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[natcire]

This workaholic needs to take his first break in 5 years, two weeks in July 2009. It is going to be a dream vacation for us and to celebrate our 8th anniversary.

From the postings here, my better half wants to see Rome and Venice. I would like to drive in Tuscany but am a little worried about driving on the opposite side of the race track. She does not want to drive there but you know us men...we are fool hearty.

Would like recommendations from others who have done a self-drive tour or a guided tour to give us suggestions, tips and avoidance. To give you an idea of where we've stayed: resorts with pit toilets, generator at night and no bathroom or running water. Love the idea of staying with families or farm houses. How much Italian should we know before we embark on this trip?

Thanks in advance to all for your guidance,
Eric

[huckabmm]

From the postings here, my better half wants to see Rome and Venice.

Good choices. Italy will be hot and crowded in July, but judging from the other places you've been, I don't think this will bother you much. I think the idea of staying in farmhouses is a great idea. You can probably find info about this on Google. One other thing you might consider is renting an apartment from someone while you are there, you can rent a week at a time (sometimes less) and use this as a "home base" and travel around the countryside from there.

Also, if you're interested in learning to cook, try La Vecchia Scuola Bolognese in Bologna.

I would like to drive in Tuscany but am a little worried about driving on the opposite side of the race track. She does not want to drive there but you know us men...we are fool hearty.

As far as I know, Italy drives on the right hand side of the road. So driving should not be that much different. To really get in to the "heart" of Tuscany (i.e. out of the cities) you need to drive. I think this is probably your best option.

Tuscany didn't leave very much of an impression on me.

What?? Where did you go?

[natcire]

Huckabmm...thanks for the feedback.

Timing in July is non-negotiable, wish we could go in spring (I am really needing the vacation now. Could be because I am planning the trip and work seems like a drag! LOL) ...wife will be in between intership and school starting in early August.

I never really thought about cooking class but that sounds awesome. We love to cook. Renting apartment also sounds awesome but it will probably wait for the second trip after we find out what portion of Italy we like to spend more time in.

For those who have driven in Italy. I looked at the map and from Rome to Perugia is like 110 miles so a full day of driving will be plenty of time to sight-see between the two cities, correct? Recommendations on detours to see the not too familiar sights??

Here are my thoughts on the driving tour:
July 10 arrival in Rome (Starlagurl, will take your recommendations on 10 things to do in Rome)
July 13 depart for Perugia (what sights to see on the way?) Is Perugia worth stopping at?
July 14 depart for Siena (what sights to see on the way?)
July 15 depart for Florence (what sights to see on the way?)
July 17 depart for Pisa then to Bologna (cooking class???)
July 20 depart for Venice (what sights to see on the way?)
July 24 head for home

Is this too much to do in two weeks?

Eric