Tuscany...solo

If your flight to MXP arrives early in the morning, you could skip Milan altogether and go straight to Florence (unless you want to visit Milan in the afternoon of your day of arrival). Seven nights in Montecatini would be too long for me, unless you enjoy Spa treatments. You could actually increase your stay in Florence and make more day trips from there. Although visiting Lucca is better from Montecatini, virtually every other place in Tuscany is logistically more convenient from Florence.

Thanks Roberto. I appreciate your suggestions. The only reason to overnight in Milan was that I thought it might be too tiring to travel to Florence the day of arrival. I may reconsider.

Milan has a few things to see, Last Supper, Duomo, Quad, Davinci, etc. So maybe a day there, then on to Florence. Uffizi is big,Bargello is a great little museum, lots of sculptures. Academia and David, Michelanglo's piazza too. Montecatini Terme is a nice town. Montecatini Alto is a great place to have lunch or dinner, nice vistas of Tuscany. You are close to Lucca there so go from Montecatini instead of Florence and save some time.

I would like to respond to the "Solo" part of your post, and something which I have not seen addressed in this forum, and that is how Italians (especially Italian men) seem to disapprove of women traveling alone. I have experienced many times outright, "What? Alone?", being ignored in restaurants, and a formerly very friendly host in a hotel I have stayed at many times, become suddenly quite reserved when I arrived alone. Last year I stayed in a very small town for a week and while most people went out of their way to be helpful and were friendly, there was a definite chill from others. My hotel host was curious about me but kind and was very concerned about where I was going everyday which was actually rather annoying, but I knew he was trying to look out for me. We talked about my reception from others in the town, and he said, "Well everyone is talking about you." I was glad to liven up their week!

Thanks to all for sharing information and observations. I will do a report when I return.

I just returned from a 40 day solo trip to Italy. I was as far south as Amalfi and as far north as Vence France. Most of my time was spent between Capri and Cinque Terre. I spent 12 days in Firenze. I highly suggest taking a cooking class or two. I did 3 different tours with florencetown tours. On my 2nd day I did the bike tour of the city. Super good to help you get your bearings. I did the Uffizi and Vasari corridor. Probably would do that a bit differently. I also took a cooking class. LOVED it! (I did another fabulous one in Roma as well.) Another tip in Firenze is the Foodie tour. Would HIGHLY recommend that as well. In Firenze I walked everywhere at (almost) all hours of the day and always felt completely safe. I used good judgement and was always aware of my surroundings. I am happy to answer any of questions that you might have.
Ciao!!

Thanks Paige. I was in Florence in April and did a walking tour (Duomo, Accademia and Santa Croce) but didn't make it to the Uffizi or a Market so both are on the list. Does the cooking class include a visit to a Market and was it offered through Florencetown? I also would like to take the Florencetown Tuscany Wine Trail tour.

I travel solo in Italy a lot, and have never encountered any coolness from people anywhere, from men or women. Hotel staff are always helpful, restaurant staff are courteous. Go and enjoy! The cooking classes sound like a great idea.

Hi Marie, This sounds like a lot of fun. You might want to PM Paige (above) for a link to her blog on her 40-day tour. She posted it in a previous thread (can't remember which) and I found it and read it from the beginning. A really great diary. TONS of great photos. She covers some of the issues of being alone in Italy. Happy travels!

Marie, all I can add to the above comments is: I wish I were going with you. I love Italy and haven't been since 2010 and am having withdrawal big time. I retire early next year and am already planning my big solo adventure to celebrate retirement which will probably start in Italy.

Marie, The cooking class (florencetown...my chef was Andrea) walked to the market and toured it. However, a 2nd visit, on your own time is a must! With the cooking class, we focused on olive oils, cheeses and balsamic vinegar.
The market closes at 3:00 so returning the day of the class is not an option. I visited a 2nd time with my Foodie Tour and hit all new spots.

I have never had any problems in Italy traveling solo. Of course, I don't go out late at night; I take city tours; I try to figure out where I'm going and not pull out a map in the midst of a crowd. etc. So many women, young and old travel by themselves. More power to you. Mary

Marie - I am sure you will have a wonderful trip going "solo" in Italy. It seems my previous post was perhaps misunderstood. I have never had any "problems"
traveling solo in Italy, (but then I'm not a hot young chick - or even a hot old chick) - I was referring to a certain attitude that people seem to have and I think it is a cultural difference, that is all.