We are flying into and out of Milan and we have only 8 nights in Italy in late March and into the first couple of days of April. We will take trains and rent a car while in Tuscany. We love the Cinque Terre so much, so we plan to go there for at least two nights if not three to explore further. But we know nothing at all about Tuscany and I want to get the most out of our other 5 nights (1 night in Milan before we fly out). We have already been to Florence, so what are your favorite stops for our priorities:
1. maximum local culture, wine and beautiful landscapes....we like to visit cathedrals but we aren't concerned about museums on this particular trip
2. minimum commercialism
3. bonus if there is beautiful hiking nearby
Possible Itinerary:
5 nights to stay in Tuscany (We hope to visit some or all of these cities: Siena, Assisi, Orvieto, Montepulciano, Volterra)
2 nights Cinque Terre
1 night Milan