E Roz

Thanks for all previous help. We have about 5 days to spend in this area. I've looked at maps and read posts and still dont' have a feel for real time distances. Should we stay a few days in Chianti and then a few further South near Assisi/Todi? Or just pick one base and travel around from there? What's easiest? 2 active adults, we'll have a car. Thank you.

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

It is hard to do both from one location.<BR>It depends on your access direction, but I would start south for 3 days, and then over to Umbria. However, you can do it from one location if near Sinalunga or Montepulciano--if you have a drive radius of about 90 minutes. What is your total itinerary?

E Roz

Thanks Bob! We have a pretty aggressive itinerary. <BR>DAY 1/2 From the US fly into MIlan and immed. head to Lake Como to relax from the wedding &quot;stuff&quot;(this is our honeymoon but we are both active people). <BR>DAY 5-7. Train to Venice, stops in Verona and Padua. 2-3 nights in Venice, stay in Dorsoduro area. <BR>DAY 8 train towards Florence-overnight in Bologna.<BR>DAY 9 To Florence (didn't want to be there on a Monday when many sites are closed,hence the Bologna stopover).<BR>DAY 11 train to Cinque Terra, 2 night, 1 full day.<BR>DAY 13-15 Rent car to drive into Tuscany (Lucca/San Gimign/Panzano/Siena). <BR>Day 15-17 driving in Umbria (stay near Todi?)<BR>Day 18-20 Head to Rome,turn in car and explore for a few more days. fly out of Rome.<BR><BR>A Bit of crisscrossing on the front end but after the wedding thought Como would be a better start off than flying through Milan to Venice right away.<BR><BR>Your thoughts? Thanks all!

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Not bad--sounds like fun !<BR>Here are my thoughts. Drop Bologna and go to Florence direct--you can still enjoy it without the museums being open.<BR>Get your car as you leave Florence. You can see Lucca enroute, and Volterra on your return, and avoid the hassle of multiple trains enroute. Also, I would stay further north in Umbria. Todi is too far south--stay near Assisi/Spello.<BR>And lastly, you can miss Panzano and Chianti compared to south of Siena in the Val d'Orcia. Hit Volterra and San Gim. as you drive back from the coast, and stay south of Siena--perhaps Montalcino or San Quirico. Hard to go wrong--you will have a ball.

Dale

I think your itinerary looks fun and doable. I can recommend the area around Bevagna as central to wonderful Umbrian towns like Montefalco(Sagrantino wine), Trevi, Spello, Spoleto, and of course, Assisi. Perugia, Todi and Norcia are relatively close also. I have a couple of reviews of places to stay in and near Bevagna on the Slowtrav board. If you wish, you can email me for these places and a list of worthwhile ristoranti in the vicinity. Ciao e buon viaggio.

Howard

Bob's given you great advice. As much as I love Bologna, I agree about dropping it from your itinerary and heading straight to Florence.

E Roz

Thanks everyone! Your responses make me feel better, we've been bouncing around on the itinerary. I'll keep researching and am open to suggestions, specifically in the Tuscan/Umbria area. Ciao!

Trish

We spent five nights in Bevagna this past October and found it very convenient to all the areas you mentioned.<BR>Also, it is a wonderful small town.<BR>Enjoy!

Trish

This reply is for Roberta re Bevagna - I accidently deleted your e-mail. I would like to answer your questions, please send it again. Thank you.