We are trying to plan a week in September and we are thinking about Italy but not sure where.

We will have Dingo our then 9 year old with us ( two legged not four !)

We want to have a part in the sticks with small towns with lovely local ( not touristy ) restaurants then the other half in one of the cities but not too much travelling involved so we make the most if the week.

Money isn't the object it is more about making sure we get the best of both parts but get a good experience of Italy .

Any ideas ?

Thanks
Lucy

Tuscany!

We stayed here which is about a mile from a little village called Barberino Val D'Elsa.  About 90 minute drive from Pisa but probably more easily accessible from Florence (we're more restricted with flight options that you will be). 

It was a great base for visiting several little traditional medieval hill villages for fabulous restaurants and wine cellars. Not to mention the pizza and ice-cream <drools>. It was also within easy driving distance of Lucca, Siena and Florence etc.  I can't wait to go back to Tuscany...it's truly one of the most spectacular places I've ever visited and is utter heaven for anyone who's also into their food and wine ;-)

I recall seeing some farmhouses where you can stay and take part in activities (cooking, helping with animals etc) which might appeal to Dingo.  Can try and find some more info if you're interested.

Oh yes Jules if you can as that looks spot on !

We are not how ever allowed to go to Florence without Flo as promised her we would take her ! She will be off to Spain on her third year excursion for the year out so will wait a couple of years before we take her !

Hi Lucy

I think it was this site I came across before.  You can use the search function to find accommodation with areas and activities that interest you. 

The place we stayed had stables/horseriding just down the lane and could organise wine/olive oil tasting at their own vineyard a few miles away.  But almost all villages will have little wine sellers where you can sample and buy locally produced wine and olive oil.

Still plenty to see and do without visiting Florence this time...and taking Flo is the perfect excuse to go back :-) 

Tuscany is lovely, we stayed in Lucca which is a good base if you then want to go more rural or out to the coast and Chinca terre (can't spell it properly but thats how it pronounced!!!!), more touristy but beautiful. We have been twice and looking to return in sept to oct as we love it.