We just stayed at Frances' Lodge in Tuscany near Siena. We stayed in the White Room, which is very romantic. The room is large and has a small patio outside. I think the price was 220 euro, which is certainly not cheap...but comparable to staying at a nice hotel and MUCH more interesting, I think. The price included a beautiful breakfast (you select what you want the night before). Siena is rather centrally located, so we took day trips both north and south. Views from the lodge are spectacular. One nice thing is that the innkeepers both give you fantastic advice and personalized maps of specific things to do for day trips. Our stay here was the highlight of a two week trip. And yes, I planned everything myself, not seeing the need for a travel agent or tour guide.

You are right to plan it yourself. Take as many days as you can possibly get. Late Spring is a perfect time to go.

Though not close together, Tuscany and Amalfi Coast are a nice combination.

You will want a car in Tuscany. You don't need one on the AC.

It is easy to train from Rome to the AC, but you might rent the car in Rome or near Rome, use it in Tuscany, drive to the airport in outskirts of Naples or Sorrento and turn it in there.

On the AC, you can use boats and ferries and the views from the water are spectacular! Ferry to Capri for example.

There is also a bus that travels the coast. I personally hate buses and the narrow, winding, cliff-hanging roads, but some people like it for the views looking down.

Depending on where you base, you can take the train easily to see Pompeii.

You are creating my idea of a perfect and romantic trip.

You will want a car for Tuscany, and then keep it to drive to Sorrento to drop the car---do not try to drive on the AC.

Here are some options for Tuscany. Good luck!


BOB’S FAVORITE DIGS IN TUSCANY
A. RURAL LOCATIONS: All have parking and good food options nearby

1. Relais La Saracina www.lasaracina.it 230 to 300E
Fabulous country home near Montepulciano—helpful owners

2. Cretaiole Agriturismo http://www.cretaiole.it/ Good value for families
Isabella also has 2 apts. in Castelmuzio for rent—wonderful—see her site.

3. Terre di Nano www.terredinano.com 100 to 155
Both rooms and apartments at rural Agriturismo near Monticchiello

4. Casanova di Pescille http://www.casanovadipescille.com/ 100E
Rural B&B 3 KM from famed San Gimignano—we loved the views of San Gim.

5. Fattoria Tregole www.fattoria-tregole.com 110E to 180E
Has both B&B and apartment accommodations. Near Castellina in Chianti

6. Agriturismo apts. near San Quirico— www.poggiolo.info/ About 110E

7. New historic B&B north of Pienza. http://www.camprena.it/index.htm
Site of filming for THE ENGLISH PATIENT About 90E for double

8. http://www.borgoargenina.it/index.html A special rural B&B in Chianti.
The lovely owner, Elena, will make you feel like family. 170E for double

B. IN-TOWN LOCATIONS: For walking convenience to shops & ristorantes.

1. Palazzo del Capitano www.palazzodelcapitano.com 170 to 210E
Very nice small hotel in center of San Quirico—perfect location to explore.

2. Vecchia Oliviera www.vecchiaoliviera.com/ 150 to 200E
Nice 4 star hotel at the gate into lovely Montalcino---has pool.

3. Palazzina Cesari www.montalcinoitaly.com 80 to 110E
Lovely small B&B in heart of Montalcino—great value—2 night stay minimum.

4. Locanda di San Francesco www.locandasanfrancesco.it 180 to 200E
New boutique B&B in a lovely location in Montepulciano—great reviews !

5. Politian apartments http://www.politian.com/ Good value apts. with
minimum stay of 3 nights in Montepulciano---helpful host---85E

6. Palazzo Ravizza www.palazzoravizza.it 170 to 250E
Very nice & popular hotel in Siena with parking.

A car for the AC depends on whe nyou will be there. WE have ogne twice in late May, had a car (our hotel in Sorrento had free parking - but most hotels in that area do NOT have parking). We loved being able to drive when/where we wanted. But - anytime from mid June on I wouldn;t have a rental car since the traffic is so horrendous.

You really must have a car in Tuscany - public transit to and aruond the various small towns in really not conveninet.

As for pricing - you need to define your budget - there a re some agritusimos that are quite basic and others that are very luxurious. So you need to definte what you want in terms of amenities and meals as well as your budget before searching.

If it makes sense flying into Rome depends on wher eyou are coming from. If frm the US I would do Rome - since it's a better choice than Milan or Venice - your only other options (IMHO connecting flights are to be avoided at all cost - esp on the way TO europe - since you don;t want to start you vacation without yuor luggage.)

I agree that agriturismi are a great idea if you mean to taste the rural heart of Tuscany. I mean, they are incredible building with all kind of comfort inside, but out of the window you can see just green and trees and hills and this is the very magic side of Tuscany.

I can suggest you www.borgopietrafitta.com/ in Castellina in Chianti, which was an ancient hamlet and now every house of the hamlet is a renewed guest house.

Another beautiful place is near to San Gimignano www.hotelterrerosse.com/ and its famous also for its restaurant.

If you want to try a wildest area in Tuscany, where you'll hardly find a tourist but so many animals and silence you cannot even guess, so have a thought on Mugello area www.monsignordellacasa.com/

I hope I have been helpful, have a great trip!