Siena? Florence? What else?

just got back from tuscany and umbria - willing to help but need more details, what do you like? museums? art? history? quaint towns? shopping?

Gee I think you pretty well said what I like. There will be 6 adults and 2 children in our party (10 year olds). We won't be stuck like glue all week though.

Of course explore wine country

You might consider renting an apartment (2 probably) in Pienza. It's very centrally located for seeing much of Tuscany and Umbria. We did this for a week but had a car. You would need a van but it's certainly doable.

I had looked over the area and decided Pienza was our best bet. We did not go, however, to Florence. At least you could settle in one place and just take day trips.

I also should have added to check out a farm house in the Pienza area that can accommodate all of you.

BarbSG,
I have a large file on Tuscany. It is too big to post but if you e-mail me I will send it. [email protected]

Places to go to, Siena and San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. You should take in some of the Vinyards too in the region.

You can find places to visit here:
http://www.tuscany-villas.co.uk/even...it-in-Tuscany/

Barb:
1) When are you going?
2) Do you want to stay in one place or move around? Will you stay IN Florence, or see it as a day trip?
3) What kind of accommodations do you want ---apartment(s)? Hotel(s)? Or have you already booked?

Like Nancy, we loved our Pienza base. But that's a long way to San Gim & Florence.

Florence will just be a day trip Jeanne. We have our accommodations. Going in a few weeks.

If you tell us where you're staying (and when), it's easier to suggest "do not miss" sites or events.

Don't mean to butt in here but we are going in August and staying on an olive oil farm near Castinlia in Chianti. We will be with our 7 year old and hoping to do simple day trips to enjoy the food, wine, history, nature, shopping, etc. Any suggestions for that area? Thanks!

Monteriggione is delightful. It's small enough that even a 7 year old will enjoy it.

Other than that, I suspect the youngster will like the POOL more than anything else in August.

Yes Jeanne it is Chianti Cashmere in Radda in July.

We loved bella Radda! San Gim, Siena and Florence will be easy from there. Funny story: we were headed to San Gim, following the little signs. Came to a huge walled fortress town and pulled right in. After we'd walked around for an hour, unable to find any of the expected landmarks, someone informed us we were in Colle Val d'Elsa! Actually, we prefer to call it "Nonne San Gimignano". LOL!

BTW: are you the same BarbSG I've been talking to about Point Clear, AL?

LOL
Yes I am Jeanne. I was wondering if that was you. Thks for the info!