2878 Tuscany

Depends what you like. Architecture and history?

Must do's San Gimignano, (u r close), Volterra, Siena, Firenze, Collodi (Montecatini Terme - for the kids - Pinnochio land), Lucca - especially if you can go when the music concerts are on - Pisa if u must (but only for an hour - oh ok 90 mins). Pisa - as soon as you arrive book to go up the Tower - if you still can - cos you have to wait an hour.

Firenze - its best to get nearby and get a train in (they are cheap - check train prices on [url]www.trenitalia.it[/url]) - of course we were foreigners -and didnt listen to the advice - found an excellent cheap car park - right near the famous bridge - near a small cinema - but getting home was not so easy - ended up re-doing by car - everywhere we had walked - couldnt escape the maze - at one point we drove round a police car the wrong way - and visiting the main cobbled square - following a horse and cart. I think train is best!!!

Prato has massive nurseries if you like plants.

Driving is quite tame up North - but they have a different attitudes on motorways - if they flash you - its not cos you are in their way - just that they are letting you know they are there

Actually lane discipline is a lot better than the middle lane hoggers of the UK.

Parts of Italy also have plants down the central reservation - which is actually very calming - and stops rubber necking when accidents happen.
Then theres the Cinque Terre - (Five fishing towns - not accessible by car - use the train - or walk if you are fit). Book a hotel in advance - especially if going July or August. - Who says you have to stay in your hotel for the whole stay.

Viareggio for a classic beach holiday (well Italian style - regimented rows of sunbeds - have to book a day ticket with a hotel - or use the free section - no sunbeds - and near a sewage pipe!!!!)

I think Viareggio has a carnival too. And expensive fashion shops.

Portovenere - little yachting precipice (not spelt right). A bit tacky but good fun.

Tak

When you visit Pisa take some time out to go to the salt marsh forests around there. Some great walks etc. there are also fantastic beaches at the back of them, a lot quieter than the normal ones but just as nice.

If you have google earth - explore on that - its good to go driving up in the hills - some spectacular views - but you can find them on Google first

I didnt know about the Salt Marshes - what village is nearby -?

Theres a big reservoir on the triangle - motorways Lucca Livorno Viareggio - is it accessible to the public?

Pietrasanta - just up from Viareggio in the hills - if you like Marble scupltures

It's mainly forest area but there are dunes and salt marsh parts, it runs on and off virtually from Viareggio past Pisa and almost to Livorno, I think. Good walks with some great beach areas in front of them.

Thanks guys,

I enjoy walking so the salt marsh area sounds good. Not much of a beach person, I like to get out and explore! So yes, architecture & history is what you like (along with the beautiful scenery of course). I think I'll take your advice on using the trains, I had found the website already and noticed how cheap the tickets were too.

You might be interested in "Travels to Tuscany & N. Lazio" for its descriptions of what travel and the area were like in the past, you can read about it on [url]www.elegantetruria.com/books.htm[/url] .
Enjoy exploring this wonderful area.

Within easy drive of Poggibonsi S. Gim is a must. I would also go for a morning's drive around the Chianti villages following a wine route. Siena, of course stopping at Monteriggioni en route. Also charming is nearby Colle di Val d'Elsa. And take a day to head further south to the hilltown of Montalcino perhaps stopping at the Monastery at Monte Oliveto en route. You've selected an excellent spot to base yourselves in, it's really central for so many great places. V

You've given me so many ideas to work on, at this rate I'm going to need a month, not a fortnight - thank you all.
Trouble is, all this talk about it makes me want to go now!:) (Especially as it's miserable outside at the moment).