Having visited most larger cities, would like to spend time in the Tuscan Region. Do they have B&Bs, do people rent out rooms. Would like to do it on a "shoestring" (just to know I could!!!)

Gene, Tuscany is a very large area and <BR>is divided into several distinct regions <BR>that vary. You should try to decide <BR>which area you would prefer. Get a good map and read a guide book and then get back to me for specifics. Locate these towns in your search: <BR>MONTALCINO---BAGNO VIGNONI--ASCIANO-- <BR>MONTEPULCIANO---VOLTERRA <BR>That will give you a start. The big questions will be WHEN--HOW LONG--CAR ?? <BR>That will make all the difference.

San Gimignano (sp?) is great (old walled city with surviving towers). Tons of villas rent rooms and there are great small hotels in many of these towns. Sienna isn't that small, but my personal favorite (way more quaint than Florence)

Bob's questions are more appropriate. if you don't have a car, stick to a bigger town like Sienna. if you do have own transport, then it's a breeze. <BR> <BR>during my last visit there, I based myself in Donatello for the Chanti area. for the southern part, I stayed over at Montalcino. perfect to zip around entire Tuscany. <BR> <BR>the places I stayed ain't exactly cheap (a winery Fattoria La Ripa and a 'downtown' hotel in Montalcino), but they were great for my purpose. if you want their contact, pls email me. if not, there are plenty of sites on the internet to check out the cheaper places. <BR> <BR>hav fun, you will enjoy Tuscany.

We centered out of Radda for a week. There are lots of little towns and villages amongst the hills and vineyards. Its a very comfortable town, and the folks are very pleasant.

Thanx for responding. Have spent time in Florence and visited Sienna. Want something smaller as a base this time. <BR>Never actually rented a car but would love to do so. I'M a senior citizen in good health and would probably be travelling with the same. Ciao

Thanx for responding. Spent time in Florence and have visited Sienna. Would like something much smaller this time. Are reservations necessary or can you take your chances? Am a Senior Citizen and would be travelling with same. Ciao

i went to tuscany last fall and stayed in a villa called podere torricella. it's near a town called cerbai and it about a 20 minute drive from florence. it was simply wonderful and unbelievably affordable. go to a search engine and type in podere torricella. the manager's name is cristiano and he is extremely kind and helpful. i am returning to the same villa this november and would highly recommend checking it out. <BR> <BR>good luck, jennifer