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3 days in Tuscany or Cinque Terre (without a car, in April)?

Posted by (New York, NY) on

Hi!

My husband and I have 3 extra days between Emilia-Romagna and the Amalfi Coast and cannot decide whether to go to Tuscany or Cinque Terre:

Option A - Tuscany: We have already been to Florence a few times and Pisa once, so we'd be focusing on the smaller towns. I would love to visit Siena (everyone's favorite, right?) and am interested in what other towns everyone else suggests. Please keep in mind that we will be here in mid-April, without a car. Should we spend 3 nights in Siena and do day trips to the other towns? Organized tours? Which vineyards do you recommend for novice wine drinkers?

Option B - Cinque Terre: Cinque Terre was our original plan, and I've never been yet, but I'm a little worried that going to CT right before the Amalfi Coast (my favorite place in the world!) will be too similar. Plus, has it gotten too crowded? Many of my friends went a few years ago, and I almost feel like I've missed the boat (partly thanks to Rick Steves). Will I just feel like one of the hordes of tourists, for a pretty coastline view that will be overshadowed by Positano anyway?

I am leaning toward Tuscany, but if Cinque Terre really is a must-see, and it makes more sense without a car, we could go with Option B instead.

Thank you in advance!

Posted by
1586 posts

Option A is a great. You can however stay in Lucca and do a day trip to Siena. You can also visit Barga, Italy. A charming little town not too far from Lucca by bus.

There are some wineries in the Monte Carlo area - a 20 min. bus ride from Lucca. I'd suggest going - as soon as you arrive in Lucca - to the Visitor Center in Piazzale Verdi. The ladies there are very helpful and speak good English; they will be able to advise you.

These wineries are not too far from Lucca, the owner of one winery will pick you up from your hotel. The gentleman's name is Eugenio. Here is the address:

HOLDING Buonamico

Winery

Address: Via di Montecarlo, 43, 55015 Montecarlo LU, Italy

Phone: +39 0583 22038

Go on website to make an appointment

https://www.buonamicowineresort.it/

Here is the other winery nearby:

fattoria di Montechiari

Winery

Address: Via di Montechiari, 27, 55015 Montecarlo LU, Italy

Phone: +39 0583 22189

Posted by
11651 posts

Siena is a wonderful base for the Chianti region. It is surrounded by charming small towns. However, Tuscany really requires a car. I can’t imagine not having a car to explore and have rented one on four visits to Tuscany.

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