Originally Posted by DDP

Anywhere in Italy is wonderful, but I loved Ascoli Piceno in Le Marche, and Lucca in Northern Tuscany. Both are small towns with lovely friendly people, lots to see and do, wonderful food and wine. AP is a bit more difficult to get to without a car,take the train down the coast. I flew into Ancona and took the train to AP which took 3 hours, but very good value for money as are all trains in Italy. Public transport is not so good, so to really explore you would probably need a car. Lucca is much easier to get to, and the public transport is very good. The walk around (on top of) the city walls is wonderful, there is a great Botanic garden and Puccini recitals in a church every evening which is very atmospheric. There was always something going on in both places when I was there this year. Highly recommended. Wherever you go I'm very jealous! I would love to be able to spend a month in italy! Enjoy!

Originally Posted by jenninedinburgh

Wow, thanks! I've never been to Verona (Venice many times, but not Verona). I also have not been to Lake Garda or any of the other places you've listed. I think Verona has an airport as well, so that might work! Thanks again.

Originally Posted by Lorna at Vicenza

Verona does have its own airport but it's also easy to get to from Venice or Treviso airport. From Verona you could also take day trips to Bassano del Grappa and Marostica or Soave. All pretty towns. Vicenza isn't that far away either and many Palladian villas.

Originally Posted by Seldomseenkid

If you do choose Lucca the Piazza Anfiteatro is one of the finest Piazzas in Italy. It was constructed on the remains of the roman amphitheatre, hence its shape and one of the entrances still retains the original roman construction. The city was also the birthplace of Puccini and the city walls were the Star Wars defence system of their day. Enjoy.

Originally Posted by ononno

Have a look at the little town of Vico Equense, balanced on the cliffs between Pompei and the Sorrento Peninsula. Good public transport, a myriad of hamlets and mountains to walk and explore. All the famous places within easy reach.

Originally Posted by ononno

Have a look at the little town of Vico Equense, balanced on the cliffs between Pompei and the Sorrento Peninsula. Good public transport, a myriad of hamlets and mountains to walk and explore. All the famous places within easy reach.