rjl1026

I'm staying for 2-3 nights in Tuscany in August. We will have a car to explore the countryside, but need help on deciding which town to stay. We would like to avoid major crowds if possible while still being able to find places to eat and drink in the evening when we return from exploring the region. Campagntito, Grosetto, Sinalunga, Montepulciano... Anyone have any thoughts on these places? Pros/cons etc.
Thanks for any tips.

Henry

jl,
This may help http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm

rjl1026

Good information in that link. Thanks

bobthenavigator

Of course, but you need to tell us your budget and what general area of Tuscany. It is quite large and I really see Tuscany as 5 geographic regions. My favorite region is the Val d'Orcia. Also, will AC be a must for you in August?

Jean

And what is your itinerary before and after this brief stay in Tuscany?

rjl1026

@ bob, most of the towns i listed seem to be in the area of Grosseto, Pisa, Livorno. SO i guess this is where we are focusing right now. AC is a must given the temp, and as far as budget goes, we have an agent that can find a variety of lodging options. I'm more interested in know what towns have the most to offer in terms of food, wine, accessibility to other towns.

@jean, we are heading to Tuscany from a few days in Rome before heading to Florence.

Jean

I don't know the area of Grosseto/Campagnatico very well, but I'm sure you'd find great wine (Super Tuscans!) and enough to see/do/eat there in 2-3 days.

We love exploring the area between Montepulciano and Montalcino and between Montalcino and Siena, but then again so does everyone else. But in August? I don't know. It will be hot-hot-hot.

I think you need to anticipate that all of these towns will be extremely quiet in the heat/middle of the day.

FWIW, we had a lovely stay at this hotel in the historical center of Montepulciano. Note its wine bar.

http://www.locandasanfrancesco.it/index.php

bobthenavigator

I agree with Jean---I do not think you want that area of Tuscany---do you have a good map?

Did you read the link from Henry? Nice area with lots to see.
Look at Terre di Nano or Vecchia Oliviera

Dayle

rjl,

I'm going to throw an idea out to you. I have some friends who travel to Italy every year and have found some amazing, very untouristy places to stay by following this method -

The decide the area they want to see, and yes, they visit areas that everyone wants to see. But - they look for a small town they have never heard of, rather than staying in the towns everyone has heard of. They have been very happy with their choices!

One example is for the southern Tuscany area. Rathern than stay in Montepulciano/Montalcino/Pienza, they chose a B&B in Panecale and did day trips all around from there.

If you really want to stay off the beaten track, you might try this method. It does require you to do more indepth research of your own and being willing to take a chance staying a places either less reviewed/recommended, or no reviews at all!

On my trips, I've usually stayed in towns others have heard of, but I have stayed in lodging most of the time where I am the Fodor's guinea pig. I've never had an unacceptable stay, most all have been wonderful and a couple just OK.

Buon viaggio!