mama_mia

You can get a rental car in Chiusi. We stayed in Montepulciano last fall and did day trips to Pienza, Montalcino, and Assisi. We had a car, though. Aside from Assisi, the other towns are pleasant short rides away.

Pienza is about 8.5 miles from Montepulciano; there are walking paths, or at least, less traveled roads.

mvor

If you decide on Montepulciano, here's another rec for the apartments, and owners, at: http://www.appartamentialpoggiolo.it

We also stayed in #3 which has a lovely little terrace and the grounds/town make for wonderful photos. Even if you don't stay here, check out their site for walks in the area.

Your Paris photos are terrific; thanks for sharing.

Nelson

Thanks for the info mama_mia and mvor.

Looks like the train from Florence to Chiusi is 1 hour, 15 minutes. Bus from Chiusi to Monetepulciano is 50 minutes.

Then, there are buses heading from Montepulciano to the neighboring towns:
http://www.trainspa.it/EXTRAURBANO.htm

... but I do get the part about having a car!

SCFoodie and mvor, thanks much for the Poggiolo site. It looks great.

Nelson

I settled on Montepulciano, initially triggered by a suggestion here. I received a prompt reply and was able to book the last available room at Meublè Il Riccio, 100EU / night. It recives excellent online reviews.
http://www.ilriccio.net/english/index.html

Siena is within day trip range, for those who might be disappointed that I did not follow that advice. Renting a car is still TBD; we may wind up with one, hard to say at this time. In any case, I’m left with the felling that this was a no lose decision!

Thanks everyone for your help. Really appreciate it.

mama_mia

We stayed at the Politian Apartments; I can recommend them very highly too.

http://www.politian.com/

bobthenavigator

Have fun---good choice !

scotty09

apart from your look at the Adriatic while in Venice, you haven't yet expressed any interest in experiencing the other wet side of Italy----the Mediterranean. Have a look at the region called Cinque Terre that lies between Genoa and Pisa----small seaside towns, all connected by the Trains that run along the Italian Riviera...plus plenty of walking opportunities in the hills above the coast. You could take a train from Florence to Genoa, then make your way slowly back along the coast towards Pisa.....your local library should have Rick Steve's video on Cinque Terre

mvor

Nelson, your hotel looks lovely. Have a terrific trip~

SCFoodie

Great choice! Montepulciano is a wonderful town (hope you love it as much as we do) and the hotel looks fantastic. Can't wait to hear from you after your trip.

mama_mia

Nelson,
The hotel looks very nice. You will find some great photo ops in Montepulciano. It's easy to walk down to San Biagio, a lovely photo op. There is some sort of tourist center on Piazza Grande where we were able to book a driver for a reasonable rate for a tour of a winery. Passed some beautiful scenery, and the driver was agreeable to stopping for some photos along the way. I think they offered other day trips, but I am not sure. So I think you should be able to get out of town, one way or the other, even if you do not rent a car.

I seem to remember when while researching M I came across a travel report somewhere by a woman who also did not have a car but managed some day trips. If I can find it again, I will post.

There are many pleasant restaurants in town. My favorite was Diva E Macao. We also liked Cafe Poliziano (great view), Acquachetta, and Quatro Venti Two that we did not get to, which seem to have very good reviews and seem to be considered the best, are Ristorante le Logge del Vignola and La Grotto.

Nelson

mama_mia,

Something tells me that, given that user name, you have an affinity for Italy!

It would be great if you find that sans car, or should I say senza auto, trip report. Thanks for the restaurant recommendations. I'm sure we'll do a winery tour. Found this one, for example:
http://www.avignonesi.it/eng-aziende.htm

mvor, glad you liked my photos, by the way ... thanks.