I am planning a trip for mid October. This will be my third trip to Italy, but the first for my two friends who are leaving ALL the details to me (pressure). I have been to Venice, Florence, Sienna, Rome. Here is my tentative itinerary: 3 nights in Vernazza (booked, Gianni Franzi) 7 nights driving through Tuscany/Umbria (Lucca-Volterra-Montepulciano-Orvieto). 4 nights Sorrento (Hotel Minerva) I'm a little unsure of the driving portion. My thought was to have a tentative plan, but nothing set in stone, is that unrealistic even in October? Also, should we drive stopping in a different town each night from Lucca to Orvieto or have a home base and take day trips? If the latter, where would out home base be?
Any input would be greatly appreciated. I love Italy! Can't think of a better place to celebrate my 50th!!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11814 posts
What a fun trip and usually a beautiful time in Italy! We spent most of last October in Italy and it was a dream. Some fog and a little rain in Tuscany, but it did not dampen our spirits nor sully our experience! With 7 nights for Tuscany, I'd suggest pre-arranging lodging in two places and day-tripping from these bases. We stayed 8 nights total, split between Siena (3), Montalcino (3) and Orvieto (2). What I did was figure out the best base(s) for the places we most wanted to go. Montalcino offered wine, hiking, a unique abbey, and beautiful drives, Siena the better access to Volterra, etc. So some ideas for you as you try to : -If you stay in Volterra, you can do northern Tuscany (Volterra, San Gimignano, Lucca, maybe even Cortona although it is a 2 hour drive). - If you make Montalcino, Pienza, or Montepulciano your base, you can easily see all three of these towns in one day, Cortona is a bit over an hour away, but Volterra is 2 hours away from Montalcino, and Lucca might be out of range for a day trip at 2.5 hours each way.
- If you stay in Orvieto, there's Civita, Todi, Assisi, Spoleto, Spello close by. Orvieto is lovely and so serene at night! Also, look at the Slow Travel website for driving ideas. You can start here http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/monte_cetona.htm and then click through the ideas in the right hand navigation bar. Personally I'd resist the urge to move every night or two. There's a lot to be said for staying put for at least 2 if not 3 nights in a small town. And by planning ahead you won't be "stuck" with a sub-optimal lodging situation. It can be hard to find rooms for 3.... Happy planning!
Posted by
Wichita
831 posts
Karin,
This may help http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32382 posts
Karin, For driving in Italy, don't forget that each driver must have the compulsory I.D.P. Also, be VERY careful to avoid ZTL areas, as huge fines will result! Happy travels!