which would you choose for a 5-night base in Tuscany, and why?
and, more specifically:
Hotel Palazzo del Capitano vs. La Locanda di San Francesco vs. Politian Apartments
thanks.
Posted by
New Orleans
1225 posts
I can only speak to the Montepulciano aspect. I have twice stayed at the lovely, well-located Politian apartments, and experienced that to be a great location for doing day trips in the region. From there, I have day tripped to Pienza, Montalcino, Monteriggioni, an abbey (name?), Siena, and more. I have found that the online photos and descriptions of the specific Politician apartments are accurate and helpful. The friendly English-speaking owners will give you a placard to put in your car window that will allow you to park (free) right in front of the apartments. Be sure to follow their directions EXACTLY when driving in to Montepulciano (do NOT follow your GPS). If you are NOT driving a car, I do not recommend Politician apartments, as they are at the "top" of town, at the far end of town from the bus station, which is at the "bottom" of town. There are also some good restaurants in Montepulciano, and it is a lovely town in which to stroll in the evening, after you return from your day tripping adventures. Be aware that the apartments are not air conditioned, however the many windows and breezes, and fans that the owners provided were sufficient to keep two of us (in two different rooms) quite comfortable, even in August.
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
San Quirico is really small, like tiny village small.
We stayed in Pienza a very close by town which is larger than San Quirico but still very small.
For 5 nights, Montepulciano would offer far more things to do and places to explore.
If just staying 2 nights and wanted to see the scenery surrounding the town a stay in San Quirico makes a ton of sense ; though think I still think Pienza would be preferred by most.
The best scenery in the area is the small stretch between Pienza and San Quirico so that is the main benefit to staying there vs. staying in Montepulciano.
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
Depends if the things you want to visit are more east or west. There's only 35 minutes difference by car between one and the other(by the most beautiful road, the SP146)
Both places and surroundings are amazing.
If you plan to visit more west with Siena, Volterra, San Gimignano, etc, I'd choose San Quirico.
If it's more Perugia, Cortona, etc, I'd do Montepulciano.
But there's no wrong here. This is the most beautiful section of Tuscany in my personal opinion.