We are going to visit Tuscany in September. We will rent a car and are wondering if we should fly into Rome or Florence.

Also, if we fly into Florence, we will spend a couple days there before picking up our car and heading out into the countryside.

Any suggestions as to whether we should fly into Rome or Florence?

If we fly into Florence, any suggestions as to a place to stay that is close to the center of Florence? (not real expensive, maybe a bed & breakfast?)

I think you've answered your own question. "If we fly into Florence, we will spend a couple days there...." Sounds good, and the Florence airport is much smaller, less hassle, etc.

"Not real expensive." I don't know what that means, but look at www.touristhouseghiberti.com. It's not a hotel, more like a B&B, and near the Duomo. It gets good reviews on Tripadvisor.com and by fellow Fodorites.

It's always best to give as specific as possible a price range and your needs; then those who have recommendations will know if they fit your needs.

I also agree that flying into FIR would be better. It's probably closer to the places you want to go, but as mentioned it is smaller, much more manageable, and about 20 min to town. FCO is alright, but would much prefer FIR.

HI B,

I can highly recommend the B&B Peterson in Florence.

www.bedinflorence.it

See my trip report for details:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

The advantage of Rome would be that it is more likely you could fly directly there, whereas Florence is a small airport, and I would think that it would require a change of plane somewhere.

Depending on where you wish to start your trip, then Driving from Rome Airport to Tuscany may work out quicker.

Hi,

I agree about flying into Florence for convenience, though depending on where you're flying from, less expensive airfare may be found to Rome. You can catch the train to Florence right from the Rome airport, if that's a concern for you. There is a wonderful B&B that a friend an I stayed at in the heart of Tuscany near Chianti which was a great location for touring the Tuscan countryside, villages, etc. The name is Villa Rosa and here is a link to read about it: http://www.tuscany.net/rosaboscorotondo/ . I think they have their own web site too, but I lost the link and couldn't immediately locate it with a Google search. However, the booking site link has a lot of pictures and information about the villa. The pictures are true to the condition and ambience of the villa. It would be a lovely romantic place to stay for a couple. I would call them directly to book as I think you'll get a better price (or look for their web site). The couple who owns Villa Rosa also own a property in Florence near the Uffizzi Gallery which gets great ratings, though it was a few years ago I read about it and I can't remember the name (might be Hotel Torre Guelfo, or something like that...We learned of it after the fact so didn't actually stay there). If you are interested in finding out, ask them when you call Villa Rosa. Who knows, if you stayed both places they might offer you a discount?? If not, Villa Rosa is already quite affordable and it is a GEM! The rooms feature beautiful hand-made furniture that they designed themselves. The bathroom was roomy and included a shower and a big, wonderful soaking tub (great for sore legs after wandering around all day). We were able to visit all of the villages we wanted to from that central location and return in the evenings (Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, etc.). They serve breakfast (included) and they also offer dinner if you let them know in the morning that you'd like to eat dinner there. Everything is cooked fresh (they have their own little garden outside the kitchen door) and is served family style. The food was absolutely fabulous and after eating there the first night, we opted to eat there whenever we would be close enough to get back in time. There is also a pool on the hill behind the Villa, if you're interested. We didn't use it to swim, but did sit out there and relax one evening which was very pleasant. The place is surrounded by olive groves and a sweeping view of the rolling hills across the road. There's also a little reading room to relax in.
I can't wait to go back to Florence either. It's one of my favorite cities in the world! Don't pass up an opportunity to spend a few days there. You won't regret it. I can't recommend the hotel we stayed at in Florence since I've heard it's gone rather downhill since then, but some of these other suggestions you've received are going into my bookmarks! I do recommend you stay somewhere in the areas between the Duomo and the train station for easiest access to points of interest. There are some nice places across the river too, near Pitti Palace, which is still walking distance to points of interest (Don't miss the gardens of the Pitti Palace!!! Wonderful views!).
Buon viaggio!
Beth

Will you fly into one city and home from the other? That would save you backtracking to your original city.
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Are you from the US? If so, to fly into Florence you must connect through some other European airport. Many US cities offer direct flights to Rome. Delta offers a direct flight from JFK/NYC to Pisa, which is an hour from Florence.