I will be spending 3 days in Tuscany and need a recommendation on either B&B's/Farmhouse/Hotel about mid was between Siena & Florence. Our plans are to rent a car and use the the B&B for a base to visit at least two or three towns, e.g. San Gimignano, Siena & perhaps Voltera. We prefer to not stay in a larger town like San Gimignano.

What time of year? Le Torri rents by the week most of the time, but business seems to be off everywhere so you might be able to stay a few nights.
http://www.letorri.com/index.php?dis...hianti-tuscany

The time of your is end of May the high season.

Willem46

Look at Hotel Pescille just outside San Gim. or Fattroia Tregole near Castellini.

Would you consider an apartment? In May of 2006, I stayed less than a week at:

http://www.fattoriacasasola.com/

It's not far from the FI-SI 4-lane highway, and a great spot for daytrips around central Tuscany. They usually rent for a week at a time, but they are able to be flexible outside of high season.

I've found some great properties through www.italiancollection.com, including a farmhouse they're promoting at the moment called Le Macchie. In fact, my friend had her wedding there just 2 weeks ago and it was absolutely amazing! Anyway, the service is professional and kind, they speak wonderful English, and they have a large variety so I think they can meet many tastes and budgets. Happy hunting!

Thank you all for your excellent responses. I am now communicating with the suggestion and reviewing Trip Advisors comments and discussing my stay with owners.

We will be coming in form Rome via train and renting a car for 3 days to travel to and in Tuscany. After the 3 days we will return the car and spend day in Florence and then onto Venice. My question is where is the best location to rent and return a car in Florence? It appears the air port is best, but I cannot tell. I guess I would take the train into Rome and then take a bus to the airport to rent pick up the car?
Thank you in advance for you response.

Willem46

If you are coming from Rome, I would train to either Orvieto or Chiusi to pick up the car. From there, drive through southern Tuscany (Montepulciano/Pienza are not far). I would stay somewhere in the Pienza area depending on which hill towns you want to visit. Airport rentals usually cost more. You could return your car at Chiusi and train on to Florence or save your Siena visit to last and return your car there.

Grazie,

Willem46

We absolutely LOVED our stay here:

http://www.lalocandadimontisi.it/eng/hotel-siena.htm

I have narrowed my search to three places since I cannot convience Gabriele @ LeTorri to rent for 4 days. However he was extremely helpful in recommending a few places and even invite my wife and I for a glass of wine and tour if we are in the area.

The three choices are

Fattroia Tregole - Castellina
PODERE CASANOVA = Montespertoli
la canonica di cortine - Barberino Val D'Elsa

I would appreciate any comments on the facilities and the where their are located.

Grazie,

Willem46

Willem,

We stayed at Hotel Residence San Sano**** in Chianti. Although it was a windy drive to San Gimignano and Voltera, we loved it. Very tiny village, lovely breakfast under the arbor in the garden and dinner by reservation. Beautiful, quiet place and excellent owners. Ancient, stone walled rooms. Nice pool, and you can stay for any number of nights. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. You can see it at www.chianti.net.


20 Minutes north of Siena on the Chianti Hwy. We picked up our rental in Siena. Easy, but did require a taxi from the train station to the office a short distance, but very much uphill!
Our stay was quite a few years ago, but I can't imagine this place ever going downhill.

Location is more important than the property. Look at the places you want to visit and draw a circle of :45 driving time. I would opt for the further south.

I have stayed at the Hotel Pescille and would highly recommend it is not in the town of San Gim but close enough and it is in a good location to visit the other hill towns you mentioned. I have also stayed in Pienza love it but it is not as convient to the hill towns you want to see

Thanks to all for your comments. We have decided on Fattroia- Tregole near Castellini. All the Trip Advisor and Tuscany.com comments were excellent and I like that it is famiy owned and operated. We decided on 4 days vs 3 in lieu of 1 in Florence, We will take the train from Siena to Florence.

Your comment were very instrumental in my choice.

Willem46

Good for you--have fun--here are some places to eat:

GOOD EATS IN TOSCANA---2008
I have never been called “ BOB THE FOODIE” , but here are some of the best places to eat in Tuscany based on feedback from many of my clients. Reservations are suggested for most!
$=inexpensive $$=moderate prices $$$= expensive

FLORENCE:
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco $$ Across the river & very good.
La Giostra $$$ Excellent, but you must book in advance

SIENA:
Osteria Le Logge $$ Great place for lunch and near Il Campo
Cane e Gato $$$ A fixed price & menu for a true feast—allow 4 hours

LUCCA:
Buca di San Antonio $$ Best in town and near San Michele
Il Giglio $$ In the piazza of the same name---favorite with locals

SAN GIMIGNANO:
Il Pino $$ Very good typical Tuscan fare
Le Vecchie Mura $ Good value for a tourist town

MONTALCINO:
Taverna Grappolo Blu $ Popular with locals as well.
Ristorante Poggio Antico $$ Excellent cuisine 5km south of town at winery location
Enoteca Osteria Osticcio $ Best wine tasting & small meals in town

MONTEPULCIANO:
La Grotta $$ Near San Biagio church & very good
Café Poliziano $ Great place for lunch on shopping street

PIENZA: Latte du Luna $$ Best choice in this charming village

BAGNO VIGNONI: Osteria del Leone $ Good lunch choice in this spa hamlet

MONTICCHIELLO: La Porta $ Charming place with outside terrace

SAN QUIRICO: Trattoria al Vecchio Forno $ Good food & fair value

CASTELLINA: Al Gallopapa $$$ Creative & varied menu in Chianti



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