My husband, son (19) and myself will be going to Italy in June of 2014. I'd like to spend 5 days in Rome and about 5 days in Florence and the rest of the time in Tuscany. My husband isn't too happy about changes locationss every couple of days so I want to get two good locations in Tuscany and then take day trips from those. I'd like recommendation for base locations and places to stay. Two places that stick out are Val O'rcia and Siena -- I'd like to either stay or visit those. But the most important is to stay in places where it wouldn't be more than an hour each way (or less) for day trips. I'm thinking of visiting Pisa and Lucca as day trips from Florence (are Pisa and Lucca worth visiting and taking time away from seeing Florence if we have only 5 days in Florence?)
Also we've never been to Italy and my husband (who'll do the driving) isn't crazy about driving in a foreign country, but is there any way around it when making day trips in places like Val O'rcia and Chianti Wine region?
And if someone has recommendations of nice places to stay in Florence or Rome, that would be helpful. We would LOVE to have a pool but I'm sure it a place in the middle of Florence with a pool would cost a fortune. Also, is it worth it to stay outside of Siena and Florence and walk to the city or is it a hassle.
Thanks for your help.
Also we've never been to Italy and my husband (who'll do the driving) isn't crazy about driving in a foreign country, but is there any way around it when making day trips in places like Val O'rcia and Chianti Wine region?
And if someone has recommendations of nice places to stay in Florence or Rome, that would be helpful. We would LOVE to have a pool but I'm sure it a place in the middle of Florence with a pool would cost a fortune. Also, is it worth it to stay outside of Siena and Florence and walk to the city or is it a hassle.
Thanks for your help.