Hello everyone, My hubby and I are planning a 10 night trip to Italy in October 2013. Our airfare isn't set yet, but we are thinking of flying in to Pisa (from Paris) and out of Florence. If we count our last night in Florence, that leaves 9 nights between Siena and CT (which neither of us have been to). My husband imagines getting some good R&R in CT as it's near the ocean. I was hoping to spend more time in Siena so we could do some Tuscan day trips (with some time for R&R). For those of you that have been, is 5 nights in CT great for what my husband has in mind or would more time best be spent in Siena? Your thoughts? Jessica
First of all the Ligurian Sea is not an Ocean.
You can relax anyplace you like, however October in Italy can be rainy, especially the latter part and that could dampen both your time at the CT and your spirits. 5 nights at the CT would be an eternity for me if it's sunny, let alone with rain. I would stay flexible.
CT is a place to relax. We were there in late October and had nice weather but the nights were cool enough for a sweater and EVERYTHING was closed by 9 pm. Heavy rain the previous week had knocked out some of the trail. We enjoyed hiking the area, the water was too cold for swimming and there wasn't much else to do other than hang out near the water. We stayed in Vernazza. There are beach chairs for hire in Monterosso, but they will likely be put away for the season in October. We were on a six week trip and my wife loved having the down time. Two nights gives you a full day of doing nothing but taking a walk. Three nights gives you two full days of doing nothing but taking a walk. How many full days of doing nothing do you want to plan for? Siena is a great town with a good assortment of things to see - and considerably more lively than CT. You can easily train from Pisa to CT. I'd plan two or three nights in CT, then pick up a rental in either La Spezia or Pisa to explore a few favorite towns in Tuscany.
Jessica, perhaps your hubby hasn't learned the secret of a happy & lasting marriage: Happy wive = happy life You seem to have plenty of time for both. Make sure that you explain to your hubby that the CT just ain't a beach trip! In Oct, you will need a jacket & will perch on some rocks. IMO, 2 days in the CT is adequate. Have a great trip!