My husband and I are driving from Rome to Portofino in May and will stop at the outlets outside Florence on the way. Where would you recommend we have lunch? Arezzo, Prato, Pistoia, Lucca, Pisa or a lovely small town off the A11 or A12? Is there someplace relatively easy to visit from the autstrada that is worth seeing?

If you are going inland toward Florence enroute to Portofino, you could have lunch in Fiesole in the hills above Florence.

We actually stayed at the Villa San Michelle in Fiesole last year and LOVED it so would rather try another town...

I would stop in Lucca as it is a lovely small town and one of my favorites in Tuscany. You could make the afternoon of it: have lunch inside the historic city walls and centre, maybe even walk the city walls (if you have time), see its famous churches/towers, and then be on your way to Portofino.

I always take trains, so unfortunately can't advise you re: specific exits along the autostradas. Although I do know Lucca is conveniently located near the autostrada and accessible/close to Florence in Tuscany and only 1 hour from the Cinque Terre in Liguria.

a small little hamlet off the florence-pisa highway; montecatini alto, just above montecatini terme. the restaurant: le prunecce, via montaccolle 14

Girl,

We have been to Lucca several times and like it more with each visit..it is charming and quiet and lovely...everyone rides bicycles within the walls!! Our favorite lunch stop is La Buca di Sant'Antonio, Via della Cervia...excellent food...think you would enjoy it..

Lucca is a beautiful town, and if you go and have time, walk the ramparts after your lunch!

If you are driving from Rome to Portofino and also plan to shop at the outlets, I wonder how much time you will have for visiting another city. I would plan to eat close to the outlets; L"Osteria di Rendola on Via di Rendola in Montevarchi is reported to be excellent; closed Wednesday.

Funny! Wednesday is the day we will be travelling. Any other ideas? Lucca sounds great. How does it compare in size to Montalcino and Pienza? Is it easy to access by car?