SCFoodie

We are planning a one week stay in Tuscany (November 1 - 8, 2008) and have search websites 'til our eyes crossed. So we decided to ask the experts - all of you who have been there!

We want to stay in one location for the entire week and take several day trips in the region. Our hope would be to find an apartment that is within walking distance of a town that offers a choice of restaurants/cafes/bars, a market so we can purchase food and other necessities, and has a great atmosphere - good for just hangin out.

Can you suggest a town to stay in or an accomodation? Or both?! We aren't looking for fancy or expensive (would like to spend no more than 750 Euro for the week).

Thanks!

annhig

hi, foodie,

how many of you?

that time of year you should be able to find an apartment for 2 within your budget, but it'll be more difficult if you need more than one bedroom. doable, but more difficult.

the place with the greatest choice of shops, restaurants, cafes, and markets, is of course Florence. you could easily spend a week there - we rented an apartment for 6 nights last October, and filled all our time with florence and a couple of day trips. it is very walkable, and transport to other places is also pretty accessible.

is there any reason why you don't want to go there?

regards, ann

Henry

SCFoodie,
Tuscany is a big area. Where do you want to day trip to?

would stay in southern Tuscany to see Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni, Sant Antimo, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Buonconvento, Murlo, Montalcino. I would stay in Chianti area to see San Gimignano, Volterra, Greve, Radda, Castellina,Siena.
Look at agriturismo (an apartment on a farm or vineyard).I have a file on a weeks worth of day trips in southern Tuscany and would be happy to send it, it is too big to post. If you need more help feel free to e-mail me.

Henry

TuckH

I'd pick Siena. It's most central and convenient for your day trips.

It meets all your other criteria as well...

montysc

We stayed in Greve in Chianti - which has many of the necessities you mention, and really enjoyed the town. It is big enough to have a Co-Op plus the butcher, bakery, pasta shop etc...There are a few good dining options in town, plus many excellent ones a short drive away in San Casciano, Panzano, or Lamole. It also has plenty of apartment options in town as well as around the hillsides near town. One we looked at and really loved, that wasn't available, was in the little town of Montefioralle just above Greve - we did a ton of research using the website www.greve-in-chianti.com

We ended up in Agriturismo Casa Nova which is just up a side road in Greve. It was very convienent and very rustic - not sure we would stay there again...

pjsmart

We just got back last week from two weeks in Italy, most of it in Florence and Tuscany. We stayed at an agriturismo farm, La Sovana, in Sarteano. It's 2-3 km off the A1 autostrada and 10 min from the train station at Chiusi. From there we ranged to Siena on the local train and drove to Pienza, Arezzo, and Assisi. Here's the link for farms in Italy: http://www.agriturismo-in-italia.info/index-en.htm

With respect to hotels and B&Bs, we've had great luck with venere.com.

Buona fortuna!

Celiaanne

We stayed in Montepulciano for a week last September (2006) and really enjoyed the town, day trips, and our apartment at: http://tinyurl.com/2vd29g

Good luck!

SCFoodie

Wow! You all responded so quickly! Thank you. To answer the questions --

There are two of us (adults). We've already been to Florence (it was beautiful!) and are looking to spend the week in the countryside - interested in good wine, yummy food, meeting the locals.

Thanks for the comment on Agriturismo Casa Nova. It was on our list. We don't need luxury, but don't want anything too "rustic".

Does anyone have any experience with Agriturismo Patrizia Falciani? (not sure of the spelling) It looks nice and like it is within walking distance of Greve. We are also considering Cassetta Sommaville in Castallina, but can't find any guest reviews of it. Also, it looks like we'd have to drive into town from there. Our preference is to stay in an apartment just outside a town.

We are thinking either the Chianti area or southern Tuscany.

We'll check out all of your suggested links. And reading about your first-hand experiences is PRICELESS!

Henry - once we decide where to stay, we'll email you for the info on the day trips! Thank you.

artlover

We did this in April and stayed in Siena--a wonderful experience. Easy to make several day trips and Siena itself has some of the most fabulous food I've ever eaten. (Plus DD was in univ. there, which was another plus.)

gard

Hi

My wife and I went to Tuscany for 6 days in July. Here is my trip report with pictures, links, maps etc: http://gardkarlsen.com/tuscany_italy_travelogue.htm . I hope that you can find some useful info there

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

JeanneB

Foodie:

We will be in Tuscany at the same time! Nov 1-2 we are staying in Castellina. On the 3rd we'll move down to Pienza...La Fonte agriturismo...for 4 nights. Have not stayed there before, but the website is lovely. I believe we booked their only 1 bedroom apartment, but she may have a 2-bedroom available (90 euros, brkfst included).
http://www.lafonte.toscana.it/2006/ita/

Perhaps we'll bump into each other. We are two (twin) sisters, late 50's---but "youngish"! quot;>

Henry: Would you please email me your daytrips?
jeannebabATcomcastDOTnet
Thanks

bobthenavigator

In November I would stay in a town. The Montepulciano idea was good. That is a bit late for a agriturismo for me. The heating may not be adequate. If you are indeed foodies then there are about a dozen great options within :20 of Montepulciano.

michele_d

Hi JeanneB,
Would you please post your experience with La Fonte when you return. My husband and I are searching for agriturismos in Pienza for a future trip and would love to hear your experience with them. Is it accurate that each room has a kitchen but breakfast is also included? I thought it was one or the other, but that is what it looks like according to their website. They also only list 2 or more bedrooms. How did you find out about the one bedroom?
Thank you,
Michele

SCFoodie

Celiaanne - Thank you for link to the apartment you rented in Montepulciano. We have requested info from them and hope to stay there.

Any additional info on the town would be greatly appreciated.

JeanneB - Once we've solidified our plans, I'll get in touch with you. Maybe we can meet up in Castallina or Pienza. The agriturismo you booked looks fabulous! And a great price!

Thanks again to everyone for all of the info.

Henry - will you please email me your day trip info? Thanks!

JeanneB

Michele,
I will post a report when we return. If I don't remember to come back here and link to it, just remember to search for La Fonte later in November.

We were originally 3 sisters and had booked Caciaiola or Granaio apartment, both two bedroom. When it turned into only 2 of us, she moved us to Pagliao . I think the price is the same regardless of the unit...it's based on # of persons. As a bonus, she has the most charming "mis-English", as she calls it.

And, yes, breakfast is included. I specifically asked about coffee-making and she confirmed there is a kitchen in the unit with necessities.

michele_d

Jeanne,
Thank you. I will look forward to your report when you return! Have an absolutely wonderful time.

Oscar_James

Florence, and take buses or local trains to other locations. It takes the pressure off you. We took the train to Pisa, and the bus to Siena. We could take the city buses to other locations. Visit emilyandjim.info

zoecat

When staying in southern Tuscany, I love to stay at Fonte Bertusi, just outside of Pienza. I highly recomend it.

fontebertusi.it

Have a great trip!

Zoe

SCFoodie

Celiaanne - We heard back from the place you stayed at in Montepulciano. They have apartment #3 available for us.

I know you enjoyed the accomodations. Can you give me the details of it? Clean? Quiet? Was the kitchen well-equipped? Comfy beds? Safe area? Is there parking available?

Thanks!

dorkforcemom

I agree with Bob. I think Montepulciano would be a great location for your needs. I'm not familiar with the apartment suggested but the daytrip convenience from Montepulciano is ideal. I'm going next week to Tuscany myself - I'm hoping the weather is on the mild side for November! Happy planning...