To Bob the Navigator (or anyone with advice)
 

Would like your advice. We will be heading to Tuscany in May. We will stay 3 nights in San Gimignano, then 5 nights in San Quirico. We need then 2 nights somewhere in Chianti area before heading to Florence for 3 nights. Any suggestions for Chianti - particular town, hotel, or agriturismo? Will we be disappointed in Chianti after being in Southern Tuscany?

Thanks for any advice!

Have you thought of staying in San Gimignano for 5 nights. It is in Tuscany and it is easy to explore all of Chianti from that location.... and you won't have to move so often.

Thanks - we are considering doing just that (staying 5 nights in San Gimignano).

verona:


Exactly what we did on one of our visits to Tuscany..found that San Jimmy was a great place to base. During our visits to Florence, we have meandered into the heart of the Chianti area...but it can be done easily from San G.

stu T.

I agree, don't bother with the hassle of changing accomodations - stay the five days in San Gim. One word of advice...if 3 nights in Florence essentially means 2 days then I recommend you find another way to stay another full day. There is just so much to see and just absorb in Florence. It's frustrating when you have such a short time to visit all it has to offer.

verona,

If you do want to stay more IN Chianti, we really loved the Hotel Residence San Sano **** in the tiny village of San Sano. The only other commercial business in the village is a family run trattoria (which was excellent).

Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Nice pool, they serve breakfast under the wisteria arbor in the garden and dinner too (by res).

Peaceful, beautiful. 20 min drive up the Chianti hwy from Siena. You can see it on www.chiantinet.it.

Buon viaggio!

I agree--you only need 2 locations in Tuscany, and the San Quirico and San Gim. locations are hard to beat. However, Fattoria Tregole near Castellina is ideal for a Chianti location. Have fun !

Sorry for going off topic as I see Verona is traveling in May. I was wondering, however, whether Tuscany is pleasant in March. I see the weather is 40-50 degrees and about 3 inches of rain but I was wondering whether anythign is open then? are there any leaves on the trees? does it feel like winter? I am coming from Boston and it looks like early March is the only time that will work for a European trip. My husband is eager to go to Tuscany.

I also vote for the 5 nights in San G. Although we stayed near Castelfiorentino at Le Boscarecce, we found we were within an hour to 1 1/2 hour drive of Lucca, Pisa, Volterra, San G., and the Chianti. This area is beautiful in a different way than the Chianti - and less touristy than the Chianti and Southern Tuscany.