An extra 6 nights - Umbria or Lucca/Cinque Terre

I have spent time in both Umbria and Tuscany. More of the same, kind of, but Umbria is a bit different, some parts flatter, greener, and larger towns by and large, but very, very nice. We stay in a little town called San Gemini and visit all the places you mentioned plus Montefalco, Terni (Marmore Falls), and other places. San Gemini has its own Roman ruins close by called Carsulae and it is worth a visit, it is really your own private Roman ruins. We like Umbira but we also like Tuscany. There are a few less tourists in Umbria I believe.

However, given that you have been north a lot, why not jump down to Naples and/or the Amalfi Coast for those 4 nights? That is much different than anywhere you will have been. Naples is special (have some pizza), you have Pompeii and Herculaneum to see and great weather. That is what I would try to do. Then train back to Rome for your flight out.

Oh no, Gordon. A third choice!!! :-)

Ditto to Gordan's reply. It is very different down south. And I would only spend the last night in Rome before you fly out because you have probably seen most of what is great in Rome in three days.

Or North to the Italian Lakes....I think that would be my choice for some relaxing time amid beautiful scenery

Of your two choices I would go for Umbria...I am one of those who was underwhelmed by the CT though I loved Lucca.

Hi, Lesley, It's interesting -- I've read mixed reviews about CT (mostly because of he crowds), but seemingly only positive comments about Umbria. Still, we would have spent 6 days in Tuscany so not sure if that would be overkill (esp. for my husband).

Gordon, Considering going south, what might a good plan look like?

I've been to all of the places that your considering. i, too would say that Umbria has fewer tourists than Tuscany. And if it were me, I would probably consider Lucca and the Cinque Terre for this trip, because you will have already spent five nights in the Tuscan countryside.

However, the advice is somewhat dependent on the time of year that you're making this trip - I probably wouldn't be so enthused about the Cinque Tere at the height of summer. And I'm making some assumptions: (i) that you don't want to spend a bunch more time in Rome - we've been there a bunch of times, and are returning again this fall - and there are still things and places there that we haven't seen or visited (the city has been a center of western civilization for over 2000 years; do you really think you'd see all the important sites there in three days); (ii) do you have specific interests that you would take advantage of int he countryside, such as hiking or biking, or Etruscan ruins or the like. In which case, stick with Umbria.

What delightful choices you have to make - either option is great!

I sent you a private message.
Gordon

Much as I love Umbria, since you are spending time in Tuscany already, I would skip it. It is similar, but only a little different. Cinque Terre is totally different, as is Naples and Amalfi Coast. Me personally, I would like to experience as many different areas in Italy as possible. You could easily visit either area and be back to spend your last night in Rome before flying out.

There is more to the Italian Riviera than the Cinque Terre - which I love but really is overcrowded. I just spent three nights in the little town of Camogli about half an hour south of Genoa, north of the Cinque Terre - lovely beach town, very quiet - probably a lot of Italians there in the summer but who cares? It's mobs of American tourists I usually hope to avoid when I travel to Europe. Camogli has ferry connections to other nearby towns like Portofino, Santa Margherita, etc. Plus you can take the train up and down for day trips to various towns including the Cinque Terre towns, if you feel like it.

Not saying this is a better option than going south to Naples, etc - just another alternative to the Cinque Terre, which is all everyone every talks about, it seems, when the mention the region. I loved Camogli and hated to leave.

We spent four days in Umbria. On arrival in Spoleto by train, where we rented a car, we had lunch there, but did not have time to tour the city. We stayed just outside Montefalco--wonderful walled city. We took a day to tour local wineries with lunch in Bevagna. Another day we drove to Assisi and spent the day there. One day was spent just in Montefalco. Our base was the wonderful B&B Vallo just outside Montefalco. Advantages to Umbria--less touristy (except Assisi), relaxing, slow-paced.

We visited Cinque Terre twice during a one week stay in Rapallo, but did not stay in Cinque Terre; we visited by boat once and by train the second day. The views are absolutely incredible. If you are a hiker, the trails are a must. There is a beach in the northernmost town, Monterosso al Mare. In summer Cinque Terre towns tend to be crowded during the day, but quiet and peaceful in the evening and morning

A lot depends on what you want and need after your 11 days. If you want to be without a car, Cinque Terre is your better option plus provides a very different experience from your previous three stops. If you want to view more art, sip red wine and don't mind driving around, then Umbria.

Your responses have been so helpful. Thank you so much. As I said, I know there's no bad decision here but you've given me some things to think about. We'll be going in May next year so the weather should be nice no matter where we go. I'm getting a jump on things this year because I know how quickly planning time flies!

Of you options I vote #2
However if you are starting from and ending in Rome, I do prefer Gordon's plan of going south to the Amalfi Coast for your extra nights.
Personally I would be good with skipping Naples and sticking to the Amalfi Coast.

I love Lucca. I took a wonderful cooking class there. YOu could also do day trips from there to Pisa or Pistoia.
The lakes are another good idea. I would recommend Maggiore and base out of Stresa. Can do boat rides around lake. There is a combination boat/train day trip that is great too.

Go to Naples and the Amalfi Coast!

While most try to fit this area into a day trip or two to three nights, and either love it or hate it, the time you have will afford you the ability to enjoy the total difference of this area.

I have spent well over 4 month in this area. My daughter and granddaughter have lived there for 14 years.

Sure, Naples can be "gritty", but it has some of the most amazing places to visit, and some of the most friendly people in Italy. Contrast that with the AC and it's understandable that people are shocked at the contrast.

Look at this site to see what's available in this area. The 3 day is a good deal as it includes 2 free sites plus 50% off other sites. Transportation is also included in the Campania region.

http://www.campaniartecard.it/artecard_Regione.cfm