Nancy

We are leaving for Italy next month and have planned the trip independently. We are down to our last 2 nights and would really like to end it nicely. My question is after leaving Florence (only a couple of night) and heading back to Rome to head home. Where do we want to go?? It all sounds wonderful! The coast? <BR>Siena? Other suggestions? <BR> <BR>This is our first trip. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Nancy

Gigi

Are you driving back to Roma, Nancy? This will make a difference in the destinations recommended. Where else will you have been and for how long? <BR>How very exciting for you! I chose Italy for my first European destination and it holds a special place in my heart because of it! <BR>Gigi

Nancy

Hi Gigi, <BR> <BR>Yes, we are driving. Starting in Rome to the south, Assisi, Venice, Florence....then I don't know what..I can't decide?? Since it is our first trip to Italy (Europe) I'd like to end it kind of special? Help! <BR> <BR>Nancy

linda

Nancy, Have you given up on Pisa? You must be so excited right now. <BR> <BR>linda <BR>

Nancy

Linda, <BR> <BR>Yes! I am very excited,(this has been almost life long dream, at least most of it!) I really didn't check to much into Pisa - when planning the almost last minute trip I focused mostly on the south! Now, it's pretty much here. I always thought of Pisa as maybe overly Toursity? Right now I'm thinking Siena? Only because I have to do something....? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Nancy

Diane

We stayed one night in Orvieto -- took the tour of the caves, wandered around the town, visited the sort of "personal" (collections of two brothers) museum across from the Duomo, and had one of the best meals of our three-week trip at Giglio D'Oro. I'd highly suggest it would be a nice, personal-sized way to end your trip. There is a lot of modern art meets antiquity there. (We ended our trip in Rome, but you are starting there!) Or, you could end it in Chiusi (where we started). Stay at Residenza re Porsenna with Esmeralda Serpilli. Chiusi is another town with Etruscan beginnings, and you'll find people that have lived there all their lives. I'd guess Orvieto is grander than Chiusi, but it sort of depends on what kind of connection you want to make. For example, if you still want to get some shopping in, you should pick Orvieto. If you just want a beautiful, quiet base, you might like Chiusi. Either one of the two are a big change from Florence. You can easily daytrip to other hill towns and both are just off the A1. (We needed to pick up my sister at FCO around 10AM, hence the overnight in Orvieto.) It is very easy to drive to FCO from either. email me if you have more questions.

Colleen

I've never been to Italy either but my husband and I are looking forward to our stay in southern tuscany next month at a villa called Villa di Piazanno. Go to villadipiazanno.com for more details. We've heard great things about this place and its in the direction toward Rome from Florence. Have a great time!