Narrowing down itinerary...almost there!

Posted by michelle (madison) on 03/01/10 06:06 PM

Ok, so here is my itinerary thus far:

Mon afternoon- arrive in Rome
Tues-Rome
Wed-depart Rome, tour Tuscany, spend night in Siena
Thurs-Tuscany/spend night in Siena
Fri-
Sat-
Sun-
Mon-arrive in Venice, spend night
Tues-Venice
Wed- depart Venice for USA

Now my remaining options are for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I really don't want to go to Bologna or Florence just because they are huge cities and we prefer more of a "local" experience. Our travel agent has suggested either Padua or Parma. Perhaps we can stay one night in a town on our way to Padua or Parma? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Posted by Sally

In the Mountains, USA

03/01/10 06:09 PM

689 posts

Parma! Still on my list of "haftagottado"s.

Posted by Jeff

Richmond, Ky, USA

03/04/10 06:28 PM

278 posts

Michelle, Wife and I are not City people either, and I would still recomend Florence.There is no more beautiful place in all the world than Florence in the morning, before the tourists arrive! Your Itenerary for Tuscany is a little light, so I would use a day for that area. It is a big area, and I have spent many days there, and still need/want to go back. Think about Montalcino/Montepuciano, Orvieto,Siena, and San Gimiginano. Have fun! Jeff

Posted by Sheron

Alta Loma, CA, USA

03/04/10 08:05 PM

1446 posts

Hi Michelle. You didn't say whether you'll have a car or not but if so, Montepulciano & Pienza would make a nice day trip from Siena. You could easily visit both places in one day. Volterra and San Gimignano are also easy day trips from Siena and both can be visited in one day...but not easily without a car.

I agree with the previous poster that you should not rule out Florence. Florence is a wonderful city not to be missed. It's also a very easy day trip from Siena but you definitely should not drive there. You can take the train or a bus (I believe the bus is a better option). We visited Florence in June at the start of tourist season and even though it was a bit crowded, I did not feel like it was a big crowded city...but I live near L.A. so the phrase "big city" is relative!

By the way, there is a wonderful restaurant in Siena called Guidoriccio. It's just off the main Campo down a little side street. It was recommended to us by the owner of the agriturismo that we stayed at in Siena and the food was incredible and the prices extremely reasonable. It feels like you're walking down into a cave and it's very unique. We couldn't get over the quality of the food considering the low cost.

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

03/04/10 09:04 PM

32353 posts

michelle,

As you're not interested as much in cities, you might also consider the Cinque Terre or a few days on one of the lakes (Lago di Como, Maggiore).

However, I have to agree with the previous post from Sheron regarding Florence. It's a beautiful city with incredible history. It would also put you in a convenient location for the subsequent trip to Venice, as it's a relatively short trip.

Happy travels!