Tuscany North Untour, Fall of 2003
by Kenneth Landriau, Hendersonville, NC
We were on the Tuscany North Untour Sept.10-24 and these suggestions are based entirely on our personal preferences; therefore, they may not be suitable at all for those with different life-styles.
Most days we were up and out of the apartment right after breakfast, took a picnic lunch, and were gone for the day. We were back home for happy hour at 7pm and we went out for dinner at 8. We did very little cooking in the apartment - scrambled eggs for breakfast a couple of times, and after returning from Florence, we had omelets for supper instead of going out.
So here are my suggestions:
1. Do research and develop a plan. The internet, the local library, and the Michelin Green Guide are valuable sources. Before leaving home learn what there is in Pisa, Lucca, Siena, Florence, Vinci, Carrara, Panzano, Greve, Montecatini, Cinque Terre, Collodi, etc., etc.
2. Get Province road maps for the areas you plan to visit - in our case we ordered the Lucca, Pisa, and Florence maps from initaly.com. Total cost was $28.35 and was well worth it. The Michelin #430 map from Untour was OK for major roads but not adequate for back-country exploring.
3. Go for a one-level upgrade on your car and insist on a diesel. The fuel is considerably cheaper and the mileage is significantly better.
4. Take a plastic ice cube tray from home rather than depend on those minicube European things. Also, take an insulated, plastic-lined lunch box. Insert a small covered plastic container for ice, two nested plastic cups, and a can of soda (instead of the six pack) and there's still room for two sandwiches. In addition, always carry a bottle of water in the car.
5. After you get to your apartment, locate the nearest restaurants and find out what days and at what time they are open. Don't miss the Untour orientation session - you'll get a lot of valuable information and most, if not all, of your questions will be answered. Be sure to ask your host to demonstrate the use of a credit card on the Autostrade (card face up, mag stripe on bottom to the right.)
6. Visit the tourist office in Lucca and learn about events such as Luminara (Sept.13), free concerts in Piazza Napoleon, etc. The Untour host was from Pisa and was not aware of these Lucca events. The tourist office also has internet terminals that are available, (4 Euros for 30 minutes) so you can Email your friends and relatives (cheaper than post cards) as well as see how your portfolio is doing.
7. If you go to Siena, stop in any small village along the way for your cappuccino. Otherwise, be prepared to drop 8 Euros at Piazza del Campo for two small cups. In fact, prices are always higher any place you find large groups of tourists.
8. If you plan to go to Florence, get your museum tickets on the internet several weeks before leaving home. Costs more but gets you the day and hour you want and saves hours waiting on line in Florence.
9. Don't carry a lot of cash. Amex or Visa can be used at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets (but not the Coop), Autostrade, and most shops. Use an ATM card to get cash when needed. This way you get the best exchange rate. Stay away from money changers; they're expensive.
10. We used frequent flyer miles for our air travel so I can't comment on the Untour air arrangements, except to say that Untour arranged for us to pick up our car in Milan and were very pleased with it.