Hi all, thank you so much for all your thoughtful, detailed replies. All your advice was very spot on and valuable to me. After I had read all the posts here and discussed it with my family, we decided that we will shelve our Tuscan day trip and have an easy, relaxing day in Florence instead. Late fall/early winter is probably better for visiting major cities instead of venturing out into the countryside. We will save Tuscany for when we return to Italy for a summer trip next time, then at least we're more likely to have better weather.

Thank you again!

We spent a week in Southern Tuscany over nye last year

Here are our photos of Tuscany in the winter to give you an idea - we thought it was beautiful

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gi...7639164500734/

@jamikins,

Your photos are absolutely stunning. I've pretty much changed my mind and decided to go. I will show your beautiful photos to my family and convince them that we have to go!

Thank you for sharing these! I really appreciate it.

darkonfire...I am so glad that you have reconsidered. Tuscany is stunning. The green grass is such a tiny part of what makes it amazing.

Darkonfire - you are most welcome! I am so glad you liked them. We had a wonderful time and yes it was a bit damp some days but it's winter and one has to expect that. Weather proof jacket in hand and you should have no problems. And much we fewer crowds!

Enjoy whatever you decide!

Summer would be my least favorite time to visit Tuscany; apart from the crowds, it's sometimes very hot. Late autumn, winter, or early spring are the times when the mass tourism has died down.

The grass in this part of the world generally remains green 12 months of the year. Given sufficient rain, it doesn't get cold enough to turn it brown.

If you are in the San Quirico - Montepulciano area, have a look at Bagno Vignoni, a tiny village with a piazza filled by a hot spring, a dramatic sight.

I have to agree with flanneruk--the guy must make his money on vinyard trips. This is the problem with generalities.

Lots of beauty always, and you never really know about the weather!

Gorgeous shots, jamikins.