pencey28

DH and I are heading to Tuscany this fall. I'm taking him to celebrate his birthday so am ready to splurge to make it a bit more special (not that any trip to Tuscany isn't special!)
We will be there for a week and will be spending the first 2 days in Florence before venturing out to the countryside. The Lungarno and Helvetia and Bristol are front-runners in Florence and in the countryside, Locanda Dell'Amorosa in Sinalunga and Villa Cicolina near Montepulciano are at the top of the list. Any thoughts on these properties (or other recommendations) to help with the decision making process would be greatly appreciated.
We will definitely be renting a car but I'm not sure whether to rent in Florence or train/bus it to another town on the way south. I want to rent a convertible if that makes a difference. (On this note, I'd love a suggested route for our trip to the second hotel to make a day of the trip).
Many thanks!!!

bobthenavigator

You have good tastes---any of those hotels will be great. I would add La Saracina to that list, and Terre di Nano if you do not mind spending less.
I would rent in Florence and drive south, but the convertible will be VERY expensive---check it out. Use Google Maps for your routing once you book the location.

Click my name for our trip report from this May in Tuscany.

anna_roz

La Saracina (between Pienza and Montepulciano) would be wonderful. Also take a look at Villa Poggiano closer to Montepulciano. Pretty darn awesome! BTW, we stayed at both so I am speaking from personal experience.

pencey28

Thanks to both of you for your feedback. I will look into Saracina and Poggiano as well. I'm hoping that the convertible won't bust the budget!

uflecku

Stayed at Poggiano a few times and would highly recommend.

Mimar

When exactly are you taking this trip? It can get a little cool and rainy for a convertible later in the fall. And you might consider picking up your rental car at Florence's airport -- to avoid driving in central Florence.

pencey28

We will be traveling in early October. I have heard that driving in Florence can be tricky. Fortunately, my husband has done it and feels comfortable with it.

uflecku

Driving in Florence proper is tricky, and not recommended, but you needen't do so. You won't need the car in the city so rent it after your time there is done. Otherwise you'll have to deal with the hassle of parking it and paying for it for 2 days you don't need it.

Sueis_outoftheoffice

A couple of ideas for you Pencey-

If you want a special day to celebrate a birthday you might consider a small group tour where everything is taken care of. http::/www.slow-days.com do a day trip to a family run vineyard, visit a medieval hilltown and slow food restaurant. I would highly recommend them.

www.tuscanyvintagecartours.com . I have no direct experience with them but it looks like an interesting way to see Tuscany.