Just returned from a fabulous trip to Tuscany!! Any questions?

Mary- Where did you go? What was especially wonderful and beautiful? How did you get around? In other words, tell us all about it! We're going next month and we can't wait! <BR>Byrd <BR>

Byrd: <BR>First stop was Villa Vignamaggio just outside Greve. This was featured in the movie "Much ado about Nothing". Thought this might make it commercial but not at all! Very charming and teriffic views. From this location we went to several areas: Greve, Radda, Florence and visited 2 wineries (Mon Santo & Verrazano). <BR> <BR>Florence was great, spent one day there (which was enough for us) saw the "David" and the interior of several churchs and then haggled in the market for various items. <BR> <BR>From there we went to Singalunga where we stayed at Locanda Del Amorosa - what a beautiful place and a spectacular restaurant. Stopped at San Gimignano (tourist trap--avoid) and then to Montalcino (ok) and Montepulciano (very fun but hilly - where comfortable shoes! <BR>Also went to Siena - (recommend). <BR> <BR>Then up to the Parma area. Great food but no one speaks the language! Not even the basics! Went to Bologna one day which was great - except we parked in a no-parking zone which was not clearly marked and got our car towed! To make a long story short we finally found someone who could piece together our bad italian and took us to the pound where the car was taken. $130 later we were back in business. Great area but difficult due to the total lack of communication -- even with our Inn - Il Gaidello (which by the way has FABULOUS food and is a stop if you are up there!) <BR> <BR>No language barriers in Tuscany or Montalcino etc -- most know enough to understand and communicate! <BR> <BR>Great Vino, Great food -- Time to hit the treadmill and return to voice mail! <BR> <BR>Have a GREAT time! Ciao <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Hi Mary- <BR>Sounds like a wonderful trip. Since we have been to Florence before, we're planning to just "pass through" on our way to Siena, where we'll stay. I was beginning to have second thoughts about this (of course there are so many things we didn't see before) but your report makes me feel beter about our plan. We remember Florence as being very noisy. I might have more questions for you as we near our departure time! Thanks for the report. <BR>Byrd <BR>

I have reservations for five days at Locanda del Amorosa in Sinalunga. I'm so glad to hear that you liked it. Could you tell me if there are convenient day trips to be taken from there? <BR> <BR>Thanks.

Mary, I'll be in Florence the last week of this month and plan to stay in Florence while taking bus trips to the outlying cities like Siena and so forth. <BR>I was planning on asking you how it is to get to the nearby cities from Florence. <BR> <BR>

<BR>we also stayed aat locanda del amarosa it was great- take a little drive and eat at Il Falconiere its great probably 25 min in cortona

Byrd, <BR>we bypassed Florence and stayed during 10 days at a lovely villa (17th. century) in the outskirts of Siena. From this basis we visited all Tuscany. The villa was not expensive. <BR>If you want I can give its name, addres and web-site. <BR>Enjoy your trip, <BR>Ismael

I can no longer keep biting my tongue. Trust me, the people in Bologna and Parma speak "the language," which happens to be Italian, their mother tongue. How many people in mid-America, or most other places, could greet Italian tourists in their own language?

Ismael.... <BR> <BR>3 COUPLES PLANNING A WEEK IN TUSCANY AND LOOKING FOR A REASONABLE VILLA AS HOME BASE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW THE NAME OF THE VILLA YOU STAYED AT AND THE PRICE THANKS

Mary, could you give me a price range for Villa Vignamaggio? Is it too expensive for someone on a budget, or would it be worth a splurge?

Nevine: <BR>There are a lot of fabulous day trips from Locanda Dell Amorosa. *Montepulciano is 20 minutes away - quaint town, but hilly! <BR>*Pienza is 20 minutes - small but food lovers paradise, this is the city known for true pecorino! <BR>*Montalcino is 35 minutes away - again quaint but I went during siesta so it was a little boring as most shops were shut down. <BR>*Sienna is 45-60 min. Definatly worth <BR>the trip. If you have time go to Cane & Gatto Restaurant (Excellent) but you need to know that this experience is a long one! (3+ hours) If you can spare the time this is the best restaurant on my whole trip! You will need reservations as this only seats 20. (put room key in car versus leaving at the desk which closes at midnight). <BR>Enjoy - PS ask for a history book in english of Locanda - it is facinating! <BR>PSS..If you want to go on a balloon ride, call or e-mail "Ballooning in Tuscany" They can set off from Locanda!Their web site is "balloningintuscany.com". Robert Etherington is the owner and is great!

Anthony: <BR>I found the driving to be rather easy, but you need to have a bit of patience as signage is not what we are used to. Florence isn't the most centrally located but shouldn't be a huge issue.

Meredith: <BR>Our room was L290,000 ($160)per night - but we had an apartment - living room, bathroom, bedroom. They also have regular rooms that I am sure are less. Check out their web site @ www.villamaggio.com for prices.

I concur with Mary that Cane e Gatto is a wonderful restaurant. Also my favorite on a two week trip to Italy last June. I just sent two friends there and they also said it was their favorite and one of the best meals ever. It is worth the time. My recollection is that the meal for two was around $110. But that was for 5-6 courses and wine. there is no menu, only what the owner/chef is making that day. So if you are fussy, stay away. But if you like wonderfully prepared gourmet food, this place is for you. And it is all delicious. Enjoy. <BR>

Jan, <BR>My husband & I spent 2 weeks in a villa in Tuscany that we rented from a company based in Pennsylvania called Untours (like the Uncola.) They were featured in an issue of Frommer's Budget Travel last year. (Can I mention that here?) They rent places for typically 2 or 4 weeks in the high season, but I believe that you can arrange something else off season. The package deal included air fare, rental car and the apartment for two weeks for $2000 per person. Although they rent apartments, we actually stayed in a family chapel (on a vineyard) that had been converted into an "apt." with a kitchen, dining/living room area with fireplace and 2 bedrooms. The main house of the family had been converted into 4 apartments that were quite spacious. They have an onsite contact who meets you at the airport and you go by bus from Florence to Siena to pick up your car and then they escort you to your place. They also have an orientation the next day with useful info on parking, markets, events, etc. Their web address is www.untours.com. Have a great time!

We are leaving in a week for Tuscany and Umbria for a two week stay. We are bringing our 5 year old and two year old daughters. Do you have any suggestions on things to do with kids (or not do)?

Meredith, <BR>Try the Poggiacolle farm. Fantastic location on a hill across from beautiful San Gimignano. about 100.000 lire a night ($50) for double room with shower and toilet. <BR>The owner is Stefano Bartali. <BR>e-mail: [email protected] <BR>We haven't stayed there but saw it on our way, and booked the whole farm for the family in April. <BR>It is a simple modest very old farm house with real authentic atmosphere. Nothing fancy. <BR>Ada