Hi all,

We only have 1 week in Italy this autumn and are splitting it between Florence and Rome. When in Florence we would like to stay a short distance outside the city to be able to have that Tuscan feel while still being able to easily get to Florence. A place with a great outdoor area and view of the hillsides and villas. Does anybody of know of some good accomodations or some nearby towns/villages that we could stay at without having to have a car. Preferably just a short train or bus ride to the city center.

Thank you,

Chad

The place where we stayed had the bus to Florence very nearby the door of the B&B, but it is a long-ish walk into town, (Panzano) from the inn if you wanted to go out to dinner or shopping there. We did have a car while there, so I am not sure how it would be w/o one.

http://www.resortvillarosa.it/en/index_en.htm

The town of Greve is even closer to Florence, but is rather touristy and congested during the day, but is a lovely spot and only ~ 20 minutes or so to Florence. I don't have a name of lodging there but there are lots of places.

Fiesole, up in the hills overlooking Florence may fill that bill - just a short bus ride from Florence - popular place for folks to go but not sure about how many hotels are there. But fills your requirements to a T.

I posted on a previous forum that I stayed at Relais Villa L'Olmo located in Impruneta, 12 KMs from Florence. It is a working olive farm and there are several types of apartments from which to choose. The reason we liked it was the local bus into Florence, which takes about 25 minutes, stops 30 meters from the entrance, plus Villa L'Olmo is within walking distance of the town of Impruneta where there are several restaurants, shops and banks. The staff is wonderful and the apartments are well equipped. From there we made day trips throughout Tuscany by renting a private driver and car.

Settignano might also work for you, but carefully read the reviews of this place and make sure it is the kind of ambience you want

http://www.villamorghen.com/location.php

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...o_Tuscany.html

http://www.settignano.com/e/index.html