My husband and I are planning a Tuscan holiday for May next year. We were originally thinking of late April/early May but I'm a little worried about the weather, so we are looking at pushing it out to late May - unless any comments sway us otherwise! (we live in South Africa so like warmth, although hot is not needed!)
This trip for us is about countryside scenery, exploring, walking, food and wine. We've earmarked some destinations, but there are others we like - but of course we can't do everything without rushing (which I definitely don't want to do)! I'd love some input from those with experience of the destination!
Our thoughts are:
Fly into Florence and spend 2 or 3 nights there. Pickup a car and head to Chianti, maybe stay at Locande de Piazze, where we would spend 3 nights. Then head to Montepulciano / Val DÓrcia / Pienza and spend 3/4 nights. We love the look of Borgo San Vincenzo, if I can convince my husband that the price is worth it! Then back to Florence for the flight out.
But then we also saw the Maremma, and thought it looked lovely! We found a charming hotel called Locanda Rossa. Is it worth substituting one of the areas earmarked for this rather? There is a possibility of flying out of Rome if we need to.
Does anyone have any other area or hotel recommendations? We like lovely boutique hotels with a bit of charm but still stylish.
For reference, this is my 2nd trip to Italy, first was Rome, Siena and Elba, and my husband has been to the various Lakes a few times.