My husband and I are considering going to Tuscany in the fall. We have a week. We'd like to be close enough to Florence to take a day trip, but we'd like to get "away from it all." Neither of us are fond of moving from lodging to lodging every night, so I'd like a suggestion for a Tuscan town that has good food, good wine, and beautiful scenery (and is not extremely touristy)--a place that we'd be happy to settle in for a week. We'd just like to be able to eat, drink, and relax, and then drive around the countryside or to Florence or other places when the spirit moves us. Any suggestions? (I know it's difficult to pick one place. We've never been to Italy at all...) Thanks for your suggestions.

3 towns come to mind, Orvieto, Volterra and Lucca. We have been to the first 2 and think they are great "walking around" towns after a nice dinner. We've not been to Lucca but have read enough that it will be on our list on our next trip to Italy.

Sienna area is marvelous and only a short train to Florence, which you will love visiting. You may want more than a day there to see all art, etc. Spend 8 days instead of a week and you can see it all and relax too.

We stayed in Siena and San Gimignano; both were a bit touristy, but are well located for trips to Florence and the rest of Tuscany. Friends have loved staying in the area around Lucca. Why don't you go to the intro page to Fodors <BR>Forums, scroll to bottom of page and click on "past Forums"? There are two that dealt with Tuscany and may give you ideas about where you might like to stay. I can recommend places to stay if you decide on Siena or San G. Also know of websites for apt/villa homes in Lucca area. No matter where you stay, you will have a great time in Tuscany! Hsve you considered Fiesole, just outside of Florence? It, too, is a lovely area.

We found Sienna and San Gimignano to be EXTREMELY touristy. So we ended up on a farm outside of Volterra. I highly recommend this area of Tuscany particularly because it is not overrun with tourists (and buses). There are many small towns in this area where all you hear is Italian. Volterra is also a short drive to the coast. Sienna and San Gimignano are more in the heart of Tuscany whereas Volterra is sort of on the edge. But the real local feeling was worth it to us.

Cathy, Tuscany is rather large and can be defined in basically 5 geographic areas. You cannot see it all from one location, so the choice of your base camp is key. Pick an area first. If you need help with that let me know. I like the part south of Siena but that is not close to Florence. Some like Lucca, but that is far from the area <BR>south of Siena. Location is the first <BR>step, then the rest will fall into place <BR>based on logistics. A week is not enough <BR>time to see it all---consider these towns as possibilities, but you will need a good map. GAIOLE, MONTALCINO, <BR>ASCIANO, COLLE VAL D' ELSA. <BR>There will be a test later. <BR> <BR>

Fodor's publishes a book called Hotels of Character and Charm in Italy. It is a wonderful book with some lovely photos of places "out of the way" all over Italy, many in Tuscany. They had some spectacular places to stay from villas to small hotels near to cities and far away that offered a wide range of comfort, activities and price.

We spent a week just outside of Cortona last year and found it exactly as you described the holiday you're looking for. The town isn't overrun by tourists (despite France Mays book - which we found pleasantly surprising) and is large enough to offer a range of restaurants/cafes/sites/etc. <BR> <BR>We rented a villa which was about a 25 minute walk (5 minute drive) into Cortona. You can see it at http://www.awts.com/tuscany/ref169/ref169.htm - although I would caution you that the drive in from the road requires nerves of steel (a very narrow, twisty road). There are other properties around Cortona on this website and we would highly recommend renting from Rupert and Donatella - they were great.

Thanks to everyone for all your help! I've certainly gotten some wonderful ideas. Now, off to look up all these great towns...

I agree with the other lady about Hotel Palazzo Ravizza, it was great. <BR>And I suggest a guided individual tour with TAT which stays for tours around Tuscany. We had an incredible day. <BR>It should be on the internet at www.toursaroundtuscany.com

Siena.

East of Cortona in the hills near the Umbria border is a cluster of three villas: <BR> <BR>http://www.italiareservations.com/ <BR> <BR>La Carina is for two people...sounds like what you'd enjoy. <BR> <BR>We stayed next door at La Pietra for one week in fall of 98. Very scenic, secluded, not touristy. Much local color, good restaurants in nearby towns and you can get to Florence via train for a day trip or to Assisi, Perugia, Siena, as well, via auto. Mercatale and Umbertide are the nearest towns with markets, restaurants, etc.. Both are 15 minutes away. <BR> <BR>Immaculate and peaceful setting, high above the valley with great views!

Hi. This may be too late to be useful, but my sister and did what you are thinking of last july. We had great luck staying at a villa outside Siena. Very secluded, but we could easily make day trips to Florence, etc. And the place is gorgeous and the landlady (who does not live on site) positively wonderful. You can visit it at: <BR>http://www.italianvillas.com/tuscany/siena/casale.htm <BR> <BR>The company has a whole range of places. <BR> <BR>The only thing to be aware of is that you would have to rent a car. It is definitely off the beaten track. In fact, I'd suggest a car period, unless you are staying in a major town (Siena or Florence). So much of what you will want to see is on the country roads. Buses probably travel them, but we didn't want to be held hostage to that schedule or to standing in the hot sun waiting!

This may be too late, but my wife and I just returned from Tuscany and stayed at a wonderful B & B in Colle de Val d'Elsa called Pieve a Elsa. It's a converted 13th Century farmhouse with beautifully landscaped grounds. <BR> <BR>This was the second time my wife and I stayed there because of its charm, outstanding breakfasts and great central location. It's within easy day trip range of Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Voterra, Montalcino and Chianti. <BR> <BR>Most inviting though is Silvana herself. While speaking little English (She does speak French), she communicates through her warm enthusiasm and hospitality. Her B&B, which is also her home, is tastefully decorated with antiques, dried lavender and family photos and heirlooms, but has private baths and all the modern ammenities for any traveller. She has also recently been included in Karen Brown's B&B Guide. <BR> <BR>Her email address is [email protected]. <BR>Web site: http://www.enet.it/wrk/colle/index.htm

I second the recommendation for Cortona. I visited Cortona last October and am returning back this October.