Need help with Tuscany itinerary

You have something like this ? Do you depart from Florence on the 5th? Where does the bike tour take you?

Sep 15-18 Florence
Sep 18-23 ???
Sep 23-Oct 2 Bike Tour (from Pisa)
Oct 3-5 ???
Oct 5 Depart from Florence ?

Sep 18-23 - I would suggest either Rome, or Venice and Verona/Bologna.
Oct 3-5 - I would suggest either Cinque Terre or Milan.

It would help to know where your bike tour is taking you. Lucca is a lovely town, if your tour does not take you there, you could spend a couple of days.

For a town in Cinque Terre, people have varied opinions, we all have our favorites! Mine happens to be Vernazza. You don't have to hike, the 5 towns are easily connected by train. Spend the day wandering, eating at quaint restaurants, or relaxing by the beach (nicest one is in Monterosso).

Florence is a city where you could stay another 2 days without getting bored.
However, should you wish to go in the countryside, I would suggest that you visit Capalbio, near the seaside, Sienna, Tarquinia where you will discover the Etruscan tombs. Lucca is very nice as well.
San Gimignano is also worth a visit and there are direct bus connections fron Florence or Sienna

David,

Thanks for your suggestions. Yes you have my itinerary correct.

Sept. 15-18 Florence
Sept. 18-22 ???
Sept. 23- Oct. 3 Bicycle tour. Based in Marina de Castagneto Carducci on the Estruscan Coast and day trips to small towns in the surrounding area
Oct. 3-4 ?
Oct. 5 Depart Florence

I will check out the transportation to those towns but am thinking more of staying in the general Tuscany region.

Alice

Charlotte
Thanks for your reply. I was considering staying in Vernazza. Are there any restaurants that you would recommend in the general Cinque Terre area?

I also have been considering Lucca. I have heard that it is a nicer than Pisa for overnight and just a brief trip to Lucca. Any places to recommend in Lucca?

My friend would like to see San Gimignano and am thinking about a day there with a bus from Florence.

or go to Livorno, take a boat and go to the Tuscan Archipelago islands, they are all worth it and different.

How about this then ?

Sept. 15-18 Florence
Sept. 18-20 Siena (2 nts) - Day excursion to San Gimignano
Sept. 20-23 Cinque Terre (3 nts)
Sept. 23- Oct. 3 Bicycle tour. Based in Marina de Castagneto Carducci on the Estruscan Coast
Oct. 3-5 Lucca or Bologna (2 nts)
Oct. 5 Depart Florence

David,

You just planned the trip for me. That's what I was looking at today and wondering if the Siena to San Gimignano would work for a day trip.

The only remaining question is how to get to Cinque Terre. Since there is a direct bus from Siena to Florence, it seems the eaiest way would be to take a bus to Florence and then hop on the train to Cinque Terre. If I go from Siena, it looks like I would have to change buses 3 times.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Local trains are best for you ... Siena => Empoli => Pisa => La Spezia => CT
There are several options from Empoli actually, avoiding the need to trek into Florence.

If you're still thinking about restaurants in Vernazza, we loved Il Pirata. It's just a short walk up the hill out of town. The breakfast pastries are to die for. We loved them so much we went back for dinner that same night and had an amazing seafood appetizer and great pasta. Also, the brothers who own it are a hoot!

Thank you Colleen. I will definitely check out the restaurant. I am having trouble finding a place to stay in Vernazza. I have tried Air BnB, Trip Advisor, VRBO, and other website. I need one room for two people, at $125 or less per night. My dates of stay are September 21 and 22. A friend told me that I could just find a place once I got off the train but I am reluctant to do that and end up with nothing. Any suggestions?

You probably stand a better chance at this late date looking at Monterosso. It's larger and has more hotels and B&B's available.

Kathi

Thanks Kathy. I'll check in Monterosso. I'm definitely striking out in Vernazza.