Where is this place in Tuscany?
Nov 23rd, 2006 | 05:03 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
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Where is this place in Tuscany?
We are just beginning to plan next years vacation. We will spend half the time in the Berchtesgaden area and then would like to see Tuscany. Although we have been to quite a few areas in Italy, we've never made it to this region.
I would like to find a very nice hotel, perhaps outside of one of the Tuscan towns. I'm picturing countryside, a great spot to eat outdoors, olive trees, perhaps with a little hiking nearby....proximity to towns that we could visit on day trips....any ideas?
I would like to find a very nice hotel, perhaps outside of one of the Tuscan towns. I'm picturing countryside, a great spot to eat outdoors, olive trees, perhaps with a little hiking nearby....proximity to towns that we could visit on day trips....any ideas?
Nov 23rd, 2006 | 05:14 AM
#3
Joined: Jul 2003
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I suggest you look into this winemaking agriturismo that meets your criteria, just outside Montalcino in the Val d'Orcia area of Tuscany... http://www.larasina.it
Nearby towns, in addition to Montalcino, are Pienza, S Quirico, Bagno Vignoni, Montepulciano, Monticchiello, etc, etc. Also S Antimo.
Nearby towns, in addition to Montalcino, are Pienza, S Quirico, Bagno Vignoni, Montepulciano, Monticchiello, etc, etc. Also S Antimo.
Nov 23rd, 2006 | 06:01 AM
#4
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,268
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Pieve a Castello (www.pieveacastello.com)
Absolutely perfect for walking, as it was originally a monastic hostel for people walking the Via Francigena (it's where the Francigena joins the Via Salaria). Reasonably easy (10 miles or so) walk to both Siena and San Gimigniano. The hotel keeps an intelligently-written set of lots of walks in the neighbourhood.
Food excellent, if a tad showy. If weather goes off, there's the kind of library anyone owning the place as a summer getaway would put together. There's also a video library including just about all the arthouse Italian fims you've never got round to seeing, as well as a decent selection of BBC classic serials and other rainy day British films and TV.
Occasional concerts in the restored Romanesque chapel. Decent garden and possibly pool (I've only stayed in he winter).
Caution: aimed at, designed by, and priced for the UK market. Comfortable, tasteful and well housekept (though the library is as housemite-sodden as all libraries) - but aimed at people who think "luxury" is naff.
Absolutely perfect for walking, as it was originally a monastic hostel for people walking the Via Francigena (it's where the Francigena joins the Via Salaria). Reasonably easy (10 miles or so) walk to both Siena and San Gimigniano. The hotel keeps an intelligently-written set of lots of walks in the neighbourhood.
Food excellent, if a tad showy. If weather goes off, there's the kind of library anyone owning the place as a summer getaway would put together. There's also a video library including just about all the arthouse Italian fims you've never got round to seeing, as well as a decent selection of BBC classic serials and other rainy day British films and TV.
Occasional concerts in the restored Romanesque chapel. Decent garden and possibly pool (I've only stayed in he winter).
Caution: aimed at, designed by, and priced for the UK market. Comfortable, tasteful and well housekept (though the library is as housemite-sodden as all libraries) - but aimed at people who think "luxury" is naff.
Nov 23rd, 2006 | 07:58 AM
#6
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 114
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