jgandhi

Departing from Venice heading to Tuscany for 4 nights. ( end of April - early May 2014)

We definitely want to visit Florence ( pls keep in mind - we are not too big on the Museums or Art - if we see couple of them in a day we are content, we don't need to see it all) So should we just do a day trip or is it recommended to stay a night there ?

We definitely would like to do a Chianti wine tour for a day, and then head back to the hotel which could be in Florence or Siena or some other scenic/cozy town.

We want to cover the scenic landscape (Val d’Orcia) and visit countryside / small towns such as Montepulciano  / Orvieto / Montalcino, etc.

Should we stay in Siena instead of Florence as we will be closer to the countryside and easily be able to access the scenic drives in Tuscany?

We don't want to do 1 night stays in multiple places, but rather make one place as our base (Florence or Siena) and then do day trips.

We cannot do it all as we only have 4 nights, which is 3 & half days. So what would be the best approach to get full flavor of Tuscany.

Tips on transportation and getting around would also be appreciated! Thanks.

bobthenavigator

I would stay in or near Siena and see Florence as a day trip.
You will need a car to see rural Tuscany.

Better yet, train to Florence for 2 nites and then get your car as you leave Florence and plan fo 3 nites in Tuscany.
They are really seperate destinations and it is not easy to include both from one hotel.

pctraveler

I would train to Florence and then do day trips to the surrounding areas. We have done this a couple of times; stayed in Florence and hired a driver to take us to the countryside. You can easily do Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, etc. in one day. You can also add a fabulous meal at Restaurante Il Pozzo in Monteriggioni and/or have your driver take you to a winery.

These are all doable from Florence.

TravelParis23

Just returned from a glorious trip in Tuscany and Rome
Stayed 3 nights at Hotel David in Florence. Outstanding service.

Spent 4 nights in Siena at Frances Lodge. Hosts Franco and Frances are delightful.
Each morning , they helped with suggestions for travel even marking roads with different colors on a map. One route for going and another for returning so we could see more. You will love the rolling hills of Tuscany. Pictures can not prepare you for its beauty.

Rent a car and enjoy driving in the countryside. It is easy to do with their help.

RonZ

In Florence we stay at the Hotel Pendini. Dinners at Buca Mario and Il latina.