thanks Hazel-I am actually aware of this and yes we'll only be using a backpack. That said, the gym is literally our second home-we both used to be personal trainers, we both run and lift weights every day etc. so I figured we could handle it-gotta get a workout in somehow!

Ani - the end of March might be a bit cool and wet. The garden at the apt. was rather wet and tended to get muddy and that was first part of Oct. So, if the garden is what you are basing your decision on, I would say it will probably be too wet and muddy at that time of year for the children to play in. I absolutely loved Pienza, while not as big as Montelp. it was just so darn charming. You might also consider San Quirco. It's smaller than Pienza, but just as charming and was just so peaceful and relaxing. I did not stay there, but I think another poster has stayed in an apt. there.

Hi Ani..I found this site very helpful for accommodations:

http://www.tuscany.net/

We booked a b&b in San Gimignano and our hotel in Montalcino thru them. They also list apartments, farmhouses and villa rentals.

I very much enjoyed Montipulciano. As with the previous poster, I fell in love with Pienza and said if I ever went back to this area I would like to find a place near there. All the towns are quaint so it's hard to go wrong really.

Good luck

You might want to consider Castello di Gargonza or similar place in country as a base. YOu can do you shopping during your daily travels. The reality of touring with small children is that you will likely not be able to do satisfactory restaurant meals in the evening. If you decide to base in a hill town, make sure you can get fairly close in with your car, otherwise as somebody else noted, hiking up and down to where you are staying can be arduous. We were able to arrange very good babysitting at Gargonza too (likely more possible in one of the country castle-village setups than in connection with a town apartment rental.

We will be staying at the Politian Apartments in Montepulciano in June. To those who indicated they recently stayed in Montepulciano, any recommendations for family restaurants, attractions, shops or day trips you particularly recommend?

Thank you.

Greg C

Greg - one of the best meals I've ever had in Italy was in Montelpuciano at La Grotto which is at the bottom of the town very near to the S. Biago Church. Also Cafe Poliziano towards the top of the town. There is a very good restaurant downstairs and upstairs is good for breakfasts or lunches - awesome views. Another memorable meal was in Pienza at Latte di Luna. The suckling pig dish was just amazing. Also in the tiny square in Pienza was a great little place for lunch - can't remember the name, but it might have been Il Rossellino. There are many good family style places in Montelp. and some good pizzerias also.

Barb,

Thank you. We'll have to try some (or all) of them.

Thanks again.

Greg