We are staying two nights in Pienza, three nights in San Gimignano and four nights in Bevagna, Umbria. We have three free nights between San G and Bevagna. Any suggestions as to where(area/town/inn) to spend one or two nights. We love the wine country, small towns and beautiful views. Have thought a going to Portovenere, Lucca, Cartona, Mantalcino or Ovieto. Prefer to stay in small hotels, inns or B&B's. Thank you!!!!

Trish, Go to Portovenere for a contrast. You will get your fill of quaint hill towns at the others. Stay at Albergo Paradiso and boat to the CT from there---magical.

Bob, Thank you for your reply. Do you have the webpage or e-mail address for the Albergo Paradiso?

do a quick search on google for albergo paradiso. Looks lovely!

Are you kidding, paula? there appear to be a lot of hotels with this name - - and google does NOT appear to bring up theone that BOB means.<BR><BR>I assume that it's this place. Looks lovely:<BR><BR>http://www.itsyn.it/paradiso/<BR><BR>Hotel Paradiso <BR>Via Garibaldi 34/40 <BR>19025 Porto Venere (SP) <BR>Tel. +39 187 790612<BR>Fax +39 187 792582 <BR>E-mail: [email protected] <BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Here's the trendy new little way to top. Ask a borderline unimportant little question. that tops the thread, and when someone answers it it gets topped again!<BR><BR>Is the Albergo Paradiso listed above - - the right one, BOB?<BR><BR>This way BOB gets double the added exposure.<BR><BR><BR>

well, is it?<BR>

Clarification needed.<BR>

Gee, where have I been? Yes, that is the one, but there are several good choices at www.portovenere.it . The Belvedere is a decent 3 star next door to the Paradiso, and the GHP is the best in town, but you will pay $180. I have stayed at all 3 and find the Paradiso to be the best value, but try not to take their half-board option.

Gee, where have I been? Yes, that is the one, but there are several good choices at www.portovenere.it . The Belvedere is a decent 3 star next door to the Paradiso, and the GHP is the best in town, but you will pay $180. I have stayed at all 3 and find the Paradiso to be the best value, but try not to take their half-board option.

It does look good, bob. Glad to see it comes with your recommendation.<BR><BR>Does Portoevenere have an off-season? Thinking about a late fall trip.<BR>

Off season is defined by the seas. If the seas are high, as they can be in Nov., then the boats do not run. I have been there twice in Oct. and it was great. The Royal Sporting is the other 4 star in town, but it is a :10 walk into town.

And what about Feb or March? Is there a lower cost season, but still a shot at pleasant? when does higher season begin? Or is it season / no season?<BR>