We are visiting Italy next spring with another couple and are looking to rent an apartment for 3 nights and spending 4 days exploring the cities of Tuscany. Where would be a nice place to stay but easily accessible? And what should we definitely visit? Looking for a beautiful view of course!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16133 posts
Will you have a car?
If yes, choose a countryside or small town location near Siena.
If you don't intend to rent a car then you should stay in Florence.
Posted by
8 posts
Make Siena your base.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Three nights means only two full days, plus arrival and departure days.
Posted by
Chicago
8599 posts
Try to get another night or two as two days is really not enough to get much done in exploring this very rich area.. Apartment rentals tend to run Sat-Sat. If you can do it, get a hotel or apartment that has parking in a hill town south of Siena. That way you have easy access to drive around the area but have also easy access evenings to restaurants. You cannot drink and drive in Italy at all -- so being in a town has its advantages. If you are not going to have a car then base in Florence and take tours from Florence and you can visit Lucca, Pisa, Arrezo and Siena easily by bus or train from Florence. You could do a guided tour for difficult to reach spots and do the ones listed above on your own.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Either of these are within an hour of most hill towns.
Borgo Rapale.it
Apt Pietro.
Located SE of Florence. And NW of Orvieto.
Car is necessary.
Agriturismo Collelugna.com
Apt Pantera.
SW of Florence by Siena.
Some towns may be reached by bus, but you're at the mercy of their schedule. Car recommend.
Posted by
186 posts
I agree with Janet. If there is any possible way, try to stay a week. If you can, you will open yourself up to many more possibilities for lodging. We love staying at an agriturismo. Use it as your base and take day trips from there. I think the area around Siena would be best. If you want a rural setting with lots of interesting hills towns, try south of Siena around Montepuciano or Montalcino. You should definately rent a car in my opinion!
Posted by
Minneapolis
23 posts
We stayed 10 years ago in Tavernella Val di Pesa in Tuscany which is half way between Siena and Florence. It was an easy bus ride into Florence and easy to drive to all of the hill towns. We stayed on the very outskirts of Tavernella and were able to walk into the village for dinner. They have a grocery store, weekly market in the square. I highly recommend this location.