We are visiting Tuscany for the first time the first week in Oct, but won't be the last! Our friends our flying from the States (we are currently living in Germany for 3 years) and we just want to get away for a nice Tuscan vacation. RyanAir has a great deal right now into Pisa or Rome, but it would be more convenient to fly into/out of Rome since our friends are trying to fly back to the States from Rome. We have 7 days, 4 adults, 4 children under 7, and want the "typical Tuscan" vacation, you know, what you see in movies. I am having a hard time narrowing down an area though. Ideally, we would like to pick a spot and stay there the whole time. It is just easier that way with kids. I am hoping to find an agriturismo on the outskirts of a quaint little town, with easy daytrips to a few of the bigger touristy cities, like Florence, Sienna, Orvieto, etc.

We want the beautiful rolling tuscan hillsides lined with cypress trees, olive trees, and vineyards, and the smaller, but beautiful towns. We are o.k not getting into Rome for this trip, since we plan on going back when the kids are a bit older. If we fly into Pisa, and out of Rome, where would you recommend being our base that would still only give us a couple hour drive at the most to Rome to catch our flight back?

Wht an exciting trip to plan. My advise for a wonderful place is Monsignor Della Casa which is located 26 miles north of Florence. An apartment that sleeps 4 range from 700E -1000E for the week. Suites from 500 -700 E per week. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is fabulous. Take alook at the site http://www.monsignore.com/country_resort_e.htm We have been twice and loved it each time.

If they are flying into and out of Rome, you may want to consider La Crociona near Montalcino. Barbara and her family have several apartments of various sizes, a pool, restaurant onsite and its quite close to the village of Montalcino. You could easily do a day trip to Sienna or wander through the villages in southern tuscany. Check out their website - we loved it!

Here's a great spot located 12km from Siena - http://www.montestigliano.it/

Check out the new Travel and Leisure magazine, the hotel issue. Lots of gorgeous places in Tuscany and even some budget ones!

Last summer I stayed at an agritourismo called La valle a polvereto. This is a working farm off the main highway between Florence and Siena (closest town is Tavarnelle). The views are classic Tuscany, and the owner is very accommodating. There is a wonderful pool and lovely olive groves.

Here's a link for TripAdvisor reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...i_Tuscany.html

Have a great trip.

Thanks everyone for all your tips! We are flying into Pisa, and out of Rome. I have been really drawn to Pienza and the surrounding areas, so I am looking for an agriturismo there. Any tips would be wonderful!

Ahh! This is hard to chose!! Am I picking the perfect location for October, or is there a prettier area that I should be looking into?

I feel the Val d'Orcia area, staying just outside of Pienza, is the most beautiful area to enjoy your time in October. Check out this agriturismo, just 2 km from Pienza. I've stayed there 4 times and loved it. The hosts live on the property and they are wonderful people. The location is perfect for visiting plenty of small, picture perfect villages in the area. The property is surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful views.

http://www.fontebertusi.it/eng/

Yes, that place is GORGEOUS, but unfortunately they do not have availability. My head hurts!!! I think I would really love that area for my first Tuscany visit. We really need to child-friendly place, and something reasonably priced.

I found a place outside of Sienna that peaks my interest too, but Pienza area keeps calling me. Just wasn't sure if the scenery in Oct is prettier in different tuscan areas.