Hi all! I'm looking for help with a July Honeymoon trip. We fly into Venice and out of Rome. We will spend 3 nights in Venice and 3 nights in Rome. We have 7 nights to spend in Tuscany and need help with where to stay and what to see. We love the idea of an agriturismo/B&B. We both love wine and want the 7 nights to be a little relaxing and not rushed. However, we like to be active so would love to do CT. We both love the water so we would consider using some of those 7 nights and visiting the Amalfi Coast if it is something we shouldn't pass up. We have been to Rome and Florence so we don't need to spend any time in Florence but we want to stay three nights in Rome (we could do 2 if needed). I look forward to everyone's thoughts.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Doesn't sound like enough nights to do it all. You might want to choose Cinque Terre OR the Amalfi Coast, not try to do both. My preference would be the Amalfi Coast.
So perhaps three nights Venice, 3-4 nights Tuscany, three nights Rome, 3-4 nights Amalfi Coast would be my suggestion.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
As Zoe says, with Europe travel, sometimes less (quantity) is more (quality).
Posted by
Portland, OR
1136 posts
Completely agree with Zoe.
The Amalfi Coast has some world class hiking. We usually stay at Punta Civita in Ravello when we go there. If relaxation and water is what you want, take time from Rome to spend on the Amalfi Coast. Check out the smaller towns like Furore too. As for Tuscany choices, I see that you like wine (thank goodness!). Will you have a car? We love Montalcino, Greve, Gaole, Castalina, etc, etc.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
MC,
First of all, congratulations!
With only seven nights to cover both Tuscany and the Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast, I'd suggest limiting your trip to Rome and north. The Cinque Terre will be an easier "fit" with the other locations you'll be visiting. The Amalfi Coast is some distance from your other stops, and transportation times will be a factor to consider.
Most places in Italy will be hot and crowded in July, so pre-booking hotels will be important. If you're planning a couple of nights in the Cinque Terre, it would be a good idea to get something booked SOON. You'll first have to decide which of the five towns you plan to stay in.
I can't offer any suggestions for any of the Agriturismo's in Tuscany, but I believe there are a few listed in the Italy guidebook. Some of the others in the group here should be able to offer some suggestions.
Staying in an Agriturismo will probably require a rental car, and there are a few "caveats" to be aware of with those. EACH driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. The IDP's are valid for one year, and can be easily obtained at any AAA office. You'll also have to be vigilant to avoid the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic) areas, as driving through them will result in hefty fines. Finally, there's no point in having a car to visit the Cinque Terre, as you won't be able to drive in the towns and parking is very limited and expensive. Many people drop cars in La Spezia and then just use the local trains.
An efficient route would be Venice > Tuscany Agriturismo > Cinque Terre > Rome. It's very easy to get from the C.T. to Rome using one of the direct trains departing from La Spezia (travel time about 3H:45M).
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
An agriturismo near San Gimignano called Niccollai might be just right for you guys. We stayed a Villa Arnilu and had a beautiful view of the cities towers and a very relaxing and quiet time. You can rent a room there. They have there own winery with tours and tastings, but then most places do in Italy!
Posted by
Wichita
831 posts
MC,
This may give you some ideas http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm