Having a hard time deciding between Il Giardion Segreto in Pienza and Agriturismo La Crociona outside Montalcino as a base for southern Tuscany in early May. Has anyone stayed in either? Also, is anyone familiar with Ca San Trovaso in the Dorsoduro area of Venice (Calle Pometti) We're open to suggestions in the Amalfi area for 6 days. We're thinking 2 nights in Ischia and maybe 4 in Sorrento or Positano. Budget is $100 U.S. if possible. Not picky as far as B&B, small hotel, apt., etc. as long as it's clean and safe. Younger couple, interested in relaxing, history. We'll likely be taking train or other public transport to and from small towns in A.C. Thanks in advance for your help!

Afernico,
I have stayed at La Crociona and loved it. Nice apartments, friendly owners, good location. Suggest you check reviews on Trip advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...o_Tuscany.html
And Slow travel http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/vr/list.asp?r=Tuscany South
For places to see http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm

I've stayed in Il Gardino Segretto and thought it was well placed. It's not fancy but had everything you need in an apartment plus there's a large garden you can sit in.

The reason why we chose a place in a town is so we could enjoy wine with dinner and not have to worry about driving back over dark, winding roads.

Thanks for the endorsements!

Henry - I'm glad you enjoyed it. It sounds like a really unique experience, which is what drew us to it. How far outside of town is it? How did you enjoy Montalcino? Did you get to try their wine?

Adrienne - I can see where that would be a big plus. How was the parking arrangement since they are located in town?

Afernico,
It is about 3 km outside Montalcino, about a 3 minute drive or twenty minute walk. I love Montalcino, it has everything a tourist needs. La Crociona wines (crocedimezzo)are outstanding, I especially liked the Crociato nero.
La Crociona is in the small village of La Croce which has a resraurant.

I don't see prices on the La Crociona website. Are they similar to Il Giardino?

You will likely have to pay to park in Montalcino. I've always had to pay there (used to be a free lot just below the town, but it was charging on my last visit), but can usually find free parking in Pienza.

kybourbon,
The prices go from about 65 to 100 euro depending on the apartment (studio, one bedroom, two-bedroom), time of year and length of stay.

Il Giardino Segreto is slightly cheaper. I'm looking at 6 nights for four people. Giardino is 500EU and La Crociona about 600. How expensive was the parking?

Afernico,
There is no charge for parking at La Crociona. There are covered stalls for each apartment.

It wasn't that expensive (1.50€ per hour ?), but it was annoying. You have to guess how long you will be there for most parking machines and pay in advance. Other areas, parking is one hour only. You have to leave a parking dial (should be in your rental car) with the time set. You might not go to Montalcino every night for dinner so it won't be a problem all the time.

I've stayed at Il Giardino and enjoyed being able to just walk to dinner. La Crociona has a pool so that might be a plus if it's open in May. I've also stayed just a few miles outside Pienza (between Pienza and San Quirico) at an agristurismo, Bonellino Vecchio. It was a similar price range and has a pool. I don't believe any of the places have AC. They all seem to be good budget choices.

http://www.agriturismobonellinovecch...mms/romms.html

http://www.prolocomontalcino.it/inde...id=132&lang=en

My wife would like to hit a couple of museums in Florence. Is that area going to be too far out of the way to day trip to Florence? I could probably work in a night in Florence between Venice and that area.

Afernico,
I have never driven in to Florence, too much hassle. I have taken the train from Buonconvento (about 15 minutes from Montalcino) into Florence, about 2 hours and less than 10 euro.
There is no problem with parking in Montalcino for dinner the parking is free after 8 PM.