KodakMoment

I'm planning a trip to Tuscany in late August, specifically the Val D'Orcia area. Would the countryside be too dry at that time of the year? Would your recommend early June instead? It's my first trip Tuscany and want to experience it at its best. August would be the ideal month, because I can take a longer vacation then.

kybourbon

It's dry and many places will be tilling fields so you see a lot of brown/gray dirt.

I've been late Aug/early Sept. several times. I wouldn't let it stop me from going. You might find a few festivals. Montepulciano's rolling the barrel is towards the end of August.
http://www.braviodellebotti.com/

Even if you aren't there on the exact day, the various contradas have events leading up to it. The Gracciano were cooking one night and a couple of the ladies were making pici. Community tables, vino, music, etc. We seemed to be the only people that weren't local.

It seems like the Pienza cheese festival was around the same time, but may have been in Sept.

kybourbon

It seems the cheese festival is the week after the rolling of the barrels.
http://www.turismo.intoscana.it/allt...val-in-pienza/

macanimals

"Less scenic"? Difficult to be objective as the area is always scenic but different in every season. We've enjoyed it in the Fall, late Fall, winter at various times and the spring--all are terrific. Always scenic and enjoyable. I'm a fan of the various agricultural cycles and always enjoy the activity as well as the turned earth. The vineyards in August will be in full foilage and laden with ripening grapes. I see no problems as to scenery.

Heat and crowds in August--that's another discussion.
Have fun.

loumartinez

Definitely, yes. Tuscan countryside gives his best at Spring and Fall, when countless shades of colors cover hills.
I mean, it is beautiful in August, as well, but if you can choose my suggestion would be to avoid the most crowded month of the year.

adrienne

The last time I was there, last 3 weeks in May, there was a noticeable difference in greenery between the first week and the third week. The landscape was much more brown by the end of May. It's still beautiful, even when the grass isn't green.

Ackislander

I don't know if you have been to Sonoma in California, but it will look a lot like Sonoma in the dry season.

HappyTrvlr

Chianti tends to be greener.

kybourbon

>>>I mean, it is beautiful in August, as well, but if you can choose my suggestion would be to avoid the most crowded month of the year.<<<

I haven't found southern Tuscany to be crowded at all in August (2nd half). In fact, it seemed quite deserted.

LunaBella

Val d'Orcia in April is ridiculously beautiful, it gets my vote for "Tuscany at its best." Everything is green and beautiful and bursting with spring.

That said though, it's just one person's opinion (but to give you an idea I think I've been to Tuscany 7 or 8 times now). Viva la primavera in Toscana!

However, if the only trip I could take for the year would be to the Val d'Orcia in August, I'd still gladly do it. Get a car and drive down all the little roads and eat at places that you can't find on the map and eat what is in season, you will be happy.

KodakMoment

Thank you for your replies! I'm leaning more towards June. Would the countryside still be lush and blooming at that time? Also, just one more question. I don't plan on driving. I am planning to base myself in Pienza or Montepulciano and do hikes from there, following suggested itineraries in Walking and Eating in Tuscany. (and then use the bus)..

Do you think that compensates for the driving? I'm talking scenery-wise, not logistics. I know the car is more practical, but I'm wondering if the roads have more to offer than the hiking paths.

KodakMoment

Early June, to be specific.

kybourbon

You need to check bus connections. Some places just aren't frequent and most have no Sunday service. If you are planning on hiking somewhere and taking a bus back, it might not work out.

Here's a bus map.

http://www.sienamobilita.it/mappe/Mappa_EXT.pdf

Pienza is more central, but is a very small town. You might get bored there depending on how long you plan to stay. Montepulciano is larger, but seems to have more paved roads around instead of the white roads (gravel) which a lot of people use for hiking.

KodakMoment

kybourbon, thank your very much for your help. I'm planning to stay 5 days in Tuscany.

Where do you usually base yourself?

I'm torn between Siena and Montepulciano.

The hotels in Siena sounds very affordable. I found a room for $66 at night. But I'm also tempted by the idea of staying at Politian apartments in Montepulciano.

kybourbon

In Pienza, I've stayed several places. In town, I stayed at Il Giardino Segreto and paid 45€ for their smallest apartment (La Serra) a few years ago (they also have a couple of rooms in addition to the apartments). Their prices on the website (under contattaci) don't seem to have changed, but perhaps they don't keep the site up to date. This is in the old town and they have a great courtyard. One thing I didn't care for was the bedroom was upstairs and the living area only had kitchen chairs for seating. The rooms and other apartments seem to have better seating options (perhaps they would bring a different type chair if you asked).

http://www.ilgiardinosegretopienza.it/

There are lots of other choices in Pienza old town. On this website, click the various rooms/apartments and you will get the direct website or e-mail for owners.

http://www.portalepienza.it/Siti_com...ttacamere.html

In Siena, I've stayed at the convent/hotel Alma Domus in the old town (to the left and behind San Domenico). Views are fabulous (overlooking the Duomo) and the rooms have AC. Beds are a tad hard. Breakfast is included and a single is 48€. I think they have a laundry somewhere in the building and a tv room. They also have a computer room (charge is reasonable).

http://www.hotelalmadomus.it/

You can see the rooms here if you want to scroll through the pics:

http://www.hotelalmadomus.it/inglese/FotoAlbergo.php

I would be tempted to spend a couple of days in Siena and a couple of days in either Pienza, Montalcino, San Quirico or Montepulciano. Siena is a lot bigger than the others and has a lot of "new town" surrounding it. There are quite a few bike rentals/tours from Siena.

Leely2

I would probably do as kybourbon suggests and split my time between Siena (more to do/see right in town and easy to arrange excursions if you want) and someplace smaller.

I've not visited in August, so can't comment on that.

anneeby

Kybourbon, I'm going to Italy in May and would love to talk to you. My email is anneeby at gmail. Thanks.

KodakMoment

Kybourbob, I think they should list Tuscany as a budget destination (particularly Siena and Val D'Orcia). I've checked the accommodations you gave me and they look really good for the price. In Rome and that 45 euros would only get you a room with a shared bathroom. Even in Istanbul, I'm having trouble finding a good room under 80euros.

kybourbon

You can stay in a convent in Rome for about that price and not share a bathroom. Most don't have much amenities and if they do, they will be more expensive. Rome has over 200 convents that offer rooms with prices ranging from 12€ to 300€.

Fraterna Domus is about that price and is a few minutes from Piazza Navona (11pm curfew). Santa Sofia is about 50€ for single with private bath (you can see the Colosseum from their piazza). I think they they've done away with their curfew.

http://www.casasantasofia.it/index.php/en/

Casa Paolo V behind the Vatican is under 40€ (has AC, private bath, but no breakfast). They may have a curfew (perhaps midnight).
http://www.ospitiamoconcuore.it/casa...enza-paolo-vi/

I've only shared a bathroom once at a tiny B&B in San G (no private bath option). I prefer private bath even at convents.