I have been looking at this forum for so long it is all running together. I am planning a trip in Sept. for 6 friends turning the "BIG 50". The plan is to arrive Venice for 2 nights, train to Siena/San Gimignano for 1 week in an apartment and do day trips. Any lodging suggestions for this area would be appreciated as well as suggested itinerary. Our max budget for the week apartment is $2500. We will have a car and depart from Rome. Would love input from anyone who has had a great apartment experience! The pressure is on! Thanks

The best place for ideas is the vacation rentals section at

www.slowtrav.com

Thank you Eloise, I have been on that site as well. Do you have any personal recommendations?

Sorry, no. I was traveling with one other friend and we stayed at the Palazzo Ravizza in Siena itself.

If you've looked at slowtrav.com, you've probably seen the unanimous raves for Sant'Antonio, which is near Siena, I think.

We're scheduled to spend a week in/near Siena then train to Venice. There are three couples traveling together and after an extensive search we decided on a place called Francis Lodge. You may wish to check it out. Have fun.

Thank you both--I think the Frances Lodge is single rooms? We were hoping for kitchen, etc. Eloise, I will check the San'tAntonio too. Anyone else out there with a good one?

Hi,

I had been looking into the Borgo Grondaie, just outside of Siena . They have regular hotel rooms as well as apartments. Check them out at
http://www.borgogrondaie.com/

It gets good reviews in tripadvisor.

FLheart

I do some pr writing for the agency that is renting this property, which sounds right for you:

http://www.florencevillas.com/proper...hp?idunit=2226

If you do write them, send your email to Meaghan and feel free, if you'd like, to say that Debbie from the newsletter told you about it. I had been looking at this one myself.

Thank you all - I am checking into your suggestions. I appreciate your help!