Spending 3 weeks in Italy in the Spring. We are flying into Milan and out of Venice. Plan to visit areas north of Rome on this trip as we have spent some time previously between Rome and Amalfi. So far we want to visit: Piedmont, 5 Terre, Florence, Siena & Bologna. Part of our focus is visiting vineyards. Please give us suggestions on other towns that would be an interesting addition. Reading some of the posts it seems that using a train/car combo might be a good option as well…..thoughts?? Thank you :-)
Posted by
Idaho, USA
8018 posts
Please give us a little more information, so we can tailor our answers to you - family w/ kids or adults? What did you like about your previous trip to Italy - outdoor activities, museums, water/mountains, small/large cities? Would you rather stay in each location 3-4 days or ?
Posted by
OP
Dunedin, FL
21 posts
Hi Jean-we are two active 64 year olds!! Only want to stay 1 to 3 nights depending on the town and places to see. We love old ruins but not art. Enjoy getting to know people in cafes, etc. We also want to visit wineries. We recently spent a few weeks in Ireland spending mostly one night per town except Dublin. Thanks!
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Try these wineries, all have a little something different to offer. The ones that have restaurants are well worth trying.
A car is essential in the Tuscany region. Rent as you leave the CT in La Spezia and stop in Lucca and or Pisa on your way.
If you're not into art, doing Florence as a day trip from Tuscany would be an option as would Siena.
http://castellobanfi.com/en/our-hospitality/winery_visits.php Montalcino
http://www.avignonesi.it/en/hospitality Montepulciano
http://www.salcheto.it/en Montepulciano
http://www.ricasoli.it/visite/visite-guidate/tour-classico Just south of Gaiole in Chianti
http://www.casaemma.com/visita.aspx Castellina in Chianti
http://www.verrazzano.com/en/programmes-wine-tours/ Greve in Chianti
They also have lodging.
Another lodging suggestion probably our favorite http://www.borgorapale.it/
Have a great time in this planning stage. Research pays off.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I have enjoyed visiting all of the following. Read more about them to see it they are right for your interests, and if you can splice them into the rest of your itinerary without too much of a detour:
Turin
Cremona
Mantova
Bergamo
Parma
Ferrara
Ravenna
Padova
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
A car in Tuscany is helpful but not essential. I would put Montalcino on the list. Your hotel or the local TI office can help with winery tours by bus or car and driver - a good afternoon of tastings and curvy narrow roads might not be the best idea, although thousands of people manage it safely.
Posted by
OP
Dunedin, FL
21 posts
Thanks for all the suggestions! I have some homework to do….. :-)