We are thinking of visiting next September for maybe 10 days or so, but having never been, I'm really unsure where to start. I would like to take in Lucca, Florence, Siena and am open to suggestions for other close by, must see, typical Italian towns. For this part I thought I might hire a car and drive from place to place, spending a couple of days in each??? The plan would then go by train to Venice for the last 2 or 3 days. Can anyone please give me sound advice of dos and don'ts, good value yet lovely places to stay and eat, and anything else worth knowing? Many thanks Gordon
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Gordon, you'll probably get more helpful feedback if you share what activities you enjoy. Museums, churches, hiking, dining, strolling, shopping, etc. That makes a HUGE difference as to where you should go while in Italy. One thing is for sure, though - stay at least two nights per location. Since it's your first time in Italy, I really suggest avoiding a rental car. For one thing, they drive on the other side of the road than you, and they're crazy. :-) Buses and trains will easily accomplish what you want to do, and less chance that you'll get lost (or killed). Good luck.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
As Michael said, Florence, Siena and Lucca are best done NOT by car. Many experienced travelers to Italy use the following general rule: in Italy, if trains go there, take the train. Many here only rent a car, in Italy, if they wish to see country or hill towns that are not efficiently served by rail. Florence, Siena and Lucca are well served by rail. And many go from Florence to Siena by bus instead of train, since the bus drops you off nearer to the Siena city center than does the train (the Siena train station is in the flat area of Siena, some distance from the historic city center.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11387 posts
Gordon: We stayed in a fabulous B&B in Venice, 5 minutes from Piazza San Marco, called Ai Tagliapietra. (website is www.aitagliapietra.com) Check Trip Advisor for more commentary, but we were delighted with location, comfort, cleanliness and service. Lorenzo, the host and owner, is a gentleman. No air conditioning would be the only drawback, and then only in July and August, I would think. Very reasonable price for Venice; we paid 95 euros per night, breakfast included, ensuite bath. Had a fine meal in Venice at the Rick Steves' recommended Ristoteca Oniga in San Barnaba and great pizza at Nono Risorto, also a RS pick. Right now we are in Siena. Check out Antica Residenza Cicogna. LOVELY, elegant rooms, well located, breakfast included. (www.anticaresidenzacicogna.it) Also well reviewed on Trip Advisor, which is how we found it.