tuscany bound - first week in August!
 

I'm taking the family to Italy next week - Mom, Dad, Emily (14) and Freddie (9). I've been planning this trip for a year,have gotten some great advice from fellow Fodor's groupies, and now can't wait! I have a few remaining questions someone might help me with. First, despite having read a raft of books on Tuscany, I still am unclear on my "site" priorities. We'll be staying at a villa in Greve for a week & will certainly visit Siena and Florence, and try to do so during the "off" hours (somehow). As between San Gimignano, Radda, Montepulciano, Impruneta, Badia a Coltibuono, Lamole,etc., I would appreciate any advice on favorite spots, "must sees", restaurant recommendations, etc. Second, after we leave Tuscany, we drive to Rome. Unfortunately, we arrive in Rome on August 15th, which is a feast day, national holiday, etc. I would appreciate any advice on where we can find a restauarnt that will be open that day (and for the following 3 days for that matter). We are staying at La Rezidenza on Via Emilia, a few blocks from the Via Veneto. I promise to compose a long trip summary on our return. Mille grazie!

Hello Fred, <BR> <BR>If you can, catch the Saturday morning market in Greve. It is a wonderful chance to mingle with the locals. Eat at Bellavista in Impruneta, it is a hotel/restaurant which has been family owned forever. There is a beautiful church on the same piazza. Bellavista has a wonderful view. San Gimignano is wonderful near sunset. The main street through the walled portion is very crowded. Wonderful shops/restaurants can be found on the side streets. Try la mangiatoia for lunch or dinner (via mainardi 5). My husband really liked Voltarre for the architecture. Best advice - take it easy and enjoy the countryside. We had a villa near Castellina in Chianti and there were a few days that we just sat on the patio, sipped wine and took in the incredible view. If your kids are into to soccer, there are pretty big fields just outside Greve, Poggiobonsi and near Impruneta. There always seemed to be a game going on. <BR>Have a blast!

La Residenza is a great choice!! Some of the big hotel dining rooms will be open, I'm sure. Just ask at La Residenza for help (or, I would even fax them ahead to see what they recommend and whether they can make a res. for you) Also, while you're there try to have a meal at Peppone's but it's probably going to be closed Ascension Day. Walking distance. Badia a Coltifuono is a pretty place in the Tuscan Chianti area for lunch and a good bottle of their wine. If you will be in Tuscany before the 15th--try to see some of the preparations for the Palio to be run in Siena on August 15, but please don't try to attend the actual event with children in tow. It's not really for tourists! Montepulciano is great wine tasting town--two good cantine at the top of the town, but are your kids patient? The Italians will welcome children graciously---they'll be welcome anywhere. Previous post about soccer is a good one, but Poggibonsi leaves a lot to be desired as a tourist destination. It was badly bombed and so is now a modern town. They will probably get a kick out of the catacombs in Rome and the sound and light show at the Forum. Greve's great---a nice drive into the country will take you on the Chianti Wine Road. And, don't forget, frequent gelato breaks---for all of you! Enjoy. <BR>

Fred, For a good day trip from Greve, drive down to <BR>Monteriggioni first then take N-68 over to Volterra. <BR>The Etruccan history here makes it a must-see. <BR>Then backtrack and turn up to San Gimignano for <BR>2 hours and then back to Greve thru Poggibonsi. <BR>This will give you 2 of the very best hill towns in <BR>all of Tuscany, and a reasonable driving day. <BR>Try to get the rissoto con porcini at the Hotel <BR>Cistrena in San G. if your schedule permits.

Super advice - thanks to each of you.