Who would expect a small town to house a very beautiful cathedral, an important university and wonderful winding walking streets around the town piazza or square. They still have the Palio, a barebacked horse race around the square twice yearly with the crowds of onlookers in the center of the ring with the horses and their jockeys circling them. This is an old tradition that is only held in Siena.
A great family trip as well as one for wine enthusiasts and foodies would be a villa rental in a 15th century villa in the Chianti region of Tuscany. From there one can do many day trips to wineries, the city of Florence or even Perugia or Umbria. The sunsets were amazing. A trip to Cortona where Under the Tuscan Sun was written would be another day trip as well.
A lot of Americans are shying away from Italy and Europe in general because the USD is worth less and less everyday against the Euro. There are still wonderful properties with great value throughout Europe. You may not be able to buy all the fashions and jewelry you may have done in the past; but you can still enjoy the culture and wonders of Italy and Europe.
Until my next trip to Italy..Ciao
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