Tuscany Base Options
 

Hi All,

We’re flying to Tuscany for eight nights in April. Three of those nights will be in Florence (lodging already booked). The next five nights I was initially planning to spend in the Val d’Orcia. Is that too many and should we be breaking it up with two nights elsewhere? We want to do a day trip to Siena, a day trip to Assisi, one day exploring the small towns of the Val d’Orcia, and one day on a wine tour.

Thanks for your input!

Where does your Florence stay fall in the eight nights? I'm thinking that if it's at the beginning, you could go toward Siena for two nights and take in Siena and at least another nearby town, then move on for three nights in the Val d'Orcia.
You could also do your wine tour out of Siena/Volterra/San Gimignano.

Florence is at the beginning. We’re taking the train there from Fiumicino and then picking up the rental car at the end of the three nights. I was thinking of Siena as a possibility.

It's a hard call, based on. your tolerance for day trips. Val d'Orcia is a bit of a hike to either Siena or Assisi, depending on your base.
Another option is your 3 nights in the Val d'Orcia, followed by two nights in Umbria.

IMO, I think you're hoping to do more than you have time for. Eight nights in Tuscany is only 7 full days. I assume you'll need to spend the last night near FCO for a flight out the next day, so the last day will have to include the drive to lodging at or near FCO (about 3 hours). That leaves only 6+ days. If you're not flying out after the 8th night, where are you going next?

For me, Assisi is too far from any point in the itinerary you're contemplating. I set my driving radius at about an hour, and I don't like to drive in the dark if I can avoid it. Assisi is easily 1.5-2 hours from any of the Val d'Orcia towns, and that doesn't include the time you'd spend looking for parking and walking or riding a bus up to the basilica area. The drive from Siena is about 2 hours.

Normally, I would suggest seeing Siena from Florence as a day trip, but you're only allowing yourself two full days to see Florence. You should check the open/closed days and hours of your sightseeing list to be sure you can see everything there in two days. If you're in Florence on Sunday/Monday, you'll find some of the main sights will be closed or have reduced hours. Make entry reservations for everything that offers them.

If it was my trip (and it isn't), I wouldn't take any time away from Florence. I'd spend the remaining nights in the Val d'Orcia and make a day trip to Siena and perhaps take an organized wine tour (although there are nice tasting rooms in Montalcino, Montepulciano, etc.). If you want to visit a winery on your own, you need to research the options and probably make a reservation. You can't just show up and expect a tour at most of the wineries.

I completely concur with Jean.

Thanks so much for the recommendations. We planned the trip to avoid spending Sunday or Monday in Florence. We have a late flight out of Rome on the day of our departure so we're spending the night in the Val d'Orcia and then driving to FCO later the next day.

Do you have any recommendations for organized wine tours? I had asked for suggestions in a different post, but didn't get any responses.

I suggest you base in Val d'Orcia for as long as you can. Here is a link to the place I usually stay (6 times) that lists a few activities to keep you happy-

https://www.fontebertusi.it/en/plan-your-stay/

If you stay at Fonte Bertusi, they can make arrangements for your wine tour. In addition, there are several towns and villages to explore as well as the beautiful countryside. Unless you feel a strong need to visit Assisi, I recommend you skip it this time.

San Quirico !

I’ve been hunting for the wine guide I used for clients when I was working and finally found the address. Try [email protected]

they we’re pleased

I agree that Assisi is too far to include in this trip given all you want to do. Also, trying to visit more than 2 towns in a single day is also rather unrealistic. You need to account for driving, photo ops, the long mid-day closing, and a delicious lunch somewhere. Two towns per day is really the max. Italy, and especially the countryside is to be enjoyed slowly and savored!

I too think you are trying to do too much. Where you would want to do a winery tour depends on what type of wine you are most interested in. Super Tuscan, Chianti or Brunello? Many of the more interesting wineries require an advanced appointment. If you just want to see any Tuscan winery you can do a tour out of Florence or if you stay at Fonte Bertuci Manuela can probably set you up for a tour. I like the Val d'Orcia but its on the southern part of Tuscany so not a central location from which to tour Tuscany. Siena is central. Given your limited time I would probably stick to Florence and some place like Pienza and do day trips.