Thank you very much Bob. Your suggestions are great. We drove into Florence last time and we weren't sure our tiny car would even fit down the street we needed to go down. It was so tight that a vespa along the side had to get out of our way before we could proceed !! My only hesitation is staying outside the walls of Siena. Because I have a limited amount of "walking power", I was concerned about getting into the town itself. Can you take a taxi in ?

Yes, you can taxi into town--all the way to the Duomo on top of the hill to save your legs. After that, you can walk around most of Siena easily. The hotel is about a :15 walk from the Campo. Or, stay 20 km south at Palazzo del Capitano in San Quirico and bus into Siena. That is a great base for south Tuscany.

Again, thanks for the quick reply. I'm feeling rushed to make reservations for July....or do you think I have plenty of time. I had found a place called Hotel Le Terre Rosse through Tuscany Net that appeals to me (although noone on the board seems to have heard of it). It has ground floor rooms and looks very accessible. I may just take a chance on it. In Florence I am going to make reservations at Hotel Casci. Only loose end is accommodations around Assisi (you mentioned Malverina) and Tropea in Southern Italy. You have been such a big help, any more suggestions?<BR><BR>12 trips !!! Lucky you ! No wonder you have so many good ideas !<BR><BR>

I would book now. Look at Palazzo Bocci in Spello--I like that village. I do not know the place in Tuscany, and I know most of them--check it out well.<BR>Also look at www.lacosta.it--a real sleeper in Montefollinico. Casci is a good bet--also look at residenza Giotti.

Thanks again. It appears that the hotel in Spello is within the walls, am I correct ? Are cars allowed? I have emailed both places (Palazzo Bocci and Hotel Piccolo Oliveta) to see if they have a ground floor double room or an elevtor, which I'm doubting.

We did park in the town square in Spello, about a block from the hotel, but that is not always true. I seem to recall an elevator--it is a nice hotel.

For the record, I could easily spend 3 days in Siena. I could spend a week there.

Bob,<BR>Received a confirmation email from Hotel Piccolo Oliveta. I am very excited, it sounds great !! Cooking classes even !! I am a little concerned about Spello, so have another question for you or anyone else with an answer. You recommended Palazzo Bocci. The tour book I looked at indicated it was a real workout for the legs in Spello. Perhaps they meant they climb into Spello, and since this hotel is within the walls, I would be okay, given I can't hike a long disance. Just want to clarify, as I don't want to get into a situation that is impossible for me.

They call them hill towns for a reason.<BR>It is not too bad in town, but any of these villages call for good legs. I am not sure of your tolerance.

I think I'll book Spello for 2 nights. If it turns out to be too much, it won't be for long. Thanks for all of the advice. My only accomodation left to book is something between Sorrento and Reggio di Calabria (besdies Reggio itself, which I don't think will be a problem). Thinking of Tropea. Any ideas anyone?

Have you considered taking a trip to Civita? We're going there in 2004, and I've heard it's one of a kind.

My understanding is that Civita is probably tougher to get into than other hilltowns. I could be wrong though. I am trying to find a place near Assisi where the hiking/walking wouldn't be too hard. I have some walking/hiking limitations and don't want to get over my head. I had read great things about Malvarnia. Looks wonderful. I read that the dining room is in the old wine celler. Steps are fine with me as long as it's not to steep...or just a ladder!! Anyone with experience?