Tuscany rentals: Agriturismo or in town?
 

Hello, Need help with some decisions, please.

Situation: traveling to Italy in June 2005; 4 days Rome, 3 days Venice with week in Tuscany in between

Family of 2 adults and 2 boys (16 and 18) planning to see Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, a bit of Chianti and the hill towns (ambitious but we're going for broke)

Ideal location: Walking distance to a town. Pool and kitchen sound nice, but see below. Convenient to all of Tuscany. Moderate price, clean rooms, not noisy. Relatively close to either Florence or Siena to save some travel.

Questions:
1. Like the idea of Agriturismo with pool and kitchen, but with so many on the go days, would we use them anyway? Or do you get to the point where you need to stay in?

2. Have found the following, but would welcome other suggestions.

A. An agriturismo within walking distance (2km) to San Gimi -- concern 40+ minutes to Florence, Siena and hill towns. One very good review.

B. Agriturismo Monteriggioni--also seems to be listed as Agriturismo Antico Oliveto -- on an organic farm near Monteriggioni and also small town that starts with Q. 8 km Siena. No reviews on this one, though.

C. Podere di Siena - Apartment within Siena city limits, near bus stop but has car park--need reviews

D. Politian Apts in Montepiciano city center--have seen good reviews but is this too far from other destinations?

Thank you for any insights.

ttt

mama mia,
Another suggestion, La Crociona. See review http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/review...viewnumber=775
About 700 euro for a two bedroom apartment. Feel free to e-mail me if you have questions.

Hi mama,

>...planning to see Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, a bit of Chianti and the hill towns...<

No car?

We took our 2 children to Italy as well a couple of years ago and the place that we chose was a bit 'out of the way' of a town and we ended up regreting that. This time, what we're doing is staying extremely close to Florence in a place called Villa Montartino. Right next door to it, and managed by the same people is an agriturismo with apartments. The website is montartino.com. The agriturismo is listed on the website. We are staying in the Villa because we don't think we really want an apartment this time since it's only for four nights. If you're staying a full week, it is nice to have the option of being able to make coffee, store drinks, snacks etc. even though you might not make a full meal. The nice thing about Villa Montartino and the agriturismo next door, is that it's only about 15 minutes from Florence and there is a bus stop outside the place to catch the bus into Florence. I would imagine your boys would really like this option and won't feel so isolated if Mom and Dad just want to hang out by the pool and read a book one afternoon. I haven't actually stayed here yet but it is recommended by Karen Brown Italy Guide Book and her recommendations are usual excellent.

Thanks for info so far. Yes. We will have a car but was hoping to not have to drive everywhere.