that was still under repair last Oct when we were there. Maybe someone who has been there recently can answer. Of the tree main churches only St Francis was open when we were there and the outside was still under scaffolding. The surrounding cities had similiar repairs going on - alot of scaffolding. See if you can get more info before stopping in the towns. Derurta has a pretty town center, but is really only worth stopping if you plan on shopping and expanding your luggage. The pottery is beautiful. The pieces I bought make me smile everytime I look at them. <BR> <BR>The roads in Tuscany make travel times by car longer then you would think. If you are staying in San G. I would leave visiting the town for evening. It is mostly visual and perfect for walking off an Italiam dinner. I think the Pisa and Lucca can be done in a day. You will get into Florence late. <BR>Sienna took us a full day with the round trip drive from San G. so I think you will need to choose Sienna or Chianti - we choose Siena - it is a beautiful town - the Cathedral is unique and the view from the tower is great. I still want to back to Chiate though. You may be able to do Volterra and Chianti in the same day. <BR> <BR>Good Luck! <BR>Aileen

All that I have read says do NOT miss Gubbio--have not been personally just yet;plan to include it when we visit Oct 12th. Have fun!

IMO, Pisa/Lucca are best visited on route from San G. to Florence. If you start early it's perfectly doable and not much driving involved. <BR> <BR>I also think that Siena deserves the better part, if not a full day. You may leave San G. in the morning and play it by ear (see below). <BR> <BR>The question would therefore boil down to what would one be able to visit when driving from Perugia to San G. In my estimate, you would need some 3 1/2 hours driving (total) to get to San G., visiting Montepulciano and Montalcino on your way. If you leave Perugia early, this would be perfectly doable. You could plan to be in Montalcino for lunch. Of course, you would have to axe Cortona and the Lake Trasimeno would be restricted to a car window view . An alternative would be to make the Chiati district circuit (Castelnuovo Berardenga, castello di Brolio, Gaiole in Cianti, Radda in Chianti and Castellina in Chianti). In my estimate, the total driving time to San G. would be some 3 hours, once again, perfectly doable if you leave Perugia early enough. <BR> <BR>The only possible problem I can forsee is the visiting times of monuments in San G. You'll get there in the evening. If you're able to get a hold of the situation, you may delay your departure to Siena the next day or return while monuments are still open. Personally, I wouldn't bother too much ... monuments in Siena should all be open on Thursdays and they're way "superior" ... <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>

Thanks for your comments!