Travel in Tuscany

Thank you for your reply. We will fly into Marco Polo airport and our return is not firm but we think Milan to Paris to Boston. The return is a free ticket so I go where the seat is available. Thanks for your input.

Have you purchased your plane tickets yet? If so, it would be helpful to know where you are flying in and out of. I have never been to Lucca or Volterra. I have been to Venice and Florence and they are worthy of 2 1/2 nights and 3 nights respectively. I would not day trip to Cortona from Florence although it is very doable, I would base in Cortona for four days. Cortona is a great place in its own right with two good museums and several good restaurants. I have only done Montalcino as a day trip from Cortona but don't see why it wouldn't work from Florence. Cortona is also a good base for a day trip to Umbria. We have been to the Piemonte twice and love it. Both times we stayed near Treiso in an apartment at the Cantina Rizzi. very nice accomodations for 35 euro per person per night. If you go, don't miss Barolo and Barbaresco, they are both lovely little towns. If you spend more than 2 days in the Piemonte, Aosta is a nice day trip.

Marie, four days driving in Tuscany should be fine. We stayed outside of Pienza last year. This allowed us to see Pienza in the evening when the tourists were gone, take a day trip to Montalcino and visit Abbey. M. Oliveto Maggio (we were there for the Gregorian chant). Montepulciano is also in the area. Not sure how far Cortona is--it looks doable. We also went to Volterra last year. We really enjoyed this hilltown. Lots to see. We used Rick Steves' walking tour in his Italy book for this town. Have fun on your trip!

Cortona and Montalcino are not at all close. Not much fun to try to do those both on the same day. Cortona by itself is a nice day trip. You don't say where you will be based; that matters for recommendations on car travel. Lucca and Volterra are both great choices. Lucca definitely has more to see and do and better shopping (if that matters to you). Some photos to help you decide: http://www.lodgephoto.com/galleries/italy-tuscany-lucca/ http://www.lodgephoto.com/galleries/italy-tuscany-volterra/ Other ideas: San Gimignano http://www.lodgephoto.com/galleries/italy-tuscany-sangimignano/ Monteriggioni Arezzo Colle val d'Elsa (Colle Alto only, not Colle Basso) Vignamaggio (outside of Greve)
Castellina Rada

Lucca should be on your list for at least 1 night or 2, don't day trip there as most people do. That's nice, but will not give you the small town Italian experience that makes Lucca such a special place. Easy to get to from Florence by train, 1 1/2 hour ride. We just got back from a week in Lucca and I can't wait to go back. Everyone we take with us, falls in love with the town. Enjoy!

Thank you for the input on Cortona and Montalcino. Also the time for train travel to Lucca is very helpful. Still working on what days in what towns but these are at the top of the list. Thank you again.