landlcochran

We'll be there 5 nights and I wonder whether to stay in Chianti two nights (Fattoria Vignale) - and then move South for the other 3 to La Saracina? Also, with both of these, are there places to have dinner in waking distance or do we need to drive?

Thanks!

Linda

buongiorno

As a practical matter, it all depends what you want to do or explore. If I'm correct, Fattoria Vignale is near Radda but not walking distance into the town of Radda so you'll need a car to get to town.

jabez

I'm sure you'll have a car and you'll need it for both.
Vignale is out in country. La Saracina is in a very tiny town and has a nice (expensive) restaurant. The little town also has a nice little pizza place you can walk to. Both seem very nice.

landlcochran

Yes, we will have a car. The plan for 5 days is mostly to poke around, eat and drink wine, go to a vineyard and maybe a one day cooking school and a trip to Pisa. I was thinking if we stayed in 2 locations versus 1, there would be less drive time and more relaxing. Plus, I was hoping to be near or in a town where you could walk to dinner - have a bottle of wine and not worry about driving. Any suggestions?

Linda

kayjay

Just returned from a stay at Relais Vignale in Radda and absolutely loved it. Great rooms with wonderful views and friendly, helpful staff. You might want to consider it because it is located in the charming village of Radda. No driving. Good restaurants - especially La Purla (sp?) and Pizza Pie.

Weadles

Relais Fattoria Vignale is located on the main street in Radda. You won't need a car, which is one of the reasons we decided to stay there this past August.

We absolutely loved the Vignale, and found many restaurants within walking distance. We especially liked Pizzeria Michele, whose owner is hysterically charming and funny. Vignale has two good restaurants, one of which is located right in the hotel, but it is expensive.

I would recommend a two or three night stay at Vignale, and then moving on to someplace south of there.

Good luck with your plans!

Barb

I might be wrong, but I think La Saracina is in between Pienza and Montepluciano and it is off the main road, but there isn't a town there, just La Saracina. I don't think there is a restaurant there either. We drove up to it recently, but did not go in.

jabez

Oops! My descriptions are flipped-flopped.Fattoria Vignale is the one with the expensive restaurant in the small town of Radda and La Saracina is out in country.Sorry.
Either way, a car is needed for both, but Vignale gives some options on foot.

landlcochran

Thanks all for all your feedback. I tried to book Vignale directly with them yesterday for September 8 and 9 - they said they were fully booked! Those dates are Thursday and Friday. I'm hoping that maybe they wanted the weekend days booked together and suggested 3 nights 8,9 and 10----we'll see

Linda

Weadles

landcochran

I seem to remember that Vignale required us to book a minimum of three nights. Maybe your second request will work. If not, there's also another hotel in Radda that looked quite nice. It is on the tiny back street that is full of shops, and I've forgotten the name! Maybe somebody else here has it? Anyway, the hotel has a spa and restaurant, and really seemed like a good place to stay.

Good luck!