this September. Well, actually my first trip. My husband went on a tour in the mid 80s.
Our daughter, son-in-law and new grandson will be joining us.

So far, we have our flights and 3 nights in Rome booked. We're still researching options for the remaining 6 nights. We are planning on the Tuscany area as a base and taking day trips from there. I'm leaning towards staying in an apartment in Florence since it would be nice not always having to take a car or transportation to get somewhere.

I've enjoyed reading all the posts and comments on things to do, restaurants, lodging reviews and all the other helpful information. This site will have us much better prepared for our trip.

I'm sure I'll have many questions as our trip time approaches. So I thought I'd better introduce myself and thank you all for such a wonderful resource.

Linda

Hi Linda!
Your trip sounds great! I think an apartment in Florence is a great idea if you don't want to worry about having a car.
How old is your grandson?
-Kate

Hi Kate,

I think for the first trip being in the city would work best.

We are planning on renting a car but I don't know if we'll just rent it on the days we do day trips or have it the whole time which was our original plan.

He'll be 1 1/2 in September.

Linda

Hi Linda,

Welcome to Slow Travel!

You will find many Florence-philes on ST - but I'm not one of them, especially if you want to see some of the smaller towns and Tuscan countryside.

Other options to consider might be Siena or a weekly rental in a smaller town or rural area. I am partial to the area around Montepulciano and Pienza. While we have not stayed there yet, I am pretty sure we will stay at Sant'Antonio when we return to Tuscany, based on what I know of the area & the many positive comments on ST. There are also many other options in the proximate area. Of course, a car would be essential if you stay anywhere besides Florence or Siena.

Hi Linda - Florence sounds like a great idea. I spent a week in an apartment there the first time I went to Italy, followed by three weeks in the same apartment the following year. Here is the review of the latest apartment I stayed in.