Looking for some assistance in determining where we will stay. Our daughter is in school in Florence, 5 of us are visiting her early May for 9 days. We will stay in Florence for a couple of days and let her show us around, beyond that, we are interested in Cinque Terre, Lake Como, Portofino, Verona... Is there an area recommended to stay as home base and take day trips from? Or do you recommend staying in different cities? Currently flying into Florence, and out of Milan- that can change. Any tours highly recommended? We would love to take a cooking class, tour wineries, parmesan and prosciutto! Thank you
Posted by
Florida
276 posts
I did a study abroad in Florence in 2008 - absolutely the best 6 months of my life.
When my family visited me for 10 days, we spent 4 nights in Florence, then 3 in Venice, then 3 in Milan. My parents did the same thing - flew into Pisa and out of Milan.
Not knowing anything else about your group (for example, have you been to Italy before, where else in Italy has your daughter already traveled?), based on your interest in cooking, parmesan, and prosciutto, Modena might be a good base for you. The region is famous for balsamic vinegar, Prosciutto di Parma, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. With five people to coordinate and move around, I wouldn't plan to overnight in more than three cities.
If it were me, I would do 4 nights in Florence, 3 nights in Modena, and 2 nights in or near Milan (such as Verona or Lake Como), but the great and sometimes frustrating thing about Italy is that there are very few "wrong" choices, so almost anywhere you go is going to be incredible.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you, Erin!
It's all so overwhelming. This helps a ton!!
Posted by
Florida
276 posts
You're welcome! Have a great trip!