Hello - I'm hoping for a recommendations or advice relating to a trip I'm just starting to put together for summer. I'll be with my guy (N) and some friends for a week on the coast south of Naples in a villa, followed by some time with N in Rome/Naples/Ischia. Unfortunately, N can only get away for about 12 days. I, on the other hand, have the entire summer off and have decided to go 10 days or so before N can join me. So, I'm thinking about heading to Lerici, Florence and some as yet undetermined location on the east coast of Italy between Naples and Florence. When I travel, I have some criteria: stays of a minimum of two nights, accommodations with outdoor seating, a private bathroom, and walkable. I'm considering either a rail pass for 5 days of travel in a month or a combination of train/bus transportation. I'm a very experienced traveler as far as Europe goes, but wondering if you've maybe had a magical experience within the area I'm referencing? Maybe a not to miss hot springs? A quaint restaurant or B&B/inn? Thanks for anything you might be able to share. Grazie!

Lerici is more difficult without a car but not impossible. You can get bus from Sarzana for example. It was the first place in Italy I visited, so I have a soft spot for it. You can hike along the coast and do day trips by ferry.
Splitting time between there and Florence would be lovely, and travel would be easiest from Florence to Naples. But of course you could add in one more stop as interests dictate. I don't think a pass would be of any benefit, point to point will be fine. Id save the hot sprigs for Ischia as the ones in Tuscany are often more difficult to get to without a car. Perhaps Bagni di Lucca could work.

Thanks for the advice. It helped me to crystallize my plans and I've decided that the east coast of Italy can wait. I've booked 4 nights in Lerici, 3 in Lucca and will finalize my last 3 nights in Florence later in the week. I also think with this itinerary that simple train/bus tickets make the most sense. I'm already excited!

Ya sixty million people leave every summer

I understand it will be hot but, as a teacher, summer is when I can go. My complete itinerary includes beach time in Lerici and on Ischia, as well as the potential for other day trips to water.