My wife and I, along with another couple, are planning 4-6 days leisurely taking in the Tuscan countryside. We are looking for a nice base of operations and place to stay. I suspect we'll want to explore Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza, Siena, San Gimignano, and the Chianti Region. This may be too optimistic, but we'll improvise.

We're fairly flexible on area where we stay, but definitely want a great (but not too expensive) accomodation for 4 that will make the experience memorable. A farmhouse/apartment with kitchenette would be desirable, and a nice patio with views to sip our Chianti or Barolo before dinner would be ideal.

We all love wine, and experimentation will definitely be part of our plans!

I'm a bit overwhelmed at the variety of accomodations, so any suggestions on specific accomodations would be very appreciated. Thanks!

Check into Il Rosolaccio, near San Gimigniano -www.ilrosolaccio.com. We're staying there for 5 night in June on the recommendation of trustworthy friends who've stayed there twice and loved it. Prices seem reasonable for the time of year, and it looks lovely.

We (2 couples) stayed at http://www.agriturismotorrenieri.it/ in October 2005 and I think it would fit your plans. It's owned by two sisters who live in Pienza. We had the whole place to ourselves. Nice kitchen with a fireplace in it. You're on your own for breakfast. If you want to check out the location on Google Earth the lat/lon is 43.115026N, 11.660504E

Also check out www.agriturismo.com for places like this. That's how I've found all the agriturismi we've stayed in.

Interesting. Using Google Earth has added a whole new dimension - and confusion - to my investigation!

Has anyone heard of Le Capanne di Sopra, (also near Pienze in Montefollonico), or Palazzina Cesira in Montalcino? Both were recommended.

Also, check out www.slowtrav.com they have a bunch of reviews of places all over Italy.

You can also check:

http://www.tuscanweb.com/property/?ID=4488

Palazzina Cesira is nice. I also recommend Podere Torre in Greve. They have a small apt. with a rooftop view you'd love,
Split your stay.

Hi Jelliott3,

For what you want to do, I would also recommend spliting your stay. Stay further north, maybe in Chianti, for your Chianti wine tasting and visiting Siena, San Gimignano. Stay south around Montepulcian/Pienza/Montalcino for those towns and Brunello (not Barolo).

I loved staying in Montalcino, where it's ALL about the Brunello. Dinners at Grappolo Blu are excellent, where the traditional Tuscan food is the perfect compliment for Brunello.

Buon viaggio!