I'm currently looking at private villas in Tuscany for my honeymoon next May. I've got a shortlist of 2 both of which are in Arezzo province. One is just outside Caprese Michaelangelo to the north east of Arezzo. The other is between Siena and Arezzo, just outside Monte San Savino. <BR> <BR>In your opinion, which is the better location? We are looking for beautiful, typican Tuscan scenery and a 'get away from it all' place but near enough to good shops, restaurants, etc. and easily accessible from the main cities, for day trips. <BR> <BR>I've never been to this part of Italy before, so any advice from aficionados would be great! <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR>Zoe

Zoe, <BR> <BR>I can't give you specifics because I've always stayed in hotels...but I have looked at the villas at www.travel-italy.com and they have some really beautiful ones with great photos. Hope it helps and that others can give you more info.

Zoe: <BR> <BR>Review the thread titled "Toscana Suggestions". Dean has provided a wealth of information & is an excellent resource for your query. Additionally, another thread with good input on topic is "So...where in Tuscany should we stay?". I've copied both of these for future reference. Only had 3 days in Tuscany this year as a first timer & definitely want to return for longer. Great place for a May honeymoon!

To robin-k (and to Zoe) <BR> <BR>It never takes long for a thread to get separated from others that are "topped" at or near the same time. <BR> <BR>It's helpful to know the correct name of worthwhile threads - - but even more useful to supply the URL (obtained with a "right click", and then Copy Link Location" or "Copy Shortcut" - - depending on your browser). <BR> <BR>For "Toscana suggestions" <BR> <BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/crossro...messagesframe& <BR> <BR>and for "So...where in Tuscany should we stay?" <BR> <BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/crossro...messagesframe& <BR> <BR>Who knows - - maybe someday Fodors will restore "hot links" capabilities, then you could simply click on the URL's, and go directly TO these threads! <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Hi Zoe, <BR>let me reccomend you to try with Miss catherina at [email protected] <BR>She is young and Tuscany has no secret for her. We planned in Siena, S.Gimignano, Colle val d'Elsa everytime with great satisfaction. <BR>BYE BYE

Zoe, <BR> Choosing purely by location, I'd go with the one near Monte San Savino. I know these areas quite well and would say not only is that the more "typically Tuscan" it's just more centrally located for the Greatest Hits List of things to do and see. Nothing at all against the area NE of Arezzo, but a little more Umbrian in flavor and farther off the trail. My personal Most Beautiful Part of Tuscany is the Crete Senesei area south of Siena, so if possible try to schedule a drive through there--many delightful destinations for easy day trips. I will be difficult to be disappointed whatever you decide!

Zoe, I concur with Coco between those choices. However, I also agree that the south Tuscany landscape is the best. Plan to spend time via Montepulciano to Pienza, Montalcino, Abbazia Mt. Oliveto Maggiore etc. Mt San Savino is a good general location to see Chianti, Siena, and Arezzo. Good luck.

Hey, run, please tell us where she booked you in Sienna, San Gimgnano, and in Colle val d'Elsa. We'd be curious before we book with her. What made her ideas and service special?

Monte San Savion fan topping to sink those obnoxious "Which city" posts!

ttt (to the top) <BR>