We think we have settled on an itinerary..My husband and I will be traveling from Chicago to Italy this Sept as follows:
Genoa/Cinque Terra(approx 3 night in CT), train to Florence,( spend approx 6 days in Tuscany, sightseeing, wine tasting, etc)
depart Florence, fly to Rome for connection to Sardinia (approx 5 days in Sardinia), fly back to Rome ( two nights in Rome), then fly
back to CHI. We are allowing 21 days max for the trip. Questions:
-9/12 depart CHI, arrive Genoa on 9/13 about noon--stay overnight in Genoa or take an afternoon train to Cinque Terra on 9/14?
-Which village should we stay in CT? We want local charm and sea views..
-Which area for Tuscany stay? My first choice is Chianti region..but open to suggestions. We will have rental car and we don't mind driving for day trips.
-Any particular area or hotel options in Sardinia..hoping it is not too end of season towards end of Sept??..
-Any overall advice, suggestions are welcome!
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
I'd take the afternoon train from Genoa to the CT.
Each of the 5 towns has a charm and sea views. I like Vernazza the best to stay in. Monterosso is the biggest of the towns. Manarola is also charming after the crowds leave.
I'd stay someplace just west of south of Florence with a car in a agritourismo. that way you can be central to the Chianti in the north, Montalicino, Pienza, Montepulicano in the south. All easy for day trips.
Posted by
Houston, TX
255 posts
I've done your trip recently and a few times.
Id base myself out of Montepluciano at the nice Hotel Panoramic. Its very good price and brand new (the old one was torn down). You'll get AC that works and easy parking plus its a great view.
CT - Stay in Levanto. All the towns are minutes away by the seaside train. You'll avoid most of the crowds at night and also pay a lower price.
Sardinia - I suggest Alghero. Its one of 3 airports. Olbian and Cagliari are bigger towns/cities and arent as "quaint" as Alghero. Also outside of Alghero are the famous "Agriturismo's" like Sa Mandra, etc. I suggest you book a dinner there. Also visit the famous Sella&Mosca vineyards to taste the best Cannonau in the world.
Check my post above for my itinerary and pics.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Hi..a couple other questions on this topic..
We are staying in Levanto for 3 days and have hotels reserved at Hotel Oasis, Hotel Garden, and Hotel Nazionale..which one is recommended..? I'm leaning towards Nazionale..
2nd question..after Levanto we will be staying in Tuscany for 6 days...we are considering villa options/hotels in Chianti area and near Siena.. I'm leaning towards Chianti...we want to do day trips to Siena, Florence, Montelpiciano, San Gianmano..
Any thoughts, recommendations..are welcome!