My husband just told me I can pick the next (child free) vacation-a first! I thought Italy would be wonderful-food, wine, people etc. He's never been to Europe and I've been to Italy but not the Tuscan region. I don't want any part of an organized tour, we prefer to drive ourselves. I would love to stay in a farmhouse or a villa for a few days. Looking for any advice on how best to enjoy the region and the surrounding area.
Thanks!

madana,
I have a large file on Tuscany that may give you some ideas. It is too big to post but if you e-mail me I will send it.

Henry

Spend time at slowtrav.com for tons of good info on Tuscany.

Our trip report from 2005 should give you plenty of ideas. Just don't follow our lead and put in the wrong type of petrol.


http://travelswithmaitaitom.typepad.com/travels/

Check out Villa Vignamaggio near Greve as a great base to explore...and Relais San Bruno in Montepulciano as another base to explore some additional beautiful Tuscan towns..that's what we did on our last visit. We are fans of both places and both were central to key Tuscan destinations.
cheers,
CC

Go onto tripadviser and read about Savernano - it's 30 minutes from Florence (and only 10 minutes from both the Mall and D&G, if you are interested), and the most wonderful place to stay in Tuscany - also exceptionally inexpensive.

The owners, David and Ava, have followed a 14 year dream and have created a paradise!

We stayed for 3 nights and decided to return at the end of our vacation for another 3 nights. In fact, when my wife and I return to Italy in July 2010, we plan to stay for another week - it's just that good!

All good stuff, thanks! Savernano gets rave reviews, maybe we'll build the trip around it!

One of the most amazing places I have ever stayed at is the castle di spaltenna in gaiole, tuscany. I can't say enough about it. And the surrounding area is beautiful and perfect for driving around! If it is in your budget - I can't imagine a better place! http://www.spaltenna.it/

Castle Di Spaltenna is amazing, budget pemitting.

I'm starting to get my bearings(virtually of course) and I'm thinking one night in Cinque Terre (I was there about 20 years ago and I've always wanted to go back), 5nights somewhere centrally located in the Tuscan region and one night in Rome. I think this is feasible for our 7 nights, wish we had more time!

azh, thank you for your tip!

Spaltenna looks wonderful. We are considering spending a couple of days there.

Do not look at hotels until you decide on your preferred location--Tuscany is a large place. Read your guide books and decide what you must see in Tuscany. Many of mine would be well south of Siena and 2 hours from Spaltenna.

I think Bob is giving you good advice.

I also agree with him that you might want to look at Southern Tuscany, in Siena province.

When we stayed at Spaltenna, we had no problems driving around and seeing the best of Tuscanny. And although Sienna is beautiful, make sure you also visit San Gimignano - it was much more quaint, less crowded with tourists and my favorite medieval town.