Thanks for the help so far with the Rome apartments. Now the Italy trip in May is almost set.

Rome 3 nights Giulia Gold apt
pick up car (in Rome or elsewhere)------ go to
Pienza Fonte Bertusi 3 nights,then

A BIG BLANK----somewhere for 4 nights to explore Chianti, Florence Pisa, San Gemignano, etc. (will do Siena on the way from Pienza). I am not a big Florence fan so a daytrip will do fine.

Venice 3 nights (returning to Al Ponte Mocenigo which I loved last year).

I am really stuck with the middle 3/4 days---not sure if I should do something in a small town as a base or do another farm setting. I am traveling with my brother so am not looking for precious little inns! Also, the dollar is making many places outrageous.

Suggestions would really be appreciated on this one!

Thanks, Kathy

Radda worked for us. We stayed at Le Vigne http://www.tuscany.net/vigne/pages/reach.htm; simple rooms but a wonderful restaurant, literally, in the middle of a vineyard, one hour from Florence, within easy driving range of many charming towns.

Littlemountain,
It sounds like a real possiblity--one question, some people say it is hard to walk into Castellina--true? Any other pros or cons of your visit there? I am also considering outside of San Gimignano since we will want to also do Pisa/Lucca.
Again, thanks!

We also stayed in Radda, but the hotel is probably too much $$ at this point. Anyway, we thought Radda was very convenient for driving to Siena and Florence, both of which were about 45 minutes away. We also drove to San Gigmignano from Siena, but that took a few hours.

As for walking into Castellina, I'm not sure what you meant. You can certainly walk a little bit in town, but I can't imagine walking there from Radda. The roads in the area are quite narrow and in some places have no shoulder.

Look at Hotel Pescille just south of San Gim.---good location and value.

Thanks all! No,I meant to walk from a recommended place into Castellina from outside the town...not from Radda.

Bob, will defintely check since you "found" the Continental for me years ago in SML!

Kathy

Take a look at Hotel Salivolpi, about 800 yards outside of Castellina. It's an easy walk, and Castellina has several good restaurants and a great gelateria.

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2Italy,
Have you stayed at the hotel in Castellina? They do have space. Is it walking distance into town (which sounds like a charming one...)

Thanks, Kathy

We loved Greve - we stayed at Villa Vignamaggio about 3 km away. We drove rather than walked - and had no problem.

Are you going to visit the area south of Sienna or just Chianti? Its quintessential Tuscany and I recommend you visit that area as well. Cyprus trees, vineyards, abbeys... heaven on earth.

(Montalchino, Pienza, Montapulchiano... that area)

Hi

I went to Florence last summer with my wife and after our stay in Florence we went to the Chianti region. We ended up staying right outside Castellina in Chianti and that was very nice as it was a pretty short drive to Greve, Siena etc. It was beautiful and quiet. Here is the Tuscany trip report http://gardkarlsen.com/tuscany_italy_travelogue.htm .

Get in touch if you have any questions or comments...and have a great trip

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Dear Kathrynj,

Here is a link where you can find your favorite accommodation in siena area, chianti..... http://www.allhome.eu/search-accomodation-Toscana-TOS

i can suggest you "Borgosicelle" where i've been many times with my family for a week end, or Monteriggion such suggestion place where when you wake up you feel in the middle age.

I'm sure you'll find it !!!

All the best from Italy

Thanks all!

Yes about Southern Tuscany---origiginally was at an agriturismo outside Pienza but when I had to change my dates, they were booked. Now am spending 3 nights at Fonte Bertusi in a similar area for 3 nights.

Then---the choices are Castellina and Radda and now I may even split it and stay 2 nights in Radda and 2 nights in San Gemignano (I don't mind moving on this particular trip---will do a week's stay for the next one!)

The Bottegga di Giovannino in Radda has captured my attention and, for an in town location in San Gemignano, the sister hotel of Pescille, the Hotel Bel Soggiorno is a leading contender. Anyone been there?

There is no doubt in my mind that this will be a first trip to the area and not the last!

Again, thanks for all the responses, Kathy

Yes, we stayed there in 2003 and the walk into town is not bad at all. Like I said, it's about 800 yards and we'd walk into town for dinner and back. Traffic is not very heavy on the road.
The staff was very gracious and helpful and the breakfasts were very good. They also have a swimming pool.
They have the main building and a separate building with rooms. We stayed in the separate building, and I'd guess there were about 4 rooms in it. Breakfast is served downstairs in the separate building so all we had to do was walk down a flight of stairs.

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In town, pick La Cisterna, out of town, Pescille.

Again, thanks everyone.

Bob, Cisterna has no "family" style room available like I could get at Bel Soggiorno with valley view. Their single rooms cost more with net difference over $100US a night which I'd rather spend on food!

The other 2 nights will be in Castellina since Radda places are about $250US+ a night per room----the euro is really hurting on this trip!

Kathy

Cool !

My wife stayed there with some gals one year and liked it---food is good.

Bob,

That is great to hear!

Hope you like the Castellina hotel too---I think I am opting for the Palazzo Squarcialupi in town over the Hotel Salivolpi (both sound fine). Also, market day in Castellina is Saturday so we will see that before heading out to Venice.

This is my brother's first trip to Italy so i am really gearing it to him and doing highlights----I could be quite happy plunked at an agriturismo in the Val D'Orcia drinking wine!

Thanks again, Kathy

Bob,

I need your help (and others too, please chime in!)

Had given up on Radda because it was so expensive but can now book with Essence of Italy, a room for single use at Hotel San Niccolo---only slightly more than those in Castelinna.

Soooooooo, have heard both are nice towns with Radda being larger. Any bias on your part, thoughts, etc.

Thanks Bob---and any others who have thoughts too on Radda or Castellina! After this, done, trip planning hotel part done!!!

Kathy