Subject: Re: Tuscany
I'm in the early stages of planning a trip to Italy. An important part of this trip will be visiting Tuscany. Right now I'm considering spending three nights in the Chianti region, either Hotel Monteriggoni in Monteriggoni or at Locanda Le Piazza in Castellina in Chianti and then three nights at Montorio in Montepulciano. I'm interested to hear your thoughts and opinions about the above. The above accommodations look very nice, but are fairly pricey at around $200+ per night. If it's possible to enjoy comfortable, pleasing accomodations for less, we're interested. Also appreciated are your feelings about splitting the week between these two regions or just renting an apartment in one central location. We hope to see a good deal of Tuscany at a fairly relaxed pace without spending hours at a time driving. Never having been there, I'm very unsure of distances.

In general, we're thinking of a 3+ week trip flying into Milan, visiting the Lakes, perhaps Bellagio(Hotel Belvedere?) or Verenna (Hotel Milano?). Then on to Cinque Terre, staying in Monterosso al Mare (Hotel Porto Roca or Pasquale?). Next Tuscany, followed by several nights in Florence (B&B Piazza della Signoria or Hermatage?). From here, to Venice (Hotel Ala or Accademia?), then possibly Verona (Hotel Victoria or Piazza del Signori?) and Milan (Antica Locanda del Mercanti?).

Thanks so much for your help! Any and all suggestions will be most appreciated! Judy Garber San Carlos, CA