Help - best base for exploring Tuscany?
 

I am looking at two agroturismos - one is Collelungo near Castellina (sort of between Florence and Lucca), and one is Metina, near Montepulciano.

Metina is half the price and I've heard good things. But I wonder if it's more out of the way for exploring Tuscany.
Opinions welcome!

Sorry, I was wrong in my description of the location of Collelungo. It is in Chianti, between Florence and Siena.

If you are looking to spend most of your time in the southern Tuscany area, which IMHO is THE most beautiful area of Tuscany, then definitely choose Montepulciano.

We recently spent a week in Montalcino with day trips in the area, including Montepulciano. I have never seen more beautiful towns, countryside, friendly people, (mostly), etc. We took a day trip also out to the Chianti and Castellina area and enjoyed it. But it does not hold a candle to the area of Montepulciano.

You can search for my trip report of October 2006 to get very detailed report of what we did, etc. and if there is anything else I can help you with after that, I will be happy to try.

When you say "exploring Tuscany",I'd say neither is perfect. Tuscany spreads out and ,for instance,it's a long drive from Lucca to Montepulciano.
I love both the north and southern Tuscany. Each has its own charms.
I would do searches here and at slow Travel for the agriturismos.
How long is your time there? What time of year?

I, too, prefer the area around Montepulciano to the northern portions of Tuscany...beautiful, beautiful area! In any case, I know you'll love Tuscany!

Thanks for the opinions. I'm very torn, because I was leaning to the one near Radda, because it would make for easy day trips to Florence. Such a hard decision!

We stayed at Agrotourismo Crociona near Montalcino last summer and had a wonderful time. quite convenient for wineries, sight seeing, etc. Depending on the time of year, they also have a nice outdoor pool and lovely restaurant.

A year later, I'm wondering where Chelsea stayed in Tuscany?? We stayed at Metina in 2001, had a wonderful time, found it very well located, loved the operators and can't wait for the chance to go back...once the kids are grown...we have often said when we're choosing the location just for us, we're headed back to Metina!!!