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Best place to stay in Tuscany

Posted by on

Hi all, first post ever on any forum.

We are traveling to Florence for my daughter’s college graduation in June. After a few day’s in Florence and after graduation day, we are heading south for four days before traveling to Cinque Terra.

I am torn between Staying near Volterra or Montepulciano. We have air BNBs picked out in both vicinities. We wanted to visit Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Pienza and Montepulciano. I am thinking Volterra is more logical for next stop to Cinque Terra. But the beautiful rolling hills of Southern Tuscany have me thinking twice.

Would love any advice I can get.

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
1688 posts

It's all good but I found the Val d'Orcia particularly attractive. I've stayed in Montepulciano twice but adore the smaller Pienza (I was unable to find a suitable apartment there for my second trip). Either are good for a fairly quick drive to Siena. San Quirico, Montalcino, Cetona , Cortona are all close by. Very few visit Lucignano or Loro Ciuffenna. The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is well worth it for a visit and lunch.

Siena itself is actually nicely located for what you want to see but too big as a base for my liking, unless you are willing to stay in the countryside

Don't be tempted to drive on the highways, stick to the scenic sideroads. You might get lost but that's half the fun (both times I had no GPS). Do San Gimignano as a day trip by bus from Florence, catch Volterra on the way to CT.

Wherever you decide to stay, double check on ease of parking. One of the places I stayed in is no longer available, the other one belongs to these lovely people: https://www.fontecastello.it/ About a 15 minute walk to the town walls, all downhill on the way back.

Posted by
8359 posts

We stayed on an agriturismo between Certaldo, San Gimignano and Poggibonsi--5 miles off the motorway south of Florence. It was about a 45 minute drive from Florence. Virtually every farm in the region has apartments and rooms as a secondary source of income since they're small in acreage. It's a great area to be in--handy to Siena.
We did take the drive down to Volterra and loved the city even if it was a little off the beaten path.

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