As the subject line suggests, we're planning on Tuscany next Fall and hope to stay in one place and use it as a base for daytrips throughout the region. We thought Sienna might be a good location but are completely open to suggestions. We've experienced Florence several times so our focus will be exploring the region rather than Florence. Our plan is to fly into Rome and spend 3 or 4 days roaming Rome and the Borghese/Vatican/churches/wine and food, then get our rental car to go to our central Tuscan location.
Thank you in advance for all your help.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11834 posts
Siena is fine as long as you can find parking that is convenient to your lodging. That can be a tall order in Siena. One thing I did not like about Siena is that the center is noisy. Lots of conversations bouncing off the walls, the clicking of heels nd roller bags, some traffic of course. It lacks a lot of green space to deafen the roar in the center.
Maybe a slightly smaller town like Montalcino, Pienza, or Montepulciano (maybe also suffers from noise?) where there are car parks within easy walking distance of the center so you don’t have to scheme too far. We have enjoyed time in Montalcino immensely. Nice size, charming, quiet at night.
Or you could choose an agriturismo but then you’d have to get in the car for everything. That could get tiring over a month’s time.
Posted by
Elmwood, IL, USA
368 posts
Take a look at Italyperfect.com. They have rentals in Tuscany. I have used this company in Paris for apartments many times.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16198 posts
Fall can be raining. I’d choose Siena. It’s big enough to offer stuff to do on a rainy day.
Since Siena has a large ZTL, it is important to choose your accommodations carefully. Close enough to the center that you can walk to it, yet with car access and parking on the premises or nearby.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1841 posts
I just spent 5 days in Pienza and loved it! It’s large enough to have nice restaurants, etc., and located for easy day trips to many places in southern Tuscany. But small enough to feel comfortable quickly. There are tourists but it’s not a mob scene like Siena. We did do a day trip to Siena and, while I’ve loved it in the past, it was my least favorite place we visited because of the crowds.
You might want to check it out.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
With a whole month, I'd pick 3 locations. South Radicofani, central, my favorite http://www.borgorapale.it. Good location for Tuscany and Umbria. North, Volterra or Modena. This would cut down on your driving considerably.