We are traveling in Italy from September 18 to October 14, 2015. We have nine nights in the middle scheduled for Tuscany (after two nights in Florence and afterwards we will spend 8 nights in Rome). Where would you spend the nights in Tuscany with a car?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16243 posts
The best location for day trips to the most famous Tuscan towns is along the freeway corridor between Florence and Siena. That area is called Alta Val D'Elsa (Upper Elsa Valley) and is roughly between Colle Val D'Elsa and Barberino Val D'Elsa (which are two exits along the Siena - Florence freeway. You can locate Colle Val D'Elsa on Google Maps to give you a rough idea. You don't have to stay exactly in Colle Val D'Elsa, but in that general area it would be logistically good because it's central and the freeway is easily accessible.
From Colle Val D'Elsa you can drive to virtually any Tuscan town ever mentioned in any of Rick Steves' books or videos within one hour. You can actually visit even parts of Umbria (Perugia, Assisi) in less than 90 min drive.
Siena, Volterra, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Certaldo, Castellina in Chianti are all within 20-30 min drive from Colle V.E. There is no other location that is so centrally located.
In terms of accommodations, there are several hotels in the area, many in old country villas, others in town, or your can stay at an Agriturismo (ancient farmhouse converted into vacation rental). If you have a car avoid the historical center of Siena (pedestrian area closed to traffic) and also the historical centers of smaller towns, many of which have imposed traffic restrictions in their historical core. When making reservations for your accommodations, confirm they have parking either in the premises or nearby. Parking will not be a problem in contryside hotels, farmhouses, villas, etc. but might be an issue inside a town center, especially Siena.
Posted by
San Carlos, CA, USA
393 posts
Hi Dave and Mary,
Roberto, of course, has given you great advice. I have stayed in the town of Colle Val d'Elsa twice; once in the lower, newer town--Colle Basso--and once in the upper, older--Colle Alta. I recommend staying in the lower town as it is easier to access highways, and also there is very little parking allowed in the upper town. This was fifteen years ago now but we stayed in a B & B called La Piccola Pieve. It now has different owners but looks to still be the lovely quiet B & B that it was when we were there. The breakfast was probably one of the best we've ever had, with lots of homemade foods. Of course there are MANY lovely hotels and B & Bs to choose from in this area. Colle is a town known for its crystal; there are many little shops selling it. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
Check out Villa Arnilu in San Gimignano. Nice location for a couple of nights and maybe even all of the nights.