Seeking Tuscany advice
 

Hello there! I have gotten mixed reviews of Radda in Chianti. Has anyone stayed there? Is there a better place to stay in the Chianti region (Greve???)? We will be traveling in Oct. Restaurant advice for anywhere in Tuscany (we'll be all over the region) is also welcome!!!

Holly: I have not yet made it to Tuscany, we are planning our trip for May, '01. <BR> <BR>I imagine that you've already done your research, but in our planning, I have found two helpful books. One is the Eyewitness Guide for Florence and Tuscany and the other is the book "Under the Tuscan sun". They both contain some great information on the region and may be beneficial in your itinerary. <BR> <BR>Good luck.

Holly, I don't know what reviews you've read, but I can tell you that the Radda - Castellina in Chianti area is very, very nice. You'll be out in the Tuscan countryside. Radda itself is a small town. The area is central, and you can reach Florence or Siena in a hour or so.

Holly: <BR> <BR>We were in Radda last August. We stayed in Volpaia which is about 7 miles away and spent several afternoons and evenings in Radda. Florence is about 1 hour away. We didn't make it to Siena because we were having such a great time driving around to the small towns and wineries in the countryside. If you go to Volpaia, be sure to eat at La Bottega <BR>http://www.chianti.net/bottega/botteng.html. Reservations are recommended. <BR>

Holly, <BR> See my post earlier today regarding Wine Enthusiast article on Tuscany.

Al's right - check out that article in the Wine Enthusiast. Also, the May issue of Bon Appetit is dedicated to Tuscany. Be sure to get a copy of each of these magazines!

We found a great spot in Tuscany for our honeymoon just outside Greve. It is called Villa Vignamaggio and they have a site...vignamaggio.com. Spectacular views, charming rooms, great pool and service.

Holly, <BR> <BR>I can't think of one part of Tuscany that I don't love! <BR> <BR>I stayed at Vescine in Radda a few years ago. Years ago it had been a farm/village that has been restored. Each stone building has a few bedrooms in it. It is centrally located and easy to drive into and out of. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip! <BR> <BR>Dona

I would recommend getting a copy of the May 15th edition of Wine Spectator. They list some great restaurants, hotels, villas, wineries, etc. My wife and leave for our 1st trip to Italy on May 25 for 3 weeks and we cannot wait. Good luck on your trip. Ciao

Sorry- my reference was to Wine Spectator, not Enthusiast. Good article.

We just returned from a week's stay at Vignamaggio just outside of Greve. We really liked Radda alot and there are several good restaurants there. I think any place in that general area of Chianti is nice-Radda,Castellina or Greve. We enjoyed visiting all of them. <BR>