Hello, So excited to be planning our family trip for next summer. Using miles and juggling kids' schedules so working on this early. We have nine days-ish. Party of five, two adults/three teens. Second time to Italy - went in 2010 to Venice and Rome. Kids unanimous vote to return to Italy. Thinking of staying in and around Tuscany - general thoughts are Florence, Sienna, Amalfi Coast, etc. Would prefer to stay in each spot for a few days - maybe a three city max - because it's hard to pack everyone up and move around. Depending on flight availability with freq flyer miles, flying in and out of Rome. Will spend last night there before flying back. Can anyone suggest an itinerary that would combine some sightseeing (Florence) with maybe a villa stay in a small town? Friends recommend Lucca? Thanks, Stevies - this Helpline is my favorite resource.
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
There is a hill town outside of Lucca called Monte Carlo. I've staid at a small hotel/agriturismo just below the town called Borgo la Torre that is pretty high end. Huge swimming pool, barbecue area, excellent restaurant, their own vinyards and winery. There is a regional train station about 5 km away, 10-15 min to Lucca, 1 hr 15 min to Florence SMN. It would be an advantage to have a car here, but take the train to Lucca and Florence. There are also several agraturismos in the neighborhood with apartments and swimming pools that are less money. http://www.fattorialatorre.it/
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17580 posts
We took our daughters ( one teen, one just out of her teens) to Italy in 2010. They loved everyplace we went---Verona, Florence, Lucca, Siena. cinque Terre, and Varenna. It seems two of those are in your plans. In Lucca we rented an apartment inside the city walls and we all really enjoyed that--biking the walls, shopping at the local stores for dinner ingredients, etc. For Siena, we stayed 5 km north of town at a great agriturismos with 6 fantastic swimming pools, including one with a current and waterfall. It was a welcome break in an itinerary packed with museums and sightseeing. It is called Il Mulino de Quercegrossa and they see few Americans but were very welcoming and friendly. You would need a car if you choose to stay here. We rented one leaving Lucca and returned it at the Pisa airport on our way to Cinque Terre.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10719 posts
How do you plan to get around? Will you be renting a car or relying on public transportation? Your answer to that issue will help people suggest locations. If you want to stay IN Florence or Siena I would suggest you rely only on public transportation. If you want to stay NEAR those places a car would be recommended. Since you have such a short trip with a larger group you might want to limit yourself to two locations, plus the last night in Rome. Spending 3 nights per location only gives you 2 full days in each, and then you have to factor in the time it takes to change locations. Enjoy your planning!!
Posted by
OP
Northbrook, Illinois, USA
316 posts
Good point! Train will be preferred. Looking at Oltrano neighborhood in Florence - know it? Hotel Magnani Fiori? Thanks!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
Here is the perfect thing for you. Rent a car. Stay in the villa Casa del Poggio in San Gemini (Umbria) and do day trips all over Umbria and Tuscany. Perfect for your family. Google the villa name.