I have been researching hotels, b&b's, inns, etc. for a two week trip in October. Would like to stay in several areas. Any comments on L'Orto Degli Angeli in Bevagna, Montorio in Montepulciano, Hotel L/Antico Pozzo in San Gimignano, Relais Ducale in Gubbio and Stoppiacce in Cortona. We want to stay part of the time in small towns, or in the country with a view. Nothing to formal. Thank you so much.

The Bevagna property is excellent. So is Antico Pozzo, but in town. That is all you need to cover most of Umbria and Tuscany--skip the others.

Thank you so much for the info. Those were my first two choices. Any special rooms or advice?

It is hard to park in San Gim. and is often very crowded. I would look at the Villa Belvedere at www.tuscany.net for<BR>a better location for day trips. Also look at Palazzo Bocci in Spello for an Umbria base, but Bevagna is cool. With that much time I would look at a third location but probably on the coast of Liguria. I prefer Portovenere if you are driving. Oct. is a good time to go.<BR>Hit Lucca enroute to coast. Good luck !

Last year we stayed at Fattoria Titignano. It is an agriturimo high on a hill above Lago di Corbara, halfway between Orvieto and Todi. The view was sensational and the food was outstanding. You may contact me or find more information at: http://www.titignano.it/index.htm