Bob. My husband and I, plus our seven month year old son are travelling to Tuscany next week as a last minute holiday we have always wanted to do. Having read so many threads, would it be best for us to base ourselves in one location in Val d'Orcia or should we spend a couple of days in a few locations (and is Chianti worth it?). We'd prefer to stay somewhere homely v elegant, smart and expensive, so any recommendations would be really appreciated. We'll be hiring a car.

I can't help you with Tuscany specifics but unless you pack very light and your son is incredibly adaptable, I would not move around. Too much hassle packing, unpacking, losing stuff, and time wasted. Enjoy your trip!

Hi Sims,

Bob is in Italy now and I'm sure he and Mrs. Nav are having a lovey time.

Since this is a very last minute trip, I would just make it was easy as possible. If you have some towns you especially want to visit, pick one and see if you can get an apartment rental or something similar for the week.

Don't make it hard by trying to make multiple reservations and move around. There is plenty to see for a week within a short drive of any town you happen to choose. Especially with a little one when your schedule will need to be build around the baby.

There are several good web sites where you can search,

italyby.com
venere.com
chianti.net

and many others that specialize in apartments. I wouldn't try to hassel with a vrbo.com property with this short notice.

Do reserve a car in advance. Depending on where you decide to stay, Florence, Pisa airport, Chiusi, Orvieto are good places to pick up/drop off. Smaller towns will have more limited operating hours.

What is your objective for Tuscany? Relaxing? Wine tasting and food? Scenery? What towns do you especially want to vist?

SimsEllis,
I agree that one apartment location will be much easier with a little one. I like La Crociona http://www.lacrociona.com/
just outside Montalcino in the Val d'Orcia. I have a large file on this area. It is too big to post but if you e-mail me I will send it. [email protected]

Thanks all! Totally agree - one base is the solution - we would ideally like to rent somewhere with kitchen facilities (esp as I will need to prepare baby food etc). I have emailed La Crociona but any other recommendations in the Val d'Orcia area would again be hugely appreciated.

Oh our objectives are to just enjoy the scenery, do some wine tasting (would seem crazy not to!) and the food. We really enjoy places that are off the beaten track away from the heavy tourist scene, but also appreciate that the popular places are so for a reason!

Sims,

If you stay in the Val d'Orcia, you just can't go wrong. In a week you can easily visit a different town each day, Pienza, Montalcino, Buonconvento, Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni (SP?). Also visit the abbeys, Sant' Antimo and Monte Olivetto. Have a couple lunches and dinners out at recommended places. Visit a couple of wineries.

Can I come too? If think I'm hungry and I really, really need some brunello.

I suggest just staying in one place.

I just got back today from 2 weeks at my favorite place to visit in Italy- the Val d'Orcia. I stayed at Fonte Bertusi for the 5th time for the entire 2 weeks. This is a lovely agriturismo in a perfect location with beautiful views. The hosts are exceptional. Each apartment has a kitchen and patio. Breakfast is served in the breakfast room (with a view) and includes a wonderful variety of fresh foods.

http://www.fontebertusi.it/eng/