Tuscany countryside, small towns and food
 

OK so I am set on seeing first-hand the lovely vistas of Tuscany seen in various movies. And I hope to stay in two or three towns in addition to two days in Florence to soak up the city and museums I saw many years ago. And then there is the food to enjoy!!

Now my dilemma is where to stay - in the towns or more remotely in the countryside. I'd love to enjoy some evenings sitting on a patio or deck with a nice glass (bottle) of red wine and staring at rolling hills and valleys of Tuscan colors. My plan it to possibly start in or near Lucca, drive along the Mediterranean, and down to Pienza and Siena to explore Val d’Orcia and Chianti areas.

I'd love to hear from folks with their preferences for these small towns and out-of-the-way places to stay and see and places to eat.

There are many---here are a few of my favorites:


BOB’S FAVORITE DIGS IN TUSCANY
A. RURAL LOCATIONS: All have parking and good food options nearby

1. Relais La Saracina www.lasaracina.it 230 to 300E
Fabulous country home near Montepulciano—helpful owners

2. Cretaiole Agriturismo http://www.cretaiole.it/ Good value for families
Isabella also has 2 apts. in Castelmuzio for rent—wonderful—see her site.

3. Terre di Nano www.terredinano.com 100 to 155
Both rooms and apartments at rural Agriturismo near Monticchiello

4. Casanova di Pescille http://www.casanovadipescille.com/ 100E
Rural B&B 3 KM from famed San Gimignano—we loved the views of San Gim.

5. Fattoria Tregole www.fattoria-tregole.com 110E to 180E
Has both B&B and apartment accommodations. Near Castellina in Chianti

6. Agriturismo apts. near San Quirico— www.poggiolo.info/ About 110E

7. New historic B&B north of Pienza. http://www.camprena.it/index.htm
Site of filming for THE ENGLISH PATIENT About 90E for double

8. http://www.borgoargenina.it/index.html A special rural B&B in Chianti.
The lovely owner, Elena, will make you feel like family. 170E for double

B. IN-TOWN LOCATIONS: For walking convenience to shops & ristorantes.

1. Palazzo del Capitano www.palazzodelcapitano.com 170 to 210E
Very nice small hotel in center of San Quirico—perfect location to explore.

2. Vecchia Oliviera www.vecchiaoliviera.com/ 150 to 200E
Nice 4 star hotel at the gate into lovely Montalcino---has pool.

3. Palazzina Cesari www.montalcinoitaly.com 80 to 110E
Lovely small B&B in heart of Montalcino—great value—2 night stay minimum.

4. Locanda di San Francesco www.locandasanfrancesco.it 180 to 200E
New boutique B&B in a lovely location in Montepulciano—great reviews !

5. Politian apartments http://www.politian.com/ Good value apts. with
minimum stay of 3 nights in Montepulciano---helpful host---85E

6. Palazzo Ravizza www.palazzoravizza.it 170 to 250E
Very nice & popular hotel in Siena with parking.

>>>Tuscany seen in various movies<<<

Which movies?

I think Lucca is overrated and dull.

>>>I'd love to enjoy some evenings sitting on a patio or deck with a nice glass (bottle) of red wine and staring at rolling hills and valleys of Tuscan colors.<<<

If you want any green, you need to travel in the spring. In summer and early fall, it can be quite dry/brown.

>>>Now my dilemma is where to stay<<<

It would depend on when you plan to travel and how many days you have. Many places in season require a weeks stay.

>>>out-of-the-way places to stay<<<

You would need to state a budget. Are you planning to cook or intend to navigate remote curvy roads in the dark after having wine at a restaurant?

fverhage,
This may help http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm

I've been to Lucca and I wouldn't go back, although I did enjoy a day exploring in the mountains north of Lucca. There were some interesting ancient mountain villages, not quite like other places in Italy or Tuscany, but that's not what you are asking for.

Coastal Tuscany is, IMO, just OK and not loaded with first tier/first time bang for you time and money.

thank you all!

Overall, my preference is to stay in a village, town or small city. That way I can wander around, people-watch while having a glass of wine in a cafe, and not worry about driving. Depending on the location, you may be able to sit on a terrace or deck within a town, and gave over the rolling Tuscan hills - we've stayed at a hotel in San Gimignano (La Cisterna) where we could do that.

Keep in mind that while Pienza is a small town, Siena is not, and neither are out of the way. Though very nice to visit just the same. Also, neither are in the Chianti area. If you want to see Chianti, then after you leave Lucca (which I like), head toward Florence, then south on the s.222 through Chianti.

I second Terre di Nano, we stayed there our first trip, and have already booked for next year. (Bob has website link above)

Great nearby restaurant, we ate there 2x in 5 days (make reservations, popular and small)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...o_Tuscany.html

To eat? Try Panzano, near Florence for a Sunday lunch. Dario Cicchini provides steak and theatre at his macelleria.

Take a look at Montepulciano, lovely small town with stunning views over the Val d' Orcia and Valdichiana. I stayed at Politian Apts (see Bob's info above) and can highly recommend them.