After reading many posts on this travel forum, we have added a third day in Rome and a third day in Florence to our 7 day visit to Italy in September. Originally we (my husband, 17 yr old son, and myself) were going to visit Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento and tour the Amalfi Coast, and end our visit in Florence for one night before flying back to Paris for connecting flight back to the US. Again, after reading experiences and suggestions we are simplifying. Four nights in Rome, three in Florence. We would like to sneak in a day trip to get a taste for the Tuscany region. Most tours seem to emphasize wine tasting, we are not big into that, so if there are any tour suggestions that emphasize the beautiful countryside, monasteries, castles, small towns, we would prefer that. However, we are open to any tours that are outstanding and worth our limited Italy time. Thank you!!
Posted by
California
1625 posts
We took an all day tour with the "Walk about Florence" tour company that took us to Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa with a stop at an Organic Farm for lunch. It was a long day but one of the highlights of our trip. The tour was called "The best of Tuscany" . They picked us up at the train station in an air conditioned bus (no toilet) and drove us from place to place, we got a walking tour in each town and time on our own. We were able to grab coffee, ice cream and shop and just stroll around. I highly recommend it!
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, United States
42 posts
I did read about that one! It sounds great and I'm glad to hear it was worth the time. The only hesitation I have is that rather than visiting Pisa, we'd like the time for more of the countryside or small towns. We just may end up choosing it as it is at the top of our guide research list. Thank you!!
Has anyone tried any of the City Wonders tours?
Posted by
Oklahoma City
237 posts
Hi Alecica. A few summers ago we took virtually the same trip. Of all our experiences there, my son, who is your son's age, loved The Abbey of Sant’Antimo near Montalcino the best. Research to find out what time the monks perform the Gregorian chant. There is a good restaurant almost walking distance from the abbey that has good food. I can't remember the name, but it is the larger of the two restaurants there. You can find out more information about it and the Tuscany region on DiscoveryTuscany.com. I would suggest touring the Val d' orcia area as opposed to the Chianti region, which is more focused on wine. The Val d' orcia area is what you often see in paintings/postcards. Google images. If you are visiting museums in Florence, (the Academia, etc.), you should get tickets in advance to help with lines. Sorrento is a cool place. We really liked it there. My son was a bit bored in Florence. It was a lot of museums and he isn't a huge fan or art. Your son may be though. Florence was my least favorite place we visited as well, but a lot of people love it. If I could go back, I would spend the majority of my time in Tuscany. A drive through the tuscan countryside is gorgeous. Siena is very cool. I would suggest having dinner in the evening in the center of the town. We loved it. San Gimignano is a cool place to visit. Have a wonderful time. You'll love it.
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, United States
42 posts
Thanks so much CM!! That gives me some good info to work with. I spent a little time in Rome, and Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast about 8 years ago with my mom and two daughters. I loved that area and offered either the Amalfi Coast itenerary or the Florence/Tuscany area as our second point of interest after Rome. Our son chose Florence, which did surprise me. He has been reading up on the artists, so, you never know!!
A second question. Does anyone know if it is better to reserve flights between European countries (Paris to Rome) many months out for best fares, or to wait maybe a month or two out?