home base for one week in tuscany, umbria

If you like a larger town, you could base yourself in Siena. Lots to see and do and restaurants. I prefer smaller towns and in the countryside and enjoyed staying at a B&B on the outskirts of Pienza and Castelnuovo Berardenga. Lots of hiking/walking in the area surrounding Pienza. It's an easy drive to Siena from Castelnuovo Berardenga. To really explore the area, I feel a car is needed.

A car would be very beneficial. Personally I wouldn't go to that area without one. With a car I would find a nice agritursmo to stay in. Look at a map and think about what towns you want to see. Look for a place to stay located in the middle. Then you can go a different direction each day for sightseeing.

I have visited that area many times without a car. With a car you will have more spontaneity (but beware of ZTLs), without one you will need to be more aware of schedule options.

If you could give us an idea of the towns you wish to visit, we could help you better with a base

thanks all
we have never been to Tuscany but think that we want to see Montipulciano, Siena, Volterra, and are open to suggestions. There is no substitute for local knowledge. We will visit Florence seperately. We are interested in spending time in the countryside on bikes or foot and of course seeing as much historical sites as possible. A wine tour would not hurt.
thanks again for all your help
rwc

I really like Montalcino, reachable by bus from Florence.

If you stay at an agritourismo or other property that has free parking, then you won't have to worry about the pay parking lots, which can be expensive, and/or only take coins for payment (Montalcino).

It depends how you want to organize yourself.
Driving a car in Florence or Sienna might be difficult because roads are narrow compared to what I have seen in American cities.
Also parking in cities might be costly.
However, if you wish to visit the Maremma, for instance, you will find a car is very nice to have. Should you decide not to take your car, Florence is best as train and car connections are best compared to Sienna. Villages are petty but sometimes you may find yourself lonesome.