Where is the best place to base on seeing the western coast of Italy

Questions & AnswersCategoria: Planning Trip to ItalyWhere is the best place to base on seeing the western coast of Italy
battabl asked 9 anni ago
Where is the best place to home base out of if we plan on seeing the western coast of Italy

Hello. I am so glad that you have this blog.  We are travelling from Minnesota to Italy form August 27 through September 12. We have made plans to be in Rome until September 2 then travel to the Amalfi Coast for a few days followed by staying in the Tuscany area for 5 days.  We would like to stay in an area where we can possibly day trip to Cinque Terre, Portifino and Piza.  We fly out of Florence on Sat. September 12.  I am wondering if you have any thoughts about renting a car in the area, sites to see, hiring a driver and taking a cooking class in a house that we could rent, and finally….are we doing too much on this trip in general?  I know…I have layed a lot at your feet, but any advice would be appreciated. We have never been to Italy and I want to see the most that we can see in the time that we will be there.  Thank you, thank you, thank you in advance for any advice.
Beth

1 Risposte
elena nacci Staff answered 9 anni ago
Hello Beth,
many thanks for coming here
Considering this is your first time to Italy and that you rightly want to see the most you can while here, I think your plan is doable and not too much. The most important thing is to organize time at its best.
I would probably spend less nights in Rome, let’s say 2 or 3 less. Rome has a lot to offer but if you also want to see the other many sights both in Tuscany, the Cinque Terre or any other destination, that would be reasonable.
This way, you might also spilt the Tuscan part of your stay in 2 locations if you like. One more near the area of the Cinque Terre and Portofino, and another more central to Tuscany and its main attractions.
One base I would choose that is near the Cinque Terre (about 1 hour and 20 minutes) is the area of Lucca, beautiful town encircled by walkable walls. You’ll be also near to Pisa. While there you can explore northern Tuscany, with destinations like Collodi, Montecatini Terme, Pistoia, Vinci, and Florence. Your other base maybe in the beautiful countryside of San Gimignano or the one more near Siena. Take a look at the links to see how to use both as your home base.
Renting a car is the best way to explore Tuscany, and its many treasures; Florence, Chianti, San Gimignano, Siena, and the breathtaking Val d’Orcia area.
Feel free to contact me again for any further question,
Have a nice day,
elena from a hot and sunny Florence!