Does anybody have a recommendation for where we should stay in Tuscany. We will be staying for one week in July. We would need a place that will sleep 4 adults. I would like to get somewhere centrally located for day trips around Tuscany, and even to the coast, (Cirque Terre). We would want a place in a town that is big enough to have eating and shopping. Also, it would be great to walk from our room to town/shopping. It would be great if we could keep the cost for one week to about 1,200, or less. Don't need a fancy place, but just clean. Thanks in advace for any help you can offer.

We wanted to see both Tuscany and Umbria (didnt go as far north as Cinque Terra which seems like an overnight would be better).

After much reseach, we chose Pienza, centrally located. We did have a car and visited many towns/sites in both Tuscany(as far as Volterra and Umbria. It was a perfect location for daytripping. Offhand, I can't remember the place we stayed but will look it up if you're interested. The apartment we got had 2 bedrooms each with double beds.

Pienza has many restaurants which are good; however, I wouldn't classify Pienza as a shopping town. There were several boutique shops and cheese shops. And just down the hill in San Quirico (a cute town with shopping but not walking distance)is Il Tinaio restaurant. Best spaghetti sauce I've ever had. We liked this restaurant so much that we went twice. My friend loved her meals, also.

We always left around 8:00am or so to daytrip so that we could be back before dark. Didn't want to drive at night.

I prefer Southern Tuscany (you can't day trip to CT from there) and small towns like Pienza or Montepulciano would be good for a base.
For places in Pienza try: http://www.portalepienza.it/
For Montepulciano: http://www.prolocomontepulciano.it/index.uk.php

If you want something closer to Florence, then Le Torri is well within your price range, but not in town.
http://www.letorri.com/

"... centrally located for day trips around Tuscany, and even to the coast, (Cinque Terre)."

Are these day trips by car or public trans? Where to?

IMO it would be hard to find a place that is both central to the usual Tuscany destinations (Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, Montalcino, etc.) and also close enough to the Cinque Terre for a day trip. For example, it's about a 3-hour drive from Siena to Manarola.

Would you consider two nights in the CT and five nights somewhere in Tuscany?

Bob,

I completely agree with Jean. If the Cinque Terre is a must, then split your time between the Tuscan countryside and the coast. Both areas are well worth a day, not just a day trip.

I recommend Montepulciano and especially www.appartamentialpoggiolo.it.

Bob, You have gotten good advice on both of your posts--I ope you pay attention. Here are some specific places to stay in a one hour radius of Siena:


BOB’S FAVORITE DIGS IN TOSCANA

A. RURAL LOCATIONS: All have parking and good food options nearby

1. Relais La Saracina www.lasaracina.it 230 to 300E
Fabulous country home near Montepulciano—helpful owners

2. Cretaiole Agriturismo http://www.cretaiole.it/ Good value for families

3. Terre di Nano www.terredinano.com 100 to 155
Both rooms and apartments at rural Agriturismo near Monticchiello

4. Hotel Pescille www.pescille.it Good value at a rustic hotel only 3 km from famed San Gimignano with great views---100 to 130E

5. Fattoria Tregole www.fattoria-tregole.com 110E to 180E
Has both B&B and apartment accommodations. Near Castellina in Chianti

6. Agriturismo apts. near San Quirico— www.poggiolo.info/ About 110E


B. IN-TOWN LOCATIONS: For walking convenience to shops & ristorantes.

1. Palazzo del Capitano www.palazzodelcapitano.com 130 to 180E
Very nice small hotel in center of San Quirico—perfect location to explore.

2. Vecchia Oliviera www.tuscany.net/oliviera/ 130 to 180E
Nice 4 star hotel at the gate into lovely Montalcino---has pool.

3. Palazzina Cesari www.montalcinoitaly.com 80 to 110E
Lovely small B&B in heart of Montalcino—great value—2 night stay minimum.

4. Locanda di San Francesco www.locandasanfrancesco.it 180 to 200E
New boutique B&B in a lovely location in Montepulciano—great reviews !

5. Palazzo Ravizza www.palazzoravizza.it 130 to 180E
Very nice & popular hotel in Siena with parking.

6. Fattoria Vignale http://www.vignale.it/eng/ Four star hotel in Radda in the heart of Chianti. About 230E for double

bookmarking

You might want to consider this place in Chianti Hills for total luxury on a low budget. Fantastic place & very central with many different options for rentals including charming stone houses and lots of good value, good tasting restaurants. We loved it!

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/0...y-camping.html

If you want to rent a cabin with local Italians, this is a real bargain in Cinque Terre and we loved it last July. Not as luxurious as the Tuscany place, but VERY convenient,good restuarant, free transportation, free wifi and a wonderful way to meet locals.

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2009/0...-vacation.html

Bookmarking!

ditto, bookmarking.

any opinion on this palazzo in Montepulciano?
www.palazzocarletti.com/en/index.html