We are going to be in Tuscany with a car from Oct 2-10, and wonder if we should use one city as a "base" and explore by car from there, or go from place to place finding rooms as we go. Any suggestions? Also, any suggestions about where (city or hotel/villa) to stay?
Posted by
washington, dc, usa
8 posts
we'll be there during that week and are in the same situation. For now, we've decided to make our mind up once we're there, with Rick's book and maybe another on Tuscany, here's hoping we can find places to spend the nights!
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO, USA
8 posts
I also think this is the best way to travel, and I usually do so without a problem. But, I keep reading that Italy in October is packed, and I can't quite figure out why. I thought summer was supposed to be "high" season. Getting a little worried about finding places with vacancies.
Good luck to you as well!
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
September-October is high season for all the areas but the coastal resort towns. I would book at least your first night, if not more.
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
If you want a fabulous home base try Locanda Rosati. http://www.locandarosati.orvieto.tr.it/uk/
They will spoil you rotten.
Posted by
Ottawa
235 posts
We stayed here last Oct and toured Tuscany from there.
http://www.la-tartaruga.com/bed-and-breakfast/tuscany/welcome.htm
Sylvie is a terrific hostess, delicious breakfasts, beautiful rooms and great prices. From there we did day trips to Pisa, Lucca, Sienna and Volterra and would have done more but we ran out of time. They are about not far from Florence.
If you book say hello from Mary and Steve
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
3 posts
This is a place we are going to http://fattoriadivibio.com/farm-holiday-umbria.php
it is near Orvieto and they have cooking classes and a spa. I am getting a chocolate hot stone massage for research and development for my business!
Posted by
Fayetteville, AR
34 posts
Stay in Pienza near Montepulciano best place to reach all of Tuscany as well as less toursity Umbria which is beautiful. Stay at this agriturismo, Nilla, the warm and loving Mother will make you the biggest and best meals you have ever had in your life, beautiful accomodations at an unbelievable price, and memories that will last a lifetime. We had dinner with them that started at 8 p.m. and ended at 2 a.m. laughter and conversation that could only be experienced in Tuscany and they could not even speak English! It literally hurt to say goodbye to them after only 3 days! http://www.casalprato.com/
Posted by
Tulsa, OK, USA
126 posts
Hi Katie-
I book in advance for most nights for the following reasons: I don't want to waste any of my time in Europe looking for a place to stay, I don't want to worry about finding a place, and I don't want any financial surprises. I find that you pay about the same price for a great place, as a not so great place, and the same with meals. I much prefer recommendations, and for that reason find the graffit wall invaluable when planning our trips. We visited Tuscany the third week in September, and I didn't feel like it was particularly crowded. Pienza gets a lot of press, and it is tidy little town, and not to be missed, but we found Montepulciano, next door to be equally enjoyable and a little bigger. Try La Falconara just a mile or so outside of Montepulciano. Alex Palenzona, the owner will spend tons of time with you in helping you plan day trips. He lived in the US for 15 years, so English is no problem. He has a beautiful view from his agriturismo. www.lafalconara.com