7 days in Italy - help picking a region!

Portofino park and its vicinity, good. Portofino the town, not so much.
I have not been to Forte de Marmi.

One more question, you guys have all been so helpful :)

Viareggio and Barga both look like great options. Wondering if these are mostly good for day trips from Lucca or worthwhile staying in either town for their own right? I know accommodation in Barga is limited, but we're booking a year out so hopefully would be okay. Perhaps a day trip to Viareggio and 2-3 nights in Barga would give us a taste of everything (after Florence and Lucca)?

I don't know Viareggio, except that it is a more conventional beach area (sand--not rocky like the CT area). On my first visit to Italy, I visited Lerici, Barga, and Lucca. It was nice to get sea, mountains, and town. Lerici was our favorite on that trip, but we also loved Barga. The restaurants were excellent, and we did some nice walks in the surrounding area. With a car, I am sure it is even more impressive. It's been several years, but check Casa Fontana--it was absolutely wonderful (and they rent an apartment as well as b&b rooms). Barga was very different from Lucca--Lucca is quite popular. Barga may be more so now, but it felt a million miles away. Next town, Castelnuovo, sounds nice too.
I feel like i am monopolizing, but the forum is quite these days. You might try trip advisor and fodors as well.

Thank you!! I'd love to hit all 3 of those stops as well. I'm not sure if we'll have time since are flying in and out of Florence, but this seems like a great itinerary. :)

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