Our three-week Italian road trip
I've been an Italy-goer since childhood, Viva l'Italia. My parents went to Lake Garda regularly and happily, and stayed in various spots along the lake. I've carried that love with me and infected my, by now, husband with it too. We've been to Lake Garda together twice by now, and this time we have three weeks in Italy on the schedule. We wanted longer this time, so we could also travel further into Italy. After a lot of research and discussion together, we landed on the following locations; Tuscany, Umbria and coming home to Lake Garda after all.
We definitely still have the urge to go further south, but that's for a different moment in the year (because of the heat) and in a different form (fly and drive).
This time we're doing the whole trip by car, and then we didn't want to go too far south. Worked out well actually, since we still hadn't seen the middle!
Viva l'Italia; Our Tuscan stay
This was the accommodation we booked second. We quickly settled on which region we wanted to stay in, but we hadn't yet found the ideal spot. Our goal, this time, for Tuscany, is really the three big cities in the North; Pisa, Lucca and Florence.
Another time we want to go further south, to discover the wine region. This is the first time we're NOT booking our accommodation through a big travel agency, but through Booking. Since we want to discover Tuscany with all the food they have to offer. That's also why we didn't want to be out in the middle of nowhere, but still wanted a lovely view.
We landed on a loft at Villa La Moresca, in Montecatini. A gorgeous B&B that also has a loft available. If you want to make use of it, you can add breakfast for 15 euros p.p. per day.
For us, this accommodation ticks all the boxes. It's fairly new, well maintained, we have a kitchen at our disposal, an epic view from our terrace, but also a panoramic pool and restaurants within walking distance. On top of that they only have four hotel rooms and one loft. So it won't get busy!
Where do we want to go in Tuscany?
This is our first visit, and we've decided to stay in the North, so we can visit the well-known triangle. The three biggest towns of the north; Pisa, Lucca and Florence.
In Pisa there's of course the Tower of Pisa, and I obviously want to see it in person. Possibly paired with the most cliché photo ever 😉 There are also plenty of churches and museums to visit. We're planning to buy a combo ticket so we can visit the following sights; the tower, the cathedral, the Baptistery and the Camposanto.
Apparently it's especially nice to wander around Lucca because of all the old towers still standing there and the city walls. On top of that you can also shop really nicely there. Perfect for scoring Tuscan souvenirs.
Then as the showstopper, Florence. I have a feeling our visit is going to start early and run really long. Since the city is big and there's so much to see. Of course we're going to the Duomo, to the various gorgeous squares and the two famous 'bridges'. Before we leave we're still going to look into which museums we really want to visit.
Viva l'Italia; Our stay in Umbria
We booked this accommodation first. Way too far in advance, but from the very first look we already knew this was it for us, and we definitely didn't want to miss out. We're going to a gorgeous hotel; Aethos Saragano. A beautiful medieval location, out in the Umbrian countryside, again with a gorgeous view over the green hills. This time we have a hotel room, but not just any hotel room. We've booked the panorama jacuzzi suite. A room with almost 360 degree views from the room, and even better, from our jacuzzi too. On top of that they have a lovely restaurant where they charge reasonable prices for dinner. This means we can also easily spend a whole day at the hotel without worrying about food!
Want a less luxurious room? Those exist too of course, but they're all located just as beautifully within the building and all have a gorgeously kept interior. We can't wait to go.
The real Viva l'Italia; coming home to Lake Garda
You might be thinking now, Italy is huge, so why on earth are you going back to Lake Garda again? Call it homesickness for the mountains and the glittering water. We always have such a great time there, and we love the atmosphere there so much, that it almost feels like a second home.
We do want to be on the north side, and that's between the mountains. The times we've been there together, we went to Limone sul Garda and wanted to go to Malcesine this time (the other side). Unfortunately that didn't seem doable given our wishes, and we landed on Limone sul Garda again. Why? There we can get a nice apartment for a good price, within walking distance of the centre, and thus WITH a pool.
From our apartment we can be in the centre within 10 minutes, and at the beach too. We wanted both, since this week is really going to be our true relaxation week. Not getting out of bed too early for breakfast, chilling out on the beach, and getting nicely tanned.
Our tips for Lake Garda
Curious about part of our previous Italian holiday? Then I've already written a bit about our previous visit to Lake Garda.
As far as I'm concerned, the North is the most beautiful spot because of the mountains and the rugged landscape. Because of that location you are a bit limited in what's on offer, especially if you want to be in a village where there's something to do during the day and in the evening. I think you're really well off in the towns of Malcesine, Limone sul Garda and Riva del Garda. These are the somewhat bigger towns with a fair number of shops and restaurants. On top of that they have good boat connections to other spots on Lake Garda.
Limone sul Garda is known for lemons, and you see them everywhere there. It's also really nice to visit the old castle and the orchard that comes with it; La Limonaia del Castel. You're also treated to a gorgeous view once you climb a bit higher.
Malcesine is lovely to wander around in through the old little streets, and to end up at Malcesine's castle; Castello Scaligero. Are you a mountain biking or hiking fan? Then this is also the starting point to take the cable car up Monte Baldo. From there, countless routes run through the mountains. Don't want a sporty outing? Then it's also great just to enjoy the view and a drink at the top of the mountain. Just note that at that altitude it really is a few degrees colder, and a cardigan or jacket comes in handy 😉
