I am looking for a wonderful place to stay for 3 nights in the countryside for the end of a 10 day trip to tuscany in Sept. We are spending four nights in Montepluciano, one night inside the walls of San Gimignano, and then want to base in northern tuscany. I want it to be close enough to drive to Cinque Terra for the day. I am looking for someplace with wonderful scenery, luxurious accomodation, and great food. Any ideas?

Cathy,

Does it have to be officially nothern Tucany? How about Santa Margherita Ligure on the coast (Ligure)? Just right for 3 days.

I don't know if this is what you want but it does have a swimming pool cute town and it speciality is 17th century tuscan food. It is popular restaurant with great view of tuscan hills and enoteca. It think it takes about 1hr and 30 to Levanto where you can park car by train station. You can also to take train to Florence( about 50 min)and town of Vinci about 20 km and San Miniato about 9 km. http://www.quattrogigli.it/eng/albergo.htm

Have a look at Albergo Pietrasanta.
http://www.albergopietrasanta.com/
You are about an hour from La Spezia at this lovely luxury hotel.

The albergo pietrasanta looks perfect! thanks so much for your suggestions.