Italy in the fall with a large group

Shelly, you haven't told us anything at all about the interests of the people in your group. You know them, so you're in a better position to come up with a list of good destinations than we are. As you know from your earlier visits to Italy, it's really hard to go wrong as long as you don't spend too much time sitting on trains and buses.

I don't know when "fall" is. I'd approach the trip differently for November than for September. Rattling around a bunch of small towns if the weather is chilly and damp would get old for me.

"fall" starts ~20 Sept and ends ~20 Dec. Lake Como and CT at the end of 'fall' would not be my idea of a good choice.

Since it seems everyone else is a 1st time visitor, Lake Como OR CT plus Rome a one other location ( Venice, Florence?) may be a good choice.

If the 20s and 30s crowd is looking for a bar hopping, party locale, I doubt anywhere in CT will fit the requirement.

From the other post this year where Greece was the definite until it wasn't the trip was to be in September. For Shelly's hubby's 60th. My guess is that the 3 young couples are children....

Thank you Nigel. That's correct. I still am thinking of Greece also but wow it's hard to find enough rooms for everyone already. I normally can plan trips closer to the time but with this many people it's a struggle and I get such great advise on the forum that I'm just hoping for inspiration. I'm not normally so indecisive but trying to find a spot that will make everyone happy is stressing me out.

Seems the Cinque Terre is booked already so that's not going to work but maybe we could stay in another spot and take the train.

The 20's - 30's want to enjoy some nightlife but certainly I don't feel a need for this with every place.

We want to do hiking, see the sights. Drink wine, eat delicious food. Not to much for museums. My husband loves ancient ruins.

..but trying to find a spot that will make everyone happy is
stressing me out

I think that's where we're hung up with suggestions, Shelly? We know what you and your husband like to do (hiking/ruins/wine/"sights") but not the 8 other adults in your group, other than some nightlife. I do think that with 11 people of differing ages and interests that you need to be in a place where people can easily take off and explore on their own on foot and/or public transportation. A villa far enough from a good transport hub and requiring hired drivers may be too isolated and too messy to manage a lot of comings and goings at/to different times/places.

Rome, of course, fits the bill. I love Florence but if your group isn't into museums, that may not be a great choice. Lake Como might be good if you can find openings? Varenna is lovely, and one can day-trip around the lake by ferry, to Milan by train for the duomo and shopping, to Bergamo by train for some great medieval architecture, etc. It might be a little too quiet at night for your younger set though they could certainly find more activity in Milan.

Seems the Cinque Terre is booked already so that's not going to work
but maybe we could stay in another spot and take the train.

Look at Levanto? Just a few minutes away by train.

So many places outside the Cinque Terre but still in Liguria and a short train from the famous five. Try Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, and other towns north of Monterosso.

I have found this site, A PAth to Lunch most helpful in planning some time in Liguria both in and outside of the Cinque Terre. Note in the middle of the page "Nearby Base Towns."

Shelly,
We took our first family trip to Italy in 2008 (13 adults) visiting Venice, Florence & Rome. I was stressed as the planner finding hotels, trips, etc. And honestly - it was like herding chickens when we went out. We are in the beginning stages of planning our next trip in May of 2019 for 10-12 adults. We definitely want to visit the Cinque Terre, and we have family in a small town northwest of Florence..but other than that we're all over the board. I've been to Italy twice (small group & large), and both times we have used Hills & Roads as a tour guide. Luca and his team are fantastic!! They picked us up, found wonderful places to stop for lunch, and were great to have as interpreters. I'll be watching your post for any info that might help us....good luck in your planning!

Have you though about renting a Villa? Lucca would make a good base for visiting Cinque Terre along with Florence. Both easily done by train. 20 minutes away also by train is the beach town of Viareggio.

You could stay for a week then head to Rome for your last nights. Using an apartment or hotel.

Many sites for Villa rentals in this area like this one.

http://tuscandream.com/tuscany/villas/lucca/casa-il-rustico-dei-tre-cancelli-lucca-vacation-home/

Travel keys.com, Villas in Tuscany .com, Best of Villa Rentals.com/Lucca, VRBO

You will correspond via email with them and they will usually find an accommodation that fits your needs and price. Make sure what you rent is close. 1 mile or less, unless you rent a car to move between your location and the train station.

Hope this helps.

This is all very helpful. I wasn’t sure where to begin. I will look into these places and also the other info provided. I’m sure I will be back with more questions.