We are flying into Bologna early September and after spending a few days there (maybe including day trip(s) to Venice and/or Verona) we had aimed to head south to spend 4 or 5 days in Tuscany.

We won't have a car so I'd love some advice on where the best location might be for having somewhere to go out in the evenings and also to go on day trips via public transport. We really don't want to stay in Siena or Florence so would prefer one of the smaller towns. Had been thinking of Montepulciano as an option but those with more experience of Tuscany may have better ideas, particularly relating to the no car aspect.

Regional trains cheap go most places

Www.lucca.info

My fav hike bike city walls low tourist lots to do.

You are pretty much restricted to staying in cities like Siena and Florence unless you work out the bus and train schedules in advance. You will see the countryside out the window, but you will find it hard to stop and explore on the spur of the moment. I would guess that Florence would be the best base since Siena is not on a main railway line.

It would probably be best to decide what towns you want to see and then choose a location to explore from depending on train/bus schedules. Many small towns do not have access to trains so you will need to depend on buses.

Are you interested in southern or northern Tuscany?

Without a car, I think you would have the most flexibility if you stayed in Florence. Transportation options are best from there and it is my favorite place in Italy because of the multitude of options right in Florence. After 7 trips thre we still have a long list of things we want to do.

It is very hard to really appreciate the countryside without a car but you can travel easily to a number of towns from Florence by train or bus.

Preference is for Southern Tuscany. I have been to Florence before and it's one of the few places in Italy that I don't like.

Base in Siena for decent transport options.

I know you said you didn't want to stay in Florence, but if you don't have a car it might be a good idea. We stayed in Florence and did a bike tour with iBike Italy. It is a one day bike tour through Tuscany with a stop for lunch at a winery. It was so fun and our guide was great, although the biking was slightly strenuous. They pick you up from Florence. Easily one of the highlights of our trip!

Here's a bus map (zoom in a couple of times). There is little service on Sundays. You can reach some places from Montepulciano plus the Chiusi train station is not that far as long as you get back in time to catch the last bus back.
http://www.sienamobilita.it/mappe/Mappa_EXT.pdf

Buonconvento has quite a few buses pass through and is also on a train line. From Pienza you can reach several places also. To travel around by bus, you really have to plan well and have recent bus schedules so you don't get stranded.
http://www.sienamobilita.it/EN/index.html

I agree with Lucca. Nice, nice town, easy access to the train to get to Pisa and other coastal towns, and probably some bus routes I don't know about.

Thanks for the inputs, think we will plump for Siena or Montepulciano as there seems to be enough options to get us around for 4-5 days

Thanks for the inputs, think we will plump for Siena or Montepulciano as there seems to be enough options to get us around for 4-5 days