firenz

We have four days to spend in Tuscany. We'll be driving from Rome and stopping in San Quirico (Palazzo di Capitano). After a long flight we didn't want to drive further north. There seems to be enough to explore from that base for two days. We are looking for our next stop and stay. Eventually we need to be in Venice by sometime on Saturday. If we travel north, what do you recommend as our next stop for the next two days (Thursday and Friday) before heading to Venice on Saturday.
Thanks!

krgystn

the obvious answer would be Florence.

LoveItaly

If Florence be aware of the many restricted areas where you cannot drive, firenz, as you will receive a citation months after your return home. Do a search here on Fodor's regarding that subject.

firenz

Oops..Sorry I should have mentioned that we've already done Florence (and loved it). Thanks for the warning about the citations. I've read lots of horror stories about it. Now that Florence isn't a possiblity, should we just keep heading east...maybe to Ravenna? I thought about going north to Parma. As you can see, we're all over the place. It's a rather last minute trip for October.
Thanks again.

LoveItaly

Hello firenz, I love Ravenna and most people seem to also that are interested in the mosaics which Ravenna is famous for. I also love Bologna, have you been there? I have to say although I have been to Italy many times for some reason I have never been to Parma so I can't make a comment but it seems that most that have visited Parma have so enjoyed their time there. Just one other thought. "All over the place" is certainly understandable as everywhere in Italy is so enjoyable.

bobthenavigator

I would go to the heart on Chianti--look at Fattoria Tregole.

zoecat

I would stay in the San Quirico d'Orcia area. Two days are not enough to really enjoy all there is in the area.

firenz

I have contacted Fattoria Tregole. Hopefully, they'll have a room. It looks wonderful! Thank you, Bob for that suggestion. You may hear from me again if they don't have room.
We haven't been to Bologna. I think that may really cut our Tuscan experience down. What do you think?

bobthenavigator

I would spend my time in Tuscany.

firenz

I was able to get a wonderful room at Fattoria Tregole. So..I think we're all set. I already order the Michelin green guide. Bob..what did you say you like for a map? Was it the Italian touring map? Any suggestions for dining near the Palazzo di Capitano or in Chianti country?
Thank you all..again. I never travel without consulting the Fodorites and I have never been disappointed.

Centralparkgirl

firenz - one of the nicest days we spent in Chianti was visiting the winery and tiny village of Volpaia (north of Radda). The village is pristine, few tourists and no souvenir shops. The winery tour was quite interesting with information about the family that owns most of the town. If you go, have lunch at La Bottega which is next door to the winery (not the restaurant that is part of the winery). It was an absolutely beautiful day specially after visiting the other touristy towns.

bobthenavigator

The Michelin # 563 is quite adequate for planning purposes, but the TCI Toscana map is at 200K to 1 scale and perfect for driving off the path in Tuscany.
Roberto, owner of your hotel, also owns Vecchio Forno in San Quirico---a good trattoria. Also try La Porta in Montichiello or Latte di Luna in Pienza.

firenz

Thanks again, This trip is getting more exciting by the minute. I ordered the TCI map from the savvy traveler. Centralparkgirl's suggestions of getting way off the beaten path sounds great. It's times like this that I really wish I had learned to speak Italian. Both parents were from Italy but encouraged English. Hey Bob...I wish we could take you with us.

bobthenavigator

Hmmm !
I may be available--we will be back in Tuscany next May.

Centralparkgirl

We're there in May too. Bob, more restaurant suggestions around Montepulciano?

bobthenavigator

We are staying a week in MOntepulciano beginning 26 May at the Politian apts. Theer are 2 couples of us.

Heer are some more places to eat:
GOOD EATS IN TOSCANA---2008
I have never been called “ BOB THE FOODIE” , but here are some of the best places to eat in Tuscany based on feedback from many of my clients. Reservations are suggested for most!

$=inexpensive $$=moderate prices $$$= expensive

FLORENCE:
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco $$ Across the river & very good.
La Giostra $$$ Excellent, but you must book in advance

SIENA:
Osteria Le Logge $$ Great place for lunch and near Il Campo
Cane e Gato $$$ A fixed price & menu for a true feast—allow 4 hours

LUCCA:
Buca di San Antonio $$ Best in town and near San Michele
Il Giglio $$ In the piazza of the same name---favorite with locals

SAN GIMIGNANO:
Il Pino $$ Very good typical Tuscan fare
Le Vecchie Mura $ Good value for a tourist town

MONTALCINO:
Taverna Grappolo Blu $ Popular with locals as well.
Ristorante Poggio Antico $$ Excellent cuisine 5km south of town at winery location
Enoteca Osteria Osticcio $ Best wine tasting & small meals in town

MONTEPULCIANO:
La Grotta $$ Near San Biagio church & very good
Café Poliziano $ Great place for lunch on shopping street

PIENZA: Latte du Luna $$ Best choice in this charming village

BAGNO VIGNONI: Osteria del Leone $ Good lunch choice in this spa hamlet

MONTICCHIELLO: La Porta $ Charming place with outside terrace

SAN QUIRICO: Trattoria al Vecchio Forno $ Good food & fair value