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Planning 10 days in Tuscany with a home base

I’m indecisive about whether to book a tour or be independent for a 10-12 day trip for just my husband and I. I’m the more adventurous one. My idea is to stay in one central location that has a kitchen so we can explore Florence and neighboring towns (Siena, San Gimignano, etc). Pros are that I’m semi fluent in Italian and have been to Italy before. Concerns are getting lost (seriously) and keeping the whole trip at a moderate cost. I welcome any suggestions!

Posted by
906 posts

Your idea is best. Take on the adventure and see the real Italy. Visit places that aren't big on the way to the ones you mentioned.

Posted by
11247 posts

I think you can always come out better on budget with independent travel. Getting an apartment wand cooking some meals saves us a considerable amount even if we eat out half of our lunches and dinners, and staying in one place is also budget friendly. Staying a week or more, I usually can get a better rate than is posted as the per night rate. By staying in one location you get a familiarity that is helpful and if you have the language, you can ask for help.

Posted by
7 posts

This Oct my wife & I stayed at Malafrasca, an Agrotourismo just outside Siena. Loved it!! Plain, w\kitchen, huge br, patio! w\table & chairs, quiet, free parking. 70 Euros\night. Drove to many small towns, really cannot get lost. (ok, in Siena, maybe.) Loved Cortona, Montalcino, Orvieto, and salami, bulk wines, and the Gypsy Cafe. Enjoy.

Posted by
124 posts

I also vote for you to go independently! Make sure you have GPS on your phone or in your car, and you'll be fine.

My husband and I stayed at this airbnb a few years ago: Agriturismo Felciano It was large, lovely and had a nice kitchen. No pool however, if you are looking at that.

At the same trip, my SIL and her husband stayed in this agriturismo: Panzanello
Also very nice, with pool

Both were located in the town of Panzano in Chianti which is central to many of the places you mention.

Enjoy your trip!

DD

Posted by
104 posts

Definitely get a car and explore. I got lost many times .... and made some of my most wonderful discoveries when I was hopelessly lost. I was by myself so no navigation assistance. Definitely make sure you have a GPS map system. And buy the Michelin map book of Italia. They sell them at all of the servicio stations or you can order from Amazon. It makes a big difference to know which village comes next. Mine is tattered and worn with highlights on some of the tiny unpaved roads to wineries and other destinations. And don't be afraid to check out the big castle up on a hill .... if there is no "Privato" sign on the road, then it is not restricted. I discovered a stunning monestary that produces olive oil and a fantastic red wine by following a narrow dirt road up to the top of the hill. And if you get turned around in the wine area, don't be afraid to knock on a door and ask for directions using your map book. Met the owner of a fantastic winery when I knocked on their door!

You will see an entirely different Italia if you have a car and strike out on your own. Use the RS guide book for some recommendations and directions but don't be afraid to just wing it.

I'm about to return to Italia. Permanently. My Happy Place!

Catherine

Posted by
475 posts

We did exactly what you are considering (with only a little "traveler's Italian"), staying at an agriturismo near Florence for nine nights. One consideration--at what time of the year do you plan to travel? We went in late July; on our Florence days we wished we had a room in the city we could go back to for an air-condiitoned break! (Our substitute--gelato!) Otherwise, it suited us perfectly. We enjoyed staying in one location and had daily opportunities to interact with our hosts--who provided invaluable advice regarding driving routes, off-the-beaten-path stops, and local markets and restaurants. As mentioned, we got a better rate since we stayed for longer than a week. Rent a car, make sure you have a detailed map and/or GPS, and enjoy the adventure! (Yes, we did get lost...but now have an interesting story to tell!)

Posted by
2097 posts

Linda,

Your plan sounds great! Don’t worry about getting lost, you’ll be fine. As mentioned, getting lost can be a lot of fun!

We didn’t have a kitchen, but we shopped at the local COOP for salami, fruit and cheese for our picnic lunches. Our Italian is pitiful. We considered it a small triumph when we did an entire shopping trip without speaking a word of English!

Posted by
1825 posts

I might get bored in the evenings after a week in the same place since I avoid driving after dark while in Europe. Staying right outside the walls to Siena (so we could park at our hotel) allowed us to day trip and still have lots to do after dark. On a 10 day trip I'm not doing any cooking when the food in Italy is so good.

Posted by
83 posts

Italy is best seen by car and getting lost is part of the fun! You never know what you will discover in the process. If your rental doesn't have GPS, just install google maps on your phone and you are good to go. As long as you know where you are staying, you can get back there!

A few years back, we decided to just get lost on purpose to see what could be found. We came across an old farmhouse with a sign saying they were selling olive oil. We said why not and drove up the drive. We were met by two older gentlemen who reminded us of the Muppet characters in the balcony. They lit up when they saw us and insisted on having an olive oil tasting. One disappeared into the kitchen and we can hear pot and pans clanging. A few minutes later, he appeared with a feast of dishes made with his olive oil for us to try.

We would have never had this experience if we didn't get lost. And yes, we did but their olive oil!

Have fun!