Hello,
We will have four nights to spend in the Tuscany area as part of our honeymoon, and I'm looking for some advice on how to spread out our time. I'm thinking we'll stay two nights in Siena (Albergo Bernini), and then two more in another smaller hill town somewhere in the area. Looking for a place to enjoy the culture, maybe a wine tour or two, and just wondering if we should stay within the city limits of another town, or opt for somewhere in the countryside - perhaps an agriturismo in the area. We are planning on renting a car in Siena for two days. Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Portland, OR
1136 posts
Where are you coming from and going to? What are your interests? A small hill town can capture culture, wine, etc, as can a country agriturismo.
Posted by
53 posts
Just a suggestion. Stay 4 nights in Siena and do loop trips. Spend one sunset in Montalcino (very close to Siena) drinking Brunello on a 12th century Fortress turret (super cool and inexpensive too). Spend one afternoon/evening in Volterra (Lucio and Bruno's "bra" bar wine tasting is a kick), Annie Adair's one-hour/6pm city tour is great too. Volterra has been a town for about 3000 years (one hour from Siena). Loops: Asciano to Pienza (via the Crete Senese trail) to Montepulciano (via the Val d'Orcia) and finish in Volterra/Siena. For a longer trip do Orvieto to Bagnoregio to Montalcino/Siena via the south to north route through the Val d'Orcia. Siena is a zoo between 10AM - 3PM with tour buses but divine at night with sightseeing early and late. Bottom line get Rick's Hill Towns Tuscany book and do some research on what to see and especially where to park.
Posted by
Finkle
195 posts
HI
We spent two nights in Volterra and two nights in Montepulicano and loved them both. In Volterra we stayed at hotel just outside walls which made having a car easier. Plenty to see and do -loved Annie Adiar`s walk, great Roman ruins, the bra bar(lots of fun) and a little placed called OHIOJA which had the greatest antipasta plates I have enjoyed
Highly recommend this town for two night stay.
Mike DC
Posted by
22 posts
We are just returning from a trip to Italy and also spent 4 days in Florence. We chose to stay in the city and did not need to rent a car. We rented an apartment with a view of the Duomo. We kept our windows open se we could here the bells ringing. It was MAGICAL! We took a wonderful tour with Fun in Tuscany. They offer several variations of tours in the area. We road ATVs in the olive groves. We then went to a winery for a tasting expereince. It was DEFINETLY a trip highlight!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Probably you have now solved this question, since posing it two weeks ago. Either a small town or an agritourismo can give you a sense of the countryside, the culture, wine and food, and either one could have great views, etc. At an agritourismo, you can usually park pretty close to your accommodations, instead of in a parking lot outside of an old town or hill town.