We are puzzled about where to base ourselves for about 5 days in Tuscany or...whether to base ourselves at all. Is there a better base in terms of being scenic, but also convenient for a quicker trip home at the end of the day?

Hmmm !
What time of year?
Will you have a car?
Have you been before?
Are you a family with children?

It's my opinion that the best location to base in Tuscany is somewhere in the vicinity of Siena - perhaps in an agriturismo just to the south of town.

This would be the most central location, from which you can easily reach the Val d'Orcia, Chianti, Monterggioni, San Gimignano, etc, etc.

Here is a good start. You do want somewhere in the Siena province. Have fun !

BOB’S FAVORITE DIGS IN TUSCANY

Siena province is easily my favorite part of Tuscany. Here is a list of accommodations that I suggest. All prices assume a typical double room.

A. RURAL LOCATIONS: All have parking and good food options nearby

1. Relais La Saracina www.lasaracina.it 230 to 300E
Fabulous country home near Montepulciano—helpful owners

2. Le Traverse www.letraverse.it 155E
Small B&B just south of Pienza—hard to beat at the price—has pool

3. Lucignanello Bandini www.piccolomini.it 150[2] to 244E[4]
These are apartments in a lovely but remote rural setting.

4. Hotel Pescille www.pescille.it Good value at a rustic hotel only 3 km from famed San Gimignano with great views---100 to 130E

5. Fattoria Tregole www.fattoria-tregole.com 110E to 180E
Has both B&B and apartment accommodations. Near Castellina in Chianti


B. IN-TOWN LOCATIONS: For walking convenience to shops etc.

1. Palazzo del Capitano www.palazzodelcapitano.com 130 to 180E
Very nice small hotel in center of San Quirico—perfect location to explore.

2. Vecchia Oliviera www.tuscany.net/oliviera/ 130 to 180E
Nice 4 star hotel at the gate into lovely Montalcino---has pool.

3. Palazzina Cesari www.montalcinoitaly.com 80 to 110E
Lovely small B&B in heart of Montalcino—great value—2 nite stay minimum.

4. Locanda di San Francesco www.locandasanfrancesco.it 180 to 200E
New boutique B&B in a lovely location in Montepulciano—great reviews !

5. Palazzo Ravizza www.palazzoravizza.it 130 to 180E
Very nice & popular hotel in Siena with parking.

virginiafish,
I think having a base is a good idea. Packing/unpacking and moving is time consuming and a pain in the ...
Try to determine where you want to visit then look for a base in the middle of most of your 'wants'.
I have a large file on Tuscany, too big to post but e-mail me and I will send it.

Henry

I'm older now so that "got to see it all" gene has, thankfully, died. Therefore, I settle on a base and drive from there. You don't get to see everything but you can't anyway with only five day. If you pick the right base, you can cover miles and miles of territory and really indulge in some wonderful new discoveries.

On the other hand, if your luggage is light, you might find a fun adventure in picking two hotels at opposing ends and explore from each.

In the past, my favorite base has been Chianti but Tuscany offers several wonderful choices. A car will offer the most freedom to explore.

Don't be put off by the rain in April. Tuscan skies are quite dramatic in March/April.

Totally endorse the environs of Siena for this venture. But, that 'environs' part is important. Siena itself, (the town itself) is notoriously difficult to drive in and out of and can make you crazy.

You will need a good local map of wherever you settle on as a base. In Siena I drove past the Porta Roma three times until I got a map at a gas station. Siena no longer confuses me but I've been there a few times now.

virginiafish,
The file has been e-mailed to you. It is a large file so it may go to your 'bulk' folder.

Henry