There will be 3 of us traveling to Italy for the very first time. We may spend 1-2 days in Rome, but we are really looking for a quaint place to stay with beautiful views where we will rent a cottage or apartment for a week. On the water would be nice. We want a place to use as a base for day trips, so we need a destination that offers us many places to see within the immediate area. One hour drive tops. We plan to rent a car. Thank you!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
- What time of year?
- What's your budget (pref. in euros)?
- What do you enjoy doing?
Posted by
OP
32 posts
Oct-Nov
Moderate Budget ( do not need a recommendation on a place to stay)
Visit historical places, wineries, eat well, relax, drive around to see small villages or scenic views. Just nothing too physical.
Posted by
Seattle, Wa, USA
663 posts
The Amalfi coast fits your criteria very well, except for the rental car. Public transportation is best.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16240 posts
October-November is too late for seaside location. It's also the rainiest time of the year in Italy.
I recommend Tuscany and Umbria. If days are nice you can venture to the Cinque Terre, on the Ligurian coast, which is not far from Tuscany.
A car is not recommended for big cities, like Rome or Florence (the capital of Tuscany), therefore I would recommend to leave those two cities at the beginning and/or end of the trip and rent a car only for the time when you are not in the cities and you stay in a smaller Tuscan village/town.
I don't recommend renting a farmhouse if going in November. Actually in November I would recommend to stay in Florence, because even if it rains, there are lots of things to do indoor in a big city.
I repeat: do not have a rental car while staying in Florence (or Rome). Use public transportation.
Posted by
OP
32 posts
Based on your info, I think we might go either in September or Spring (month?). After speaking with friends, I think Tuscany might be a good place for us. Any recommendations for a town(s)? Not to worry - no rented cars in any large towns!!
Posted by
38 posts
Check out San Gimignano for a visit. Medieval walled city from 1300. You are near Florence, Siena Lucca. Wonderful Tuscan towns. We are in floremce now and are renting an apartment near the Pitti Palace which is out of the touristy area and we love the area. Our rental is through Italy Perfect and we are very happy with our apartment.
Posted by
OP
32 posts
Thanks. I appreciate your input!