Thanks, Bob. I just got an offer from Oliviera for a double room with jacuzzi and a view over the valley. I will let you know if we end up staying there.

We will be arriving from Venice, and planned on taking the train to Florence, renting a car in Florence and driving to Montalcino. Is this a good plan, or is there somewhere else we could rent the car. We didn't really want to drive all the way from Venice, though.

Yes, that is a good plan. The only question will be where to pick it up. Getting out of downtown Florence is not that tough--look at the Borgo Ognassanti[sp] location. If not there, then taxi to the airport, but that will also mean a surcharge on the car. Do not miss the 2 abbeys in your day trips.

We will definitely check out at least one abbey if we decide on Montalcino. We are trying to decide between Siena and Montalcino -- yes, I realize they are very different. We just want a small taste of Tuscany to decide if we want to spend next year's vacation there.

Thanks for the car rental info. We are stopping in Tuscany before heading to Positano. Rather than backtrack to Florence, do you think we should drop the car off in Naples, than take a boat to Positano?

Any details on Monte Argentario ? I trying to go there on a very tight budget. All info welcome as to budget eating, budget accommodations, general vibe, special sites that stood out?
thanks!

We found Porto San Stefano to be a good base, and it is also where the ferries leave for Isola Giglio. Our hotel, see above, was reasonable at about 90E and some rooms for less.

Hey bob! You and I emailed some last fall about the Hotel Il Giglio. You had me sold, but we had to re-schedule our trip. Now are planning for February, 05.

What can you tell me about the Il Giglio "annex"? We are 2 ladies and prefer separate single rooms...the annex price would let us do that (as long as it doesn't negatively affect the parking situation).

Bob, once we read your comments re La Costa, and go/ogled its website, we booked three nights for this October.

Can't wait!

Thanks,
L

Sorry, Not sure I ever saw the annex, but I think the web site indicates it is a newer facility.

Bob, did the Ford Focus wagon have enough giddy-up for the hill towns? I need a big car for four adults and all the luggage. Also, I am thinking about buying Frommers driving tour book on Tuscany & Umbria. Have you ever used it? Thanks!

With 4 people and luggage I would get the larger wagon--the VW Passat is usually offered at a fair price but the Volvo wagon is expensive.

Superb report Bob,

Would you possibly comment on the village of San Querico? We have rented an apartment in the village for a week in Sept. as a base.You mentioned a restaurant there which the owner also recommended. Thanks

Cute town--small and very walkable. The trattoria is Il Vecchia Forno--very authentic and reasonable. The best attribute is the centro location for all of south Tuscany. Good choice !

Bob - are there any locations in or near montalcino that are in a country setting, and very nice. It is a special occasion.

Thanks!

Bob, Could you tell me how many stairs are involved with La Costa and Il Giglio? Thanks.

Hmmm ! I am not sure how to answer the above questions.
Vinorosso, I asssume you mean places to eat. The best near town is Boccon Divino in a fabulous setting as you appoach town. Also, 5 miles south of town is Poggio Antico, both a great winery and gourmet ristorante.

Susan, as for stairs, I assume you mean in the hotels. Neither has an elevator than I can recall. The stairs at Il Giglio were steep. La Costa has 3 floors, so it depends on your room. But, it also is in a medieval town with a rough street and suspect parking. If access is an issue I would opt for Palazzo del Capitano in San Quirico or Vecchia Oliviera in Montalcino---a nicer 4 star property.

Yes, I did mean stairs in the hotels. I'm not handicapped, but with arthritic knees, I try to minimize stairs where possible. It seems as though an elevator in Tuscany is rare, so I'm looking to stay somewhere where there is maybe one flight of stairs instead of three or four in the Montalcino/Montepulciano area. I'll check out the two you mentioned. Thanks for your input.