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Tuscany countryside, small towns and food

Tuscany countryside, small towns and food

Old Jul 6th, 2013, 02:22 PM
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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.
fverhage is offline  
Old Jul 6th, 2013, 05:26 PM
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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.
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Old Jul 6th, 2013, 06:35 PM
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>>>Tuscany seen in various movies>>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.>>Now my dilemma is where to stay>>out-of-the-way places to stay
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Old Jul 6th, 2013, 06:40 PM
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fverhage,
This may help http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm
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Old Jul 6th, 2013, 08:44 PM
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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.
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Old Jul 8th, 2013, 10:55 AM
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thank you all!
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Old Jul 8th, 2013, 11:32 AM
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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.
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Old Jul 8th, 2013, 12:10 PM
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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
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Old Jul 8th, 2013, 12:28 PM
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To eat? Try Panzano, near Florence for a Sunday lunch. Dario Cicchini provides steak and theatre at his macelleria.
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Old Jul 8th, 2013, 12:34 PM
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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.
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