We are looking to stay in one of these ares for 7 days during our 3 weeks in Italy. We want the most picturesque area, and we will do day trips from a base. can anyone comment on which is the better choice to experience THE Tuscan beauty?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
There's lots more to do in Siena and it's a much better transportation hub than Montalcino, which is tiny, tiny, tiny. Tuscany is so beautiful that it's impossible to say which is "the most picturesque area". You'll love it.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
There are trade-offs. With a car, Montalcino would be a nice base. I stayed there for 3 days last May and really enjoyed it. It's much smaller than Siena and is a good base for central and southern Tuscany. The area is definitely picturesque. There are just enough good restaurant for a week if you don't mind repeats, and of course there's plenty of great wine to be sampled. Siena is more central for northern Tuscany and offers more to do. The city and immediately surrounding area are more developed than Montalcino, but you can be in picturesque countryside without too long a drive. It's the much better choice if relying on public transportation for your day trips. For a more laid back stay and a focus on towns south of Siena, stay in Montalcino. For more evening options and a focus on towns around and north of Siena, stay in Siena. Send me a PM if you have any specific questions.
Posted by
Wichita
831 posts
Lynn, Is this what you are looking for http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=val+d'orcia&FORM=BIFD# Then consider Montalcino see http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm
Posted by
Wiesbaden, Germany
791 posts
Brunello di Montalcino is the best wine in the world. Just throwing that out there...