Tuscany and Cinque Terre (and maybe parts of Italian Riviera)

[Katt]

Buongiorno,

I'm planning a trip in late Aug/early Sept to Italy. for 10 days We are planning to visit some parts of Tuscany and Cinque Terre. I've been to Florence before and may want to skip this location this round (though I love Florence, I want to explore other parts of Tuscany).

Would you please recommend:
1. which location/city/town would be best to base ourselves so that we see both destinations?
2. We won't be driving so any recommendations with local/public train/bus would be great.
3. Any day trips we can take also and tour company?
4. We love food, so wouldn't mind a day on a farm or local Italian home to experience cooking Italian pasta, etc would be wonderful.

5. It will be 2 females travelling, any tips on safety on public trains/buses/locations is appreciated.

Thank you,
Katt

 

[DonnaDenise]

where to stay

Buongiorno,

Since you will be travelling without a car and you would prefer to avoid Florence then I suggest you stay in Siena, which gives you many opportunities to use public transport to visit the countryside AND it will give you a peek at southern Tuscany.

Actually located outside of Siena, but they offer a shuttle service: https://www.discovertuscany.com/siena/accommodation/hotel-le-fontanelle.html

Again outside of Siena - but their is limited public transport service: https://www.discovertuscany.com/siena/accommodation/farmhouses/casa-podere-monti.html

Within walking distance of Siena with sute rooms, a wine tasting & meals on-site: http://www.chianti.com/wine-tasting/la-lastra-siena-wine-tasting.html

In the city you can look at:
http://www.tuscanyaccommodation.com/hotel-palazzetto-rosso.html
http://www.tuscanyaccommodation.com/hotel-athena.html

I also suggest that you stay one or two days in Lucca or Pisa before catching the train into Cinque Terre.

I travel quite a bit throughout Tuscany as a single woman, and personally I have found that people are courteous and friendly. Normal saftey precautions are always good to keep in mind but the environment is safe and tranquil.

Buon Viaggio,

Donna Denise