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Tuscany - backdoor gems?

We will be in Florence with friends, then off to Lucca by train for 2 nights the end of March. We pick up rental car on a Monday, 11am, which we return to Chiusi Friday at 11:00. We’ve seen all the RS mentioned Hill towns and driven through Chaianti region on previous visits to the region, except for Civita Bagnoregio, which is the only thing on the agenda as of now.

First question, favorite place in Lucca to stay (<€85/night)?

We have 4 days, 4 nights between Lucca and dropping the car off. Thinking about driving down the coast to Orbatello, then east? And/Or maybe some wine tasting? What are you favorite undiscovered gems? Any special places to stay (<€85 a night)?

We’ll wing it as we go, but good to have a plan with various options.

Posted by
11833 posts

Undiscovered is one thing, seldom visited by North Americans another. We liked Porto Santo Stefano, not far from Orbatello. You can take a ferry out to Isola del Giglio, low key, lovely beaches, nice hike to a castello.

Posted by
11833 posts

Can’t help with the lodging budget. It seems awfully low but check out Booking.com using your budget and see what they have.

Posted by
257 posts

I have stayed twice at la violette with elizabeth, which is a Rick recommendation within the walls. Small quiet and affordable and Elizabeth is very nice.

Posted by
2147 posts

We’v Stayed at Villa San Georgio in Poggibonsi twice. Set high on a hill, it has great views and decent rooms. The price varies according to how booked they. Are, but we’ve gotten rooms for around €80 a night. We also love the Restorante di Lamole in the tiny village of Lamole in the Chianti region. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Not cheap, but excellent food.

Posted by
5298 posts

Karen,

Have you considered going to Umbria?

I visited Orvieto, Assisi, Spello, Spoleto, Montefalco, Bevagna and Trevi, and wished I’d had more time to explore that beautiful region of Italy.

I didn’t make it to Perugia, Gubbio, and Durata, but hope to get there next time.

Have a wonderful trip!