I wondered if people on the message board would mind suggesting a few towns/areas that would be a good home base for day trips to other places of interest. We'd like to stay in a town or countryside that may be no more than a 45 minute trip into Florence (we will be renting a car). We'd also like to see Sienna, Pisa, Lucca possibly, as well as other smaller towns along the way. If you could suggest a few possible areas to concentrate our lodging search, I'd really appreciate it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

Below are some our favorite towns from our recent trip in Sept.

Colle Val D'Elsa
Volterra
Pienza
Monticchiello (sp?)

The last two may be too far for you.

There are many more great towns that would put you within 45 minutes of Florence and Siena. We have never been to the Chianti area (next trip), but I'm sure others can recommend towns in that area as well.
Tom

How long are you planning to be in Tuscany? If you can,it would be good to select a couple of locations in Tuscany so that you can enjoy various areas. There are so many neat villages and larger towns to visit but not all from the same location. I would suggest basing in the Montepulciano or Pienza area for a while and then maybe the Chianti area for a few days or even closer to or in Umbria. So--it important to know the length of your stay before making recommendations.

You might consider staying near San Gimignano which would be convenient to Chianti, Firenze, Lucca & Pisa. Check this web site for reviews of properties offered by an agency located in Colle Val d'Elsa, La Bella Toscana. This agency offers many properties in the San Gimignano area at reasonable prices.

Good luck.

I would try for the Chianti region in between Florence and Siena - a good location for a first visit to Italy. Or around San Gimignano - just at the western edge of Chianti.
So look for places near Siena, Castelina, Panzano, Greve, Strada, Florence, San Gimignano, Colle di Val d'Elsa, San Donato, San Casciano (the one near Florence), Montispertoli, Florence.

For San Gimignano area, check out www.labellatoscana.net This agency is one of Our Special Picks - good places, good prices.

Martin at www.villasitalia.com has many listings in the Chianti region.

In Chianti, have a look at the estate Colle Lungo. We have a good review and two other good reviews to be posted very soon (with photos). www.collelungo.com

Another estate that is close to Florence is from Suzanne Cohen. Here is the review: http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/reviews/rev_028.htm

And another estate near Florence: http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/reviews/rev_018.htm

Another estate in Chianti: http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/reviews/rev_047.htm

I would have a look at this apartment on a farm in a good location: www.chianticashmere.com http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/reviews/rev_061.htm

If you can spend 1 week near Florence and another week south of Siena (also a great area - near Pienza and Montepulciano), check out this estate which we just received (but have not posted) a great review (and you can rent for less than a week): www.santantonio.it

That should get you started.

Hi:

I agree with Pauline re: her list of areas that would be good for you -- either in the Chianti region or near San Gimignano. (Sorry, Tom -- I think that Volterra is too remote, especially for a first-timer. Not that it's not beautiful -- but it's a bit out of the loop.)

Pauline went on to list a number of estates that might be possible for you. My questions: how many in your party? Do you want to be in an apartment on an estate in a larger structure with other people likewise staying in apartments or do you prefer to be off in your "own house" without others around? Answering this question will help you begin to narrow down your search as well.

David

Pauline, Colle Lungo will also take reservations for less than a week--which may be good for people to know when they want to divide time.

I want to thank everyone who has responded for their input and suggestions. I am taking many notes and will synthesize everything to hopefully make a good decision. An apartment on an estate would probably work fine. I'm trying to balance location, cost, and ambience. We'll do the big city experience too but we're more interested in the Italian countryside. Thanks again!

Don't forget to check out a few planning resources on this web site:

Guide books: http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/book/guide_books.htm

Books about Italy: http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/book/memoirs.htm

Where to stay in Tuscany (but this section needs work): http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/faq/tuscany.htm

Have fun planning! Keep us posted as you make your short list and if you have specific questions about towns or places.

Given what you want to do and your wanting to live in the country side, I would really recommend Colle Lungo. It is between Sienna and Florence and both are a very easy drive on either the autostrada or side roads if you want ambience. We drove to Pisa from there as well as many of the other places people mention. It is well situated for striking out in a variety of directions in the Chianti area and other villages in that section of Tuscany. I have a review of Colle Lungo on this board or if you have more questions, feel free to e-mail me directly. Don't you love the planning?

Read about Jane's trip, including her review of Colle Lungo, in her trip report:
http://www.slowtrav.com/trip_reports/2001_fall_jane.htm

Her review, and Jean's good review, will be posted in the Reviews section very, very soon!! I promise!!