Hi, <BR>We will be in Florence during the beginning of October, we will be touring Tuscany (we have a car) and would like to stay outside of Florence in a quaint town. Does any one have suggestions for a town that is within approx. 30 minutes drive time to Florence? If so, do you have recommendations about accomodations? Thanks for your help. Peg

Peg, Get a good map and then go to this site and go crazy: www.tuscany.net <BR>I like the Villa Belvedere close to Colle for day trips to Siena, Volterra, <BR>and San Gim., but there are many good ones at that site. You may be late to get your pick. You may want to ask the helpful people at that site what may be available. Good luck !

Peg, we are about to visit florence for the first time. we have reservations in a quirky (apparently) three star with only 28 rooms in the heart of Florence. We are taking our children 11, and 14. The name is Hotel Unicorno (yes, unicorn!). when you call, or email, you'll get the proprieters, a husband and wife team. The hotel is renovated in a mixture of Japanese and old florence (really!). the hotel appears on serval websites along with pictures. we will have a car, too and the hotel has an arrangement with a parking garage across the street. i have NOT been there yet, but it seems like fun. Maybe we'll see you there!

Speaking of villas near Florence - is anyone familiar with the Villa Bonsi at Regello in Tuscany?

You haven't said what yor budget is, but there is a lovely place in the countryside called Relais La Suvera&lt;http://www.lasuvera.it/&gt; in Pievescola. It is well-situated for touring Tuscany, and it is gorgeous! It's an old papal villa from the 13th century -- Pope Julius II. Another suggestion is the Hotel Monteriggioni. &lt;http://www.hotelmonteriggioni.net/&gt; Only 12 rooms and very charming. One of the best restaurants in Tuscany is there: Il Pozzo. Enjoy! <BR>