We are spending a week in Umbria, based in Nocera, and 10 days in Tuscany based in Castelfiorentino. We have a car for both parts of the trip. What places do we HAVE to see? Any hints as to what to avoid? Please give us your expertise.

Since you're there for over 2 weeks, I really think it's worth getting a decent guidebook and using it to work out what you WANT to see. From your Nocera base (intriguing choice: not many people go there...) you're as close to much of Le Marche as to Umbria, so I'd suggest the Cadogan Tuscany Umbria & the Marches (new edition coming out in May).

Jonathan

Welcome. Lucky you, almost 3 weeks for a great trip in Italy. Besides the guide book, I suggest you read thru some of our old posts on these regions. There is sooooooo much great information it will be like a master's degree in slowtravel. And lots of good writers here, too.

My personal Umbrian favorite hilltown is Orvieto. Lot's of good stuff to do, eat and drink there. Easy access, too.....Have a wonderful trip, ciao, Cheryl

I had a chuckle b/c last night my husband said, "What do we have to see when we're in Tuscany?" And I replied, "We don't have to see anything."

However, another good place to find things you may want to see would be our trip reports, you can filter them by country and/or search for specific areas. The link is to the right, enjoy!

Since you are in Nocera, make sure to go to eat at Ristorante La sorgente in Boschetto di Gualdo Tadino. See restaurant reviews for Umbria for more detailed info.
If you feel for a break from historical sightseeing, you can spend a half a day or a whole picnic day on Monte Cucco, it's a beautiful green area not too far from Nocera.

You should be able to find a local festival celebrating the grape harvest...lovely!

Make sure you take plenty of layers for that time of year and some showerproof outerwear.

Wendy.