Trip Planning Assistance

[mpoholsky]

We (4 adults) are planning our first trip to Italy and need some advice. The plan is to fly into Florence and stay in the countryside nearby so we can visit both the city and Tuscany for a few days and then end the trip in Rome and fly out of Rome. My questions:1. Should we fly into Florence from the US or another city? 2. Where should we stay in Tuscany? 3. Where should we stay in Rome? 4. Last week of September or first week of October?

[DonnaDenise]

Buongiorno,

Since Florence's airport is rather small, it does not accept intercontinental flights, so you might find that you will be flying into Rome first - and with that I suggest that you might want to spend a night or two in the city center and then train it to Florence. I suggest a night (or two) in the city center of Florence and then rent a car and move to the countryside - maybe a nice B&B or a nice hotel.

A couple of places you can look at in the city center:

http://www.visitflorence.com/florenc...lla-antea.html
http://www.visitflorence.com/florenc...palagetto.html
http://www.florenceaccommodation.com...nd-breakfasts/

In the countryside, look at these places:
http://www.discovertuscany.com/tusca...breakfast.html
http://www.discovertuscany.com/tusca...-lilliano.html
http://www.discovertuscany.com/tusca...-dianella.html
http://www.discovertuscany.com/siena...ontanelle.html
http://www.discovertuscany.com/san-g...-bibbiano.html

I would select the last week of September - however, the weather over the last few years has been great almost all the way up until November, so there is a good chance you will get some spectacular photo opportunities. October means you might get to enjoy some olive oil experiences.

Buon Viaggio,

Donna Denise

[mpoholsky]

Thanks, Denise, based on your recommendations I have reorganized our trip plan. Here is the plan so far: Arrive in Rome and spend 3 days at the Palm Gallery Hotel then take a train(?) to Florence. Rent a car and stay 3 to 4 days at the Villa il Poggiale then train back to Rome.The plan is to use the Villa as a home base to explore Florence and Tuscany. Is taking the train the right thing? Do you think the hotel and villa are good choices? Any recommendations are welcomed.
Thanks,
Marsha

[DonnaDenise]

Buongiorno,

That sounds like a good plan to slim down your travel.

I would suggest three days at Villa il Poggiale and then at least one night in Florence (your last night). This will cut your time with the car. It will give you the full Florence effect. And make it easy to get the train.

Train - great idea ;-)

Buon Viaggio

[mpoholsky]

Thanks for the great advice! We really appreciate all your help.
Marsha

Buongiorno,

That sounds like a good plan to slim down your travel.

I would suggest three days at Villa il Poggiale and then at least one night in Florence (your last night). This will cut your time with the car. It will give you the full Florence effect. And make it easy to get the train.

Train - great idea ;-)

Buon Viaggio

[mpoholsky]

We will be making our second trip to Italy this September. Our last trip was so fabulous we have to go again!There will be 4-6 adults coming from the USA. We would like to visit Cinque Terre and stay in Florence for 4 days and then stay in Tuscany near Montepulciano for 4-5 days. What advice do you have for organizing the travel? Do you have a favorite place to stay near Montepulciano?
Thanks

[DonnaDenise]

Buongiorno,

I just love Montepulciano - there is so much to see (and drink!!) You need to check out the "cantinas", many of which are hidden in basements carved out underneath the villas.

I suggest you browse through this link which will include articles on a few places which I think should be on your itinerary:

https://www.discovertuscany.com/montepulciano/

Cetona is beautiful, as is the nearby castle of Sarteano. You will also find Cortona a great stop. You might want to contact Giuseppina, who lives right outside of Cortona, (WhatsApp +39 327 61 73 455), who offers meals in her historic home - and you can either do a cooking lesson or simply enjoy the bontà at the table. I did this with friends and not only were they "wowed" by the dining room but had one of the best meals - ever.

Buon Viaggio

Donna Denise