Tracey

Hello- <BR> <BR>We're leaving for Tuscany & Umbria next week. The first week we are staying in an apartment at Villa Il Poggio. I found this location from advice here on the sight, but unfortunately, can't seem to locate the original posts. I'm wondering if anyone can give me specifics about this place - if you've stayed there, how you liked it, etc? We are using this as our home base for our week in Tuscany, so we're also interested in hearing about good restaurants, sights, must-sees, etc. that are near by. <BR> <BR>Thanks for any help! <BR>Tracey

mary

We just returned from Tuscany the other night!! You are in for such a treat!!! I am not familiar with your hotel but Sinalunga is a good location. You must go to Pienza( my favorite) this town is known for the pecorino cheese--- also Montalcino is wonderful with a great fortress and great wines! <BR>In Siena, we had dinner at the Cane e Gato which was absolutely fabulous. In Chianti country we went to the Castle di Brolio which is fantastic with a small lovely restaurant at the bottom of the hill--- San Gimignano is also wonderful (a little touristy)! Of course you will probably go to Cortona with the most incredible steep hills-- the Saturday market is fun--I bought tablecloths for $5!!!! Enjoy yourself --the weather was perfect <BR>Mary

Tracey

Thanks for your response Mary! We can't wait to go, and will probably end up in most of the towns that you mentioned. One question - did you find it necessary to make reservations in the restaurants? If you did, was it difficult to do? I keep practicing the phrase "Mi dispiace, non parlo italiano bene!"

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Tracey, I believe you got the tip from <BR>me to stay there. I have not stayed at <BR>Il Poggio personally but I love that <BR>location to explore south Tuscany and <BR>parts of Umbria. I did have a client <BR>stay there about a year ago and they liked it, but said it was a bit rustic. <BR>I assume you have seen the web site at <BR>www.villailpoggio.ware.it Have fun !

mary

We did make reservations at the Cane e Gato the day of--- No problem at all with reservations--- I know in Florence we saw some people turned away--however we never came across this!! <BR>Enjoy <BR>MAry

joanne mudd

Another hill town is Multipulciano, known for so-so, as it turns out, wine but good restaurants that did not require reservations. If you can go off to Deruta, nearer to Assisi, go to the factory district where you can buy and ship gorgeous pottery. This is a stuff sold at the likes of Neiman Marcus for a fraction of the price. At one such factory we were taken on a tour by the owner while his daughter tallied up our purchase. I've never experienced people more gracious. We had them ship our plates and they arrived months later but in perfect shape. Make sure you go to Assisi now that the cathedral is reopened/restored. The town is quite amazing. You can sense the spirit of St. Francis everywhere. <BR>Have a great time. <BR>Joanne