18 days visiting Tuscany with a base in Florence

From Florence:
- Siena is reachable by train or bus - bus lands you closer to the center of town.
- Lucca (note spelling) is best by train.
- Bologna is 35 minutes by fast train.
- Assisi is probably out of reach from Florence - it is more than 2 hours just driving and public transportation is difficult.

Other options are Pisa and Arezzo by train, Greve by bus, San Gimignano by bus or a train and bus combo but it would be a long day. Prato (great textile museum) and Pistoia are on the same train line as Lucca and night interest you as local towns but lack the obvious big sights.

If you're looking for hotel recommendations you should specify what price you consider "reasonably priced" and any requirements or preferences you have regarding your stay.

Have a great trip,
=Tod

Dear Tod, Thank you very much for your prompt response and very useful comments.

You're right about the hotel. Based on my previous travel experiences in Europe, I know that Rick’s guidebook on Florence and Tuscany offers excellent options. The last time I visited Florence was 30 years ago, so I'm sure the city has changed quite a bit since then. Since we'll be staying in Florence for over two weeks, I'm searching for a centrally located, 4-star hotel with friendly staff, where I can fully immerse myself in the local culture, practice my Italian, and explore the city's beautiful attractions.My initial thought was to stay near the Duomo, but I’ve heard that area can be quite crowded. Would staying in the "Oltrarno" neighborhood be a better option, as it would place me closer to restaurants and shops popular with locals? I’d appreciate any feedback from those who have recently visited Florence.

Four star hotels are going to be much less common in the Oltrarno since it is further from the city center and was/is more of the trades people area. Maybe some place like Palazzo Martellini Residenza d'epoca could be what you are looking for. I've never stayed there - too rich for my blood - but it looks like very nice in an understated way and is is an old palazzo.

You should really define your price range because Florence has some very luxury accommodations that will gladly charge you $20-30K for that many days. I would also advise you to book soon trying to get that many days in September in Florence because that is very much in season.

Hope that helps,
=Tod

Premium will not allow you to lay flat, so not comparable to business, but if I had 18 days to recover in Italy, I’d be fine with premium. Maybe splash out on business for your return!

Thank you Tod. Maybe a 3 star hotel would be a better option for what I am looking for.
Best regards👍👍, Fito

Hi Fito. You might want to consider renting an apartment for that many days. It would give you more room and also enable you to shop for and eat some meals at home. We have rented apartments in the Oltrarno area numerous times and loved it. The neighborhood has much more of a local vibe with great restaurants and good access to local buses.

Thank you Cindy. That may be a very good option. Could you share any information about the apartments and the rental company?
Thank you again!!
Best regards!!

Fito,

Wife & I are mid-60s. Via Airbnb we booked an apartment in Oltrarno for 30-days beginning 17 April. For stays over a few days, we desire an apartment with full kitchen. Then we have option of dining in apartment or cafes/restaurants.

In booking apartments, here are factors we consider:

• Elevators or stairs. Italy can be challenging to find decent apartment with elevator or minimal stairs. We are no longer considered youths! Many apartments show beautiful interiors and great views. Before reserving, drill down into the details. It can be on 4th or 5th floor with 60-100 steps. Also be aware, in Italy 1st floor is above ground level. (What we consider 2nd floor).

• Note cancellation policy. Most Airbnb listings have very reasonable cancellation policies. This is why I prefer Airbnb to VRBO.

• Read many customer reviews. I'll see some good reviews, but then pass when I read more than one review noting thin walls, excessive noise, moldy bathrooms or other reasons to reject.

• Via Airbnb I will message owner/ property manager, before booking, with questions. Responsiveness and communication abilities provide me better feelings moving forward.

Last but not least, consider hiring RS recommended Siena based tour guide Anna Piperato. NOTE: Anna's calendar fills months in advance. Now is NOT to early to reserve Anna. Anna has PhD in art history but is able to communicate interesting/ fun facts without being stuffy. She can provide tours both in Florence and Siena. Anna can provide access to Siena Contrade halls and museums which are not open to general public.

Enjoy your trip!
:-)

Hi Fiti,
I just sent you a PM.

Dear CindyP, thank you very much for the additional information!! Today I began searching for options with Airb&b; we use them often during summer. I agree with your comments, in particular the one related to stairs and elevators😊😊.
Thank you again!!!
Fito