Exploring Tuscany
Dear Sean,
A holiday in Tuscany is the best way to celebrate your marriage anniversary - and Viareggio is lovely!
The length of your stay is also perfect to discover all the beauty of Tuscany
If you prefer to not rent a car, the most convenient way to move around is by train.
Once you depart from Viareggio, I suggest you base yourself in Florence, the Renaissance jewel of Tuscany that cannot be missing from any itinerary!
Florence is located right in central Tuscany, so it is perfect for day trips to the most enchanting sights and villages of Tuscany, such as San Gimignano and Volterra, and the art cities of Siena, Arezzo, Pisa and Lucca. From Florence, you might also opt for guided tours to the Chianti region, famous for its fine wines and beautiful landscapes.
You may find this post about tours and guided visits of Tuscany very helpful:
http://www.discovertuscany.com/tuscany-tours/
And here is a useful link to Chianti itineraries:
http://www.chianti.com/itineraries-in-chianti/
Having said that, however, I think the best way to experience Tuscany would be to hire a car; you can get around and see the 'must see' sights in total freedom. Departing from Viareggio you may first visit Lucca, located nearby, and if you are a nature lover you should head on north of Lucca to the mountains of the Garfagnana area. Here, you will enjoy fantastic views over the many medieval villages up in the hills and over the Serchio river. If you like the area, you may decide to stop for one night or two, at this lovely B&B:
http://www.eliseo.info/bed-breakfast.php
Then you can continue your trip east to Florence, where I suggest to stay for a few nights. Florence is incredibly rich in history and culture and offers an endless number of things to visit; here an helpful
guide about Florence.
As to accommodation in Florence, I recommend two romantic bed and breakfasts:
B&B Casa dei Tintori and
B&B Palagetto.
The first is an elegant and romantic B&B is the historical center, while B&B Palagetto can be very convenient in case you are arriving by car. From this B&B, you can easily reach the historic center both on foot or by bus.
Finally you can spend the last days of your vacation in the beautiful Siena, choosing to stay in its historical center or in a relaxing farmhouse with pool on the hills around Siena. Here is a list of good accommodations in and near Siena:
http://www.tuscanyaccommodation.com/siena-accommodation/
From Siena you can explore all the charming hilltop towns in the Val d'Orcia and the Crete Senesi areas, south of Tuscany.
In addition to my suggestions, you might find this article about a
7 day itinerary in Tuscany very helpful, as well as
this one which can give you interesting itinerary tips for your vacation.
Enjoy your Tuscan holiday on this special occasion!
Do not hesitate to come back on the forum for any additional advice
